Grammy-Nominated Singer Nivea Reveals Leukemia Diagnosis

The singer also expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support she has received since going public with her health struggle.

Rudy Blalock

Published: 7/24/2026, 11:00:44 PM EDT

Grammy-Nominated Singer Nivea Reveals Leukemia Diagnosis — R&B artist Nivea performs on ABC Family's FRONT ROW CENTER at the Wadsworth Theatre, Los Angeles on Nov. 10, 2001. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

R&B singer Nivea Hamilton, commonly known as Nivea, has revealed that she is being treated for chronic myeloid leukemia, a diagnosis she received in early 2026 following two bone marrow biopsies.

The 44-year-old Grammy-nominated artist, known for her 2002 hit "Don't Mess With My Man," Hamilton told ABC News that despite the life-altering diagnosis, her treatment has been effective so far.

"Life for me has changed in various ways but treatment thus far is working," she said in a statement. "Taking it day by day with a positive mindset & a heart full of gratitude! I'm blessed with the ability to still do what I love—music, continue to mother my children, and learn new skills that fuel me! I am and have been very blessed in this life and won't ever take it for granted."

Hamilton also expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support she has received since going public with her health struggle.

Earlier Comments Hinted at Diagnosis

Before her statement to ABC News, Hamilton had already begun discussing her health in an interview with the series Cadillac Chronicles, where she confirmed she was undergoing treatment for leukemia.

"I've been going through treatment, and everything is going great so far, and I expect it to continue," she told the interview series.

The singer reflected on how the diagnosis reshaped her outlook on life, describing a newfound appreciation for gratitude and perspective.

"It's so cliche to say, you know, you don't know the time nor the hour, but it's true, and it just helped me put a lot of things in perspective,” she said.

Understanding the Diagnosis

Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is one of several forms of leukemia, a cancer that originates in the body's blood-forming tissues, including bone marrow, according to the Mayo Clinic. The cancer occurs when bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells that fail to function as they should.

The chronic myelogenous form of the disease mainly affects adults, and can progress with few or no symptoms for months or even years before entering a phase in which abnormal cells multiply more rapidly. This distinguishes it from acute leukemias, which involve immature blood cells that multiply quickly and require immediate, aggressive treatment.

Common symptoms across leukemia types include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, easy bruising or bleeding, and swollen lymph nodes. The exact causes remain unclear, though researchers believe a combination of genetic mutations and environmental exposures—such as certain chemicals or prior cancer treatments—can raise risk.

Hamilton first gained industry attention after being featured on Mystikal's 2001 hit "Danger (Been So Long)," which led to a deal with Jive Records, according to her IMDb. Her breakout single, "Don't Mess With My Man," featuring Brian and Brandon Casey of Jagged Edge, earned her a Grammy nomination in 2003 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.