Adekunle Gold, a Nigerian singer, revealed that genetic compatibility played a significant role in his marriage to Simi.

During a visit on the One54 Africa Podcast, the singer discussed sickle cell illness and the need for increased knowledge about genotype compatibility.

Before deciding to get married and start a family, couples should be aware of their genotypes, according to Adekunle Gold.

He emphasised in particular the possible consequences for offspring when partners have genotypes that are incompatible.

“There is so much awareness that needs to be done. If you have sickle cells forget about love, you cant do it because it makes no sense. You are about to bring a child into the world and they are about to be sickly, it’s makes no sense.”

Speaking on his own marriage, the singer claimed that early on in their union, he and Simi determined their genetic status.

He claims that they found that Simi is AA and that their genotypes were compatible.

He went on to say that if she had an SS genotype, he would not have married her.

“I wouldn’t have married my wife if she was SS. When we met the first thing we did was know our genotype and we match. So she is AA”

His comments have reignited the conversation around sickle cell awareness, genotype testing, and the potential contribution of genetic compatibility to family planning.