Dare Olowookere, a long-time member of the band of Nigerian popular Busola Oke, has opened up about the singer’s prolonged financial struggles, describing years of silent suffering that allegedly pushed her to the brink of suicide.
Olowookere, who identified himself as a backup singer and assistant captain in Oke’s band, said he has worked with the artist for over two decades. Speaking about recent reports that the singer contemplated suicide, Olowookere said he was initially shocked by the news.
He said, “When she came online, I didn’t take it seriously at first,” he said. “But the next day, I was overwhelmed with calls and messages that Busola Oke wanted to commit suicide.”
According to him, Oke had been quietly battling financial hardship since 2020, enduring homelessness and food insecurity without publicly complaining, saying, “She doesn’t complain. In an interview, I heard, she said she was homeless and didn’t have food to eat. She has been enduring this situation for a long time.”
He explained that members of the band occasionally contributed money to support her whenever they realised she was struggling financially.
Despite her situation, he described the singer as generous to a fault, adding, “She is very nice, a mother indeed. If she has money, she will spend it on others. She can even give out her car.”
Olowookere recounted a particularly difficult moment in 2020 when Oke lost her car in a fire incident at her studio in Omole, an area of Lagos reportedly near the residence of Fuji star Pasuma, explaining, “We were in the studio working when someone rushed in to tell us her car was burning. That was how she lost her car in 2020.”
He also revealed that Oke often struggled to ask for help, even when offered. On one occasion, he said, she called someone who asked what she needed, but she could not bring herself to make a request.
Olowokere stated, “She is very shy when it comes to asking for favors. Even when she needs help, she finds it hard to say it.”
Olowookere further disclosed that for the past three years, performances have not been financially rewarding for the band. He said there were times they would go up to five days without earning any income from shows.
He asked, “How do we survive as family men?” highlighting the ripple effects of the hardship on band members and their families.
He also alleged that Oke had been betrayed by several individuals, including both associates and religious figures, though he did not provide specific details.
The revelations have sparked concern among fans and colleagues in the music industry, with many calling for support and intervention to assist the embattled singer.
