Nigerian singer Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni, has shared a heartfelt and humorous account of her recent struggle with malaria, revealing how she pushed through illness to fulfill a performance commitment. In a candid video posted on her Instagram page on Wednesday, the “Money” crooner detailed her two-week battle with the disease, which left her weak and unable to eat. Despite her condition, Teni traveled to Ondo State to perform, emphasizing her determination and resilience.

Teni’s Malaria Struggle

In the video, Teni began by referencing her hit song “Uyo Meyo,” where she sang, “Ohun toju mi ti ri ah” (What my eyes have seen). She humorously noted that her eyes had not seen anything compared to the ordeal she faced with malaria. “Malaria! Ah, e no go better for all the mosquitoes wey dey for Ikate. I dey tell you. Oba, you need to find something to do about the mosquitoes in Ikate because malaria had me down,” she said, calling out the mosquito-infested area of Ikate in Lagos.

Teni recounted how the illness left her weak and unable to eat, joking that she almost asked her mother to wake her late father from his burial site to come to her aid. “I almost called my mum that they should turn off the AC in the burial ground of my father because it’s like he wanted to take a nap. I said, ‘Wake up, your daughter is dying!’ I was down. I was weak for two weeks. I couldn’t eat. If you people should see my neck now, I look like tolotolo. I look like a turkey,” she said, eliciting laughter from her fans.

Performing While Sick

Despite her illness, Teni revealed that she traveled to Ondo State to perform because she couldn’t refund the payment she had received. “And I went to go and perform in Ondo as I was sick oh, because who will feed me?” she quipped. She described her performance, saying, “Look at me. I was dying, oh! Look at me just dancing, singing ‘For Your Case’ because I cannot return money. Any money that enters into my account, whichever money enters inside the sugar mummy account, it does not come back outside. And they say money is the root of all evil. E no go better for evil!”

Teni’s dedication to her craft and her fans was evident as she pushed through her illness to deliver a memorable performance. Her humorous take on the situation, however, highlighted the challenges many entertainers face in balancing their health with professional commitments.

A Message on Health and Gratitude

In the caption of her post, Teni shared a reflective message, writing, “Money cannot buy you health o, na God.” This statement underscored the importance of health and well-being, reminding her followers that no amount of wealth can replace good health. Her openness about her struggle with malaria resonated with many fans, who flooded the comments section with messages of support and encouragement.

Fans React to Teni’s Candidness

Teni’s fans praised her for her honesty and resilience, with many sharing their own experiences with malaria and other illnesses. Some commended her for still showing up to perform despite her condition, while others urged her to prioritize her health in the future. Her ability to find humor in a difficult situation also endeared her to her audience, showcasing her relatable and down-to-earth personality.

The Broader Issue of Malaria in Nigeria

Teni’s experience with malaria highlights a broader public health issue in Nigeria, where the disease remains a significant challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria accounts for a substantial percentage of global malaria cases and deaths. The disease, transmitted by mosquitoes, is preventable and treatable, yet it continues to affect millions of Nigerians, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare.

Teni’s call for action against mosquitoes in Ikate reflects the need for increased efforts to combat malaria through public health initiatives, such as mosquito control programs, distribution of insecticide-treated nets, and awareness campaigns. Her humorous yet poignant remarks serve as a reminder of the importance of addressing this pervasive issue.

Teni’s Resilience and Dedication

Teni’s story is a testament to her resilience and dedication to her craft. Despite battling malaria, she fulfilled her professional obligations, demonstrating her commitment to her fans and her career. Her ability to laugh at her situation and share her experience with honesty and humor has further solidified her connection with her audience.

As Teni continues to recover, her fans have expressed their hope that she takes the time to rest and prioritize her health. Her experience serves as a reminder to everyone about the importance of self-care and the need to strike a balance between work and well-being.

Conclusion

Teni’s candid revelation about her battle with malaria and her determination to perform despite her illness has resonated deeply with her fans. Her story highlights the challenges faced by entertainers and the importance of health in the pursuit of success. As she continues to recover, Teni’s humor, honesty, and resilience remain an inspiration to many. Her message, “Money cannot buy you health o, na God,” serves as a powerful reminder of the value of health and the need to prioritize it above all else.