LAGOS: Nigerian music star Adekunle Gold has opened up about the role genotype played in his decision to marry his wife, fellow singer Simi, revealing that he would not have proceeded with the relationship if she had tested positive for a genotype that could increase the risk of sickle cell disease in their children.
The singer, who has publicly spoken about living with sickle cell disease, made the revelation during a recent episode of the One54 Podcast, where he discussed relationships, marriage and the importance of knowing a prospective partner’s genotype.
Adekunle Gold said checking Simi’s genotype was one of the first things he considered after they met because of his own SS status.
According to him, Simi’s AA genotype gave him the confidence to continue with the relationship and eventually build a family with her.
When me and my wife first met, the first thing I did was to know her genotype. She is AA. That was why I proceeded with the relationship, he said.
The award-winning singer was particularly emphatic about the issue, saying he would not have married Simi if she had an SS or AS genotype.
Adekunle Gold explained that, for him, love could not be separated from the responsibility of considering the potential health implications for children.
“I wouldn’t have married my wife if she were SS or AS. Forget love. I don’t think it makes sense to bring a child into this world and they would be sickly,” he said.
His comments have renewed conversations around genotype compatibility, sickle cell awareness and premarital screening, particularly among young Nigerians preparing for marriage.
Adekunle Gold has used his public platform to raise awareness about sickle cell disease since revealing that he has the SS genotype.
His advocacy has helped bring greater attention to a condition that affects many families across Nigeria and other parts of Africa.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that can cause severe pain episodes, anaemia, infections and other potentially serious complications. The risk of having a child with sickle cell disease depends on the genotypes of both biological parents.
This is why health professionals generally encourage prospective couples to know their genotype and seek appropriate counselling before marriage and pregnancy.
Adekunle Gold and Simi are among Nigeria’s most prominent celebrity couples.
The two entertainers got married in January 2019 after years of friendship and a relationship that attracted considerable public attention.
Their marriage has continued to generate interest among fans, particularly because both partners have maintained successful careers in the Nigerian music industry.
The couple have also welcomed children, combining their family life with their respective music careers.
Adekunle Gold’s latest comments provide a glimpse into the personal considerations that influenced his decision to marry Simi and underline the importance he places on genetic health awareness.
Genotype testing is widely recommended as part of premarital health screening because it can help couples understand the potential genetic risks they may face when having children.
While genotype compatibility should be discussed alongside other important considerations in a relationship, Adekunle Gold’s experience highlights why many couples choose to establish their genotype status before making long-term decisions about marriage and family planning.
His comments are also likely to fuel further public discussion about sickle cell disease, responsible parenthood and the need for greater awareness among young people.
For Adekunle Gold, however, the issue was deeply personal.
Having disclosed his own SS status, the singer said knowing that Simi was AA was an important factor that allowed him to move forward with their relationship.
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