Veteran Nigerian reggae star Daddy Fresh has become the focus of an industry-wide appeal after actor and filmmaker Kunle Afod publicly called for urgent financial and medical support to save the musician’s life.
The once-vibrant performer, known for pioneering hits such as Elerugbe Erue and shaping the Galala sound of the 1990s, is currently battling severe health complications. In disturbing videos shared online, Daddy Fresh revealed that he has been bedridden for nearly two years, suffering from liver and kidney failure, neuropathy, impaired vision, and recurring hallucinations. He disclosed that his blood volume had plunged critically, leaving him too weak to stand without support.
The ailing singer also lamented deteriorating living conditions, noting that accumulated rent arrears have placed him at risk of eviction. He appealed to Nigerians, stating that the illness had consumed his savings and isolated him from the industry he once helped build.
Kunle Afod, who visited Daddy Fresh at his residence and documented the encounter, urged both fans and colleagues to rally around the iconic musician. “This is Daddy Fresh — a legend,” Afod said during the visit. “He needs immediate help. I am calling on the entertainment industry, fans, and well-meaning Nigerians to come through for him.”
Afod made a personal contribution and pledged further support, emphasizing that the reggae veteran’s condition requires collective action, not a one-time gesture.
Daddy Fresh’s situation has reignited conversations about the lack of structured welfare systems for veteran artistes in Nigeria’s entertainment sector. Industry observers say the case highlights the pressing need for long-term support frameworks — from healthcare partnerships to dedicated relief funds — to protect ageing performers who contributed significantly to the nation’s musical heritage.
As Afod’s appeal gains traction, sympathisers are expected to mobilize more resources to stabilise Daddy Fresh’s health and living situation. For many, his predicament is not merely a personal crisis but a wake-up call to rethink how the industry cares for its pioneers.
