Singaporean rapper Sheikh Haikel has revealed that he has stage 4 colon cancer, sharing that he has been living with the diagnosis for more than a year.
The 50-year-old rapper and businessman disclosed the news publicly on 4 September, explaining that he and his family had initially chosen to keep his condition private.
“We didn't want to announce it to make others worry,” Haikel told CNA. “But now that the cancer has spread aggressively to my liver, I think it's appropriate for people to know.”
Haikel, alongside his wife Anna Belle Francis, also addressed the diagnosis in an Instagram video. Fighting back tears, he shared that he wanted fans to know about this chapter of his life after having spent much of his personal and professional journey in the public eye.
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“It's only fair that I share this part of my life with you,” he said.
Haikel added that he remains determined to keep going despite the challenges of the past year.
“It has been tough but there are good days and bad days,” he shared. “I believe in God's plans and that He knows best. I will strive to be strong and keep going.”
In the video, the rapper also apologised to friends whom he had previously told he was fine, explaining that he had asked Francis to keep his diagnosis private.
“I would like everybody to know that I am gonna give it my best shot, and the fact that I've shared this with everybody has made me feel better,” he said.
“Again, I ain't going nowhere anytime soon.”
Alongside the announcement, Haikel revealed FINAL APPLAUSE, an upcoming podcast where he will speak about his experience with the disease. The title was also referenced in his Instagram message to fans: “If I meet you and we say hi, let me give you the FINAL APPLAUSE to say thank you.”
Following the announcement, messages of support poured in from fans and public figures, including Fakkah Fuzz, Fauzie Laily, Norfasarie Mohamed Yahya, Fatimah Mohsin, and East Coast GRC MP Hazlina Abdul Halim.
“Sending you all the strength and love, big homie,” Fakkah wrote. “Please know that you have spread nothing but love to us and inspired us to pursue our dreams.”
Beyond music, Haikel and Francis co-own chicken rice restaurant Hai Ge Ji, which recently relocated from North Bridge Road to Bussorah Street. The couple shared that they intend to continue running the business and meeting customers and friends at its new location.
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