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Afrobeats star Adekunle Gold has sparked a fresh wave of online discussion after speaking candidly about sickle cell disease and its role in his relationship with fellow singer Simi. Speaking on the One54 Africa podcast, Adekunle Gold, who lives with the SS genotype, revealed that confirming genotype compatibility was a non-negotiable step before he committed to the relationship.
According to him, checking Simi’s genotype was the first thing he did when they met, and discovering that she is AA gave him the confidence to move forward. He stated plainly that he would not have proceeded with the marriage if her genotype had been AS or SS, explaining that his decision was rooted in wanting to protect any future children from inheriting a painful genetic condition. The couple married in January 2019 and now have two children together.
Adekunle Gold used the platform to push for wider public awareness around genotype testing, urging young Nigerians, especially those who carry the sickle cell trait, to prioritize genetic compatibility before starting a relationship or having children.
