Singaporean Rapper Sheikh Haikel Announces Stage 4 Colon Cancer Battle

POLICY WIRE — Singapore, Singapore — Local businessman and rapper Sheikh Haikel has publicly disclosed that he is fighting stage 4 colon cancer.

The 50-year-old figure revealed in a Friday interview with CNA Lifestyle that he received the diagnosis more than a year ago.

For the past year, the family kept the illness private to avoid causing concern among their peers and the public.

Sheikh explained that he felt it was now the right time to go public because the cancer has spread aggressively to his liver.

Despite the challenges of the last year, the artist expressed a firm resolve to maintain his professional commitments and personal life.

“It has been tough but there are good days and bad days,” Sheikh said. “I believe in God’s plans and that He knows best. I will strive to be strong and keep going.”

The announcement was also shared via Instagram by Sheikh and his wife, Anna Belle Francis, who co-own the chicken rice establishment Hai Ge Ji.

In their post, the couple wrote: “If I meet you and we say hi, let me give you the FINAL APPLAUSE to say thank you.”

The phrase “FINAL APPLAUSE” serves as the title for an upcoming podcast where Sheikh intends to discuss his experiences living with the disease.

In a video message, Sheikh noted that since he has lived much of his professional and personal life in the public eye, it was only right to share this struggle.

Fighting back tears, he told viewers: “With the heaviest of hearts, I would like to say and tell everyone who is watching this that I have fourth-stage cancer – and I will be alright.”

Sheikh admitted to misleading friends who questioned his well-being and asked his wife to help maintain the secret.

“I would also like to take this chance to apologise on behalf of my wife, Anna Belle Francis, who only followed what I asked her to do,” he stated.

The father of three children—Juz, Abbra, and Triqka—said that disclosing the news has already made him feel better.

“I would like everybody to know that I am gonna give it my best shot,” he added, asserting that he is not going anywhere soon and expressing love for his family.

The news prompted a wave of support from public figures, including entrepreneur Fatimah Mohsin and celebrities Fauzie Laily and Norfasarie Mohamed Yahya.

Comedian Fakkah Fuzz offered his love and strength, noting that Sheikh has inspired others to chase their dreams.

East Coast GRC MP Hazlina Abdul Halim also offered prayers on the blessed Friday, wishing for Allah to fill his path with light and love.

On the business front, Sheikh and Francis recently moved their Hai Ge Ji restaurant from North Bridge Road to a new location on Bussorah Street.

The couple remains committed to operating the business and looks forward to welcoming friends and patrons at the new site.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)