Adekunle Gold has explained why confirming Simi’s genotype was essential before their relationship, linking the decision to his experience with sickle cell disease and concern for future children.
Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has revealed that he confirmed Simi’s genotype before pursuing a romantic relationship with her, describing compatibility as a condition he was unwilling to overlook. The musician, who has lived with sickle cell disease throughout his life, said he considered the possible health implications for their future children before their relationship began. Speaking on the One54 Africa podcast, Adekunle Gold explained that he would not have continued with the relationship if their genotypes had been incompatible.
“There’s no way I would have done that. When we met, the first thing we did, I had to know her genotype or that we match. If we did not… so she’s AA,” he said. According to the singer, checking their compatibility was not simply a personal preference but a responsibility towards any children they might have together. He said his feelings for Simi would not have changed the decision if her genotype had presented a risk to their future children.
Adekunle Gold also used the interview to call for greater public awareness of sickle cell disease and the importance of knowing one’s genotype before entering a committed relationship. “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,” he said.
“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?” The singer’s position is closely connected to his personal experience with sickle cell disease, a condition he has discussed publicly on several occasions.
Beyond speaking about his experience, Adekunle Gold operates a foundation focused on increasing awareness of the condition. His advocacy has centred on education and the choices couples make after learning their genotype status. Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that can cause severe pain episodes, organ damage and other serious health complications. The SS genotype can occur when both parents carry the sickle cell trait.
Nigeria accounts for the largest number of births involving sickle cell anaemia globally, making genotype compatibility a recurring subject in the country’s public health discussions. Health professionals and awareness organisations have continued to encourage Nigerians to undergo genotype testing early enough to make informed decisions about relationships and marriage.
Despite years of public education, children are still born with sickle cell disease, including in cases where couples decide to remain together after discovering that their genotypes are incompatible. Adekunle Gold’s disclosure about Simi presented the issue through his own experience, explaining why he sought clarity before their relationship became serious.
His comments also drew support online, with some social media users commending him for addressing a decision that couples may find difficult to discuss openly. Adekunle Gold and Simi are among Nigeria’s prominent music couples. His latest disclosure offered a glimpse into a health-related consideration that shaped their relationship before marriage.
The One54 Africa conversation extended beyond his marriage and experience with sickle cell disease. Adekunle Gold also discussed his early work as a graphic designer and his development as a musician. He spoke about working across Highlife, Fuji and Afrobeats, as well as his period with international record label Def Jam. The interview also covered his songwriting contribution to Beyoncé.