How I feared I had HIV after sleeping with 200 women in a year — Phenom

Nigerian rapper Phenom has recounted how he feared he had contracted HIV after sleeping with about 200 women in a year following a heartbreak.

The rapper said the experience, which continued for two consecutive years, left him constantly anxious about his health, particularly whenever he experienced minor symptoms such as sneezing.

Phenom spoke at a singles conference organised by Harvesters International Christian Centre, where he also discussed his journey to faith, celibacy and decision to abstain from sex until marriage.

He said the heartbreak triggered a period of reckless sexual behaviour during which he contracted gonorrhoea eight times in two years.

“It was one heartbreak, actually, that made me just go crazy. It happened, and it was 200 girls in a year at the time. So I did that for like two years straight,” he said.

Recalling the fear that followed his sexual encounters, Phenom said he struggled to find peace because he constantly worried about having contracted HIV.

“It was so bad, I didn’t even have peace of mind. I felt like I had HIV, mehn. If I should sneeze, I’d be like, ‘Eh, abi I don go carry something?’ In two years, I had gonorrhoea eight times,” he said.

The rapper said the repeated infections became so frequent that he could recognise the symptoms himself.

He added that his outlook on life began to change after someone advised him that achieving certain things required giving up others.

Phenom said he subsequently became closer to God and remained celibate for about 10 years before getting married.

“I got introduced to God, and I also went celibate for like 10 years before I got married,” he said.

The rapper disclosed that he got married in 2026 and did not have sex with his wife until their wedding night.

He said his transformation extended beyond his sexual life, adding that his growing relationship with God changed his outlook on life.