Nigerian Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has urged people living with sickle cell disease to consider genotype compatibility when choosing partners, arguing that romantic feelings should not outweigh the potential health risks to their future children.
Gold, who lives with sickle cell disease, made the remarks during a recent episode of the One54 Podcast, where he spoke about the importance of genotype testing before couples make decisions about marriage and starting families.
The singer advised people with sickle cell to put their future children’s wellbeing ahead of romantic feelings when considering relationships with partners whose genotypes could create health risks.
“There’s so much awareness that needs to be done, you know. Tell people that if you have sickle cell, forget love; you can’t do it. It makes no sense, because you’re about to bring a child to the world and the child is about to be sickly. What’s the point?” Gold said.
Adekunle Gold on Simi’s genotype
Gold revealed that checking his then-partner Simi’s genotype was one of the first things he considered when they met.
According to the singer, learning that Simi had an AA genotype influenced his decision to continue with the relationship and eventually marry her.
“There’s no way I would have done that. When I 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 stated.
Gold further said he would not have proceeded with the marriage if Simi had the SS genotype, arguing that the possibility of having a child with sickle cell disease would have taken precedence over his feelings.
“I wouldn’t have married my wife if she were SS. Forget love. I don’t think it makes sense to bring a child into this world and they would be sickly,” he added.
Gold calls for greater genotype awareness
The singer’s comments have highlighted his personal approach to relationships, marriage and family planning, with genotype compatibility playing a significant role in his decision to marry Simi.
Gold also used his experience to emphasise the importance of genotype testing for couples who are considering marriage and having children.
Adekunle Gold and Simi got married in January 2019 and have two children together.