Nigerian rapper Ycee has revealed that he was diagnosed with a mental health condition during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020 and spent nearly three months in and out of the hospital in London.
The rapper made the revelation during an appearance on the Afropolitan Podcast, where he spoke about his absence from the music scene and the personal struggles he faced behind the scenes. He also spoke about the high cost of promoting a single now in Nigeria which can cost up to ₦200 million.
Related: Ycee Reveals Cost of Promoting a Song in Nigeria
“I was in Lagos and life was life-ing. In 2020, I got diagnosed with a mental health condition during lockdown. I was in London and I was in and out of the hospital for give or take 3 months.”
— Ycee via the Afropolitan Podcast
The statement has sparked conversations among fans, many of whom had wondered why the “Juice” hitmaker stepped away from the spotlight in recent years.
Watch the video clip below…
Why Did Ycee Disappear From the Music Scene?
Ycee’s latest comments offer one of the clearest explanations for his reduced public presence. The rapper has maintained a lower profile in recent years, leading to speculation among fans about his career and personal life.
According to Ycee, his health struggles played a major role in his absence. He spent months receiving treatment and focusing on his recovery during a period when many people around the world were dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
What Mental Health Condition Does Ycee Have?
Ycee did not disclose the specific mental health condition he was diagnosed with.
The rapper only confirmed that he received the diagnosis during the 2020 lockdown and spent several months in and out of the hospital in London. Since he did not provide additional details, any claims about the exact condition remain unverified.

Where Was Ycee During His Treatment?
According to the rapper, he was in London, United Kingdom, where he spent approximately three months receiving treatment and moving in and out of the hospital.
The revelation gives fans a better understanding of the challenges he faced during that period and why he stepped away from the public eye.
Fans React to Ycee’s Revelation
Many fans on social media praised Ycee for opening up about his mental health journey. Conversations surrounding mental health have become more common in the entertainment industry, with several artists sharing their personal struggles in recent years.
Supporters have since sent messages of encouragement to the rapper, applauding his honesty and wishing him continued healing.
Who Is Ycee?
Ycee, whose real name is Oludemilade Martin Alejo, is a Nigerian rapper and singer known for hit songs including “Juice,” “Jagaban,” “Omo Alhaji,” and “Gold.”
He became one of Nigeria’s most recognised rap stars during the mid-2010s and built a strong fan base through his blend of rap and Afrobeats.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Ycee diagnosed with a mental health condition?
Yes. Ycee confirmed that he was diagnosed with a mental health condition during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.
Did Ycee reveal the specific illness?
No. The rapper did not mention the specific condition during his interview.
Where was Ycee treated?
Ycee said he spent about three months in and out of hospitals in London, United Kingdom.
Did Ycee quit music?
No. Ycee did not announce his retirement from music. His recent comments explain why he had been away from the spotlight.
Reported by Anything Celebrity – Nigeria’s hub for entertainment gist and celebrity updates.
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