Renowned Nigerian disc jockey Oluwaforijimi Amu, popularly known as DJ Jimmy Jatt, has revealed his struggle with significant health challenges, including losing his sight in 2020 and being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease shortly afterward. The veteran DJ shared his journey during a recent interview on Channels TV’s Rubbin’ Minds, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.
Health Challenges Begin with Vision Loss
DJ Jimmy Jatt recounted how his health issues began while he was pursuing a long-time dream to explore life outside Nigeria.
“In 2019, I decided to spend more time outside Nigeria. I had lived all my life in Lagos and wanted to explore other parts of the world—Europe, America, everywhere,” he said.
However, in 2020, he began experiencing health complications. Amid travel restrictions caused by the global pandemic, his condition worsened, resulting in the loss of his sight. He underwent surgery to restore his vision, which was the first of many medical hurdles he would face.
Diagnosis and Treatment for Kidney Disease
After recovering from his eye surgery, DJ Jimmy Jatt followed through with his plans to live abroad and relocated to the United States. While there, he received a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.
“I stayed in the U.S. for a while and was on dialysis. Eventually, I returned to Nigeria and underwent a kidney transplant,” he explained.
Following the transplant, the DJ took time off to fully recover before returning abroad, where he continued performing at events across America and Europe.
“Even while abroad, I continued DJing. However, I decided it was time to return home, so I came back to Nigeria in December,” he shared.
Addressing Misconceptions About Kidney Disease
Contrary to common assumptions, DJ Jimmy Jatt emphasized that lifestyle choices are not always the cause of kidney disease.
“I’ve never smoked and had long stopped drinking alcohol,” he said. Instead, he attributed his condition to diabetes, underlining the importance of health awareness and proactive management.
A Message of Resilience and Health Awareness
DJ Jimmy Jatt’s journey underscores the unpredictability of health challenges and the importance of vigilance. His openness about his struggles aims to raise awareness about chronic conditions like diabetes and kidney disease, encouraging people to prioritize their health.
As a respected figure in the Nigerian entertainment industry, DJ Jimmy Jatt’s story is not just a testament to resilience but also a reminder of the importance of health education and management in navigating life’s uncertainties.