Omanghana
Nigerian Afrobeats musician Adekunle Gold has revealed that genotype compatibility was his main priority when he first met his wife, fellow singer Simi.
Speaking during an appearance on the One54 Podcast, Adekunle Gold said checking their genotypes was among the first steps they took before committing to a relationship and eventually getting married.
The singer, who lives with sickle cell disease and has an SS genotype, explained that his childhood experiences with the condition shaped his approach to marriage and parenthood.
According to him, preventing his future children from developing sickle cell disease was a non-negotiable consideration that took priority over romantic feelings.
Adekunle Gold disclosed that Simi has an AA genotype. When a person with an SS genotype has children with an AA partner, their children are expected to have the AS genotype, meaning they carry the sickle cell trait but do not have sickle cell disease.
He stated that he would not have married Simi if she had been AS or SS because he did not want to knowingly place a child at risk of inheriting the disease.
The musician stressed that love alone should not determine decisions with serious genetic and health implications. He encouraged young people and prospective couples to undergo genotype testing early and discuss the results honestly before marriage or having children.
His comments have renewed conversations about sickle cell awareness, premarital screening and informed reproductive choices, particularly in countries such as Nigeria, where the sickle cell trait is relatively common.
Adekunle Gold has previously spoken publicly about the pain and health challenges he endured while growing up with the condition. He has used his experiences to promote greater awareness and encourage people to understand their genotypes before making long-term family decisions.
Source: Omanghana
