Adekunle Gold, the Nigerian singer, says he would not have married his wife, Simi, if she had the SS blood genotype.
The singer disclosed during an interview on the One 54 podcast. He said the couple took a genotype test when they first met to determine if they were compatible.
Gold added that Simi is AA and stressed the need for greater awareness about genotype compatibility. He urged people to know their genotype before starting relationships or having children.
“There is so much awareness to be done. People need to understand that if you have sickle cell, forget about love; you can’t be with someone with sickle cell too. It makes no sense to bring a child into the world who will be sickly,” he said.
“There’s no way I would have married my wife Simi if she was sickle cell. The first thing we did when we met was a genotype test to know if we matched. If we didn’t, I wouldn’t have married her. She is AA.”
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder. It causes red blood cells to become rigid and assume a sickle or crescent shape. The condition can lead to several health complications.
Gold has openly discussed his experience with sickle cell disease. In 2022, he used his song ‘5 Star’ to raise awareness about the condition and his personal experience.
The ‘Many People’ hitmaker also continued his advocacy in the years that followed.
In July 2024, Gold reaffirmed his commitment to supporting people living with sickle cell disease. He said his mission was to help them “feel safe and supported”.
A year later, the singer introduced a free health insurance programme for 1,000 people living with sickle cell disease.
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