'I was dying...' Akothee reveals as she defends deep relationship with ex Nelly Oaks

After a heavy weekend of much dancing and merry-making, singer Akothee has shot down claims that she has reunited with her former flame, Nelly Oaks, revealing that Nelly is more than just an ex-lover; he's a family friend, a confidante, a source of happiness and a business partner.

The twosome, looking resplendent in all-black, were photographed dancing sensually at Akothee's daughter's wine lounge opening party, sparking rumors of a rekindling of old feelings.

But in an exclusive interview with Citizen Digital, Akothee tearfully narrated her chequered history with the media-shy Nelly, saying that, despite the death of their romantic affair, their relationship extended beyond fickle matters and was grounded in family, shared memories and beyond.

"It's more than that. Nelly has been there for me all my life. His family and my family are extremely close. When my father sees Nelly, he lights up, tears well his eyes. The public has their own version of what they assume happened between us. But behind closed doors, there's a lot you don't see online," Akothee said, tearing up.

As her personal assistant passed her a napkin, the flamboyant entertainer battled tears as she opened up on a dark past in her life when Nelly Oaks was more than just a friend - he was a savoir.

"He saved me from drowning in a bathtub at the Weston Hotel. I was going through a terrible time, I was deeply depressed, Nelly is the only man who stood by me. At my lowest, when I was fighting with my baby daddies, I contemplated suicide. It was the darkest period of my life. No one was there to help me pull through, except Nelly Oaks,” she narrated.

The normally-strong Akothee let down her guard, allowing herself to be vulnerable as she fought back an outburst, reminiscing of her dreary days in Europe, fighting for the rights of her children.

"Nelson has witnessed me being thrown out of Switzerland, he has witnessed me fighting two Wazungus in the middle of Europe. My relationship with Nelson surpasses a dance. It has nothing sexual," she said.

The 'Sweet Love' singer also revealed that, at a time when she was admitted at Karen Hospital, Nelly Oaks stayed in the wards, sleeping right next to her, even wearing the patient's ward uniform, to be able to spend nights in hospital too.

"He would inspect every drug that was administered to me. If it was not for Nelson, I would be six feet under," she revealed.

Akothee went on to reveal that her new husband Dennis Schwizer actually knows about Nelly Oaks and that, being an open book, she laid down every nugget of her romantic past to him before they wedded.

"My husband knows about him. When I go to a relationship, I tell you everything about me. I do not have any skeletons in my closet. I told Omosh about Nelson and although they haven't yet met physically, he said he would like to meet him for a drink," she said.