Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has revealed that genotype compatibility was a major factor in his decision to marry fellow singer Simi.
The singer, who lives with sickle cell disease, made the disclosure during a recent episode of the One54 Podcast, saying he would not have proceeded with the relationship if Simi had not been genotype AA.
Adekunle Gold explained that having healthy children was a major consideration for him, adding that the issue took precedence over romantic feelings when he was deciding whether to pursue the relationship.
“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 said.
He disclosed that determining Simi’s genotype was among the first things he sought to establish when they met.
“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 added.
Adekunle Gold and Simi got married in January 2019 and have two children.
The singer has, since publicly disclosing his SS status, used his platform to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and encourage greater understanding of genotype compatibility.
His latest comments have again drawn attention to the importance of genotype testing, particularly among couples planning marriage and children.
