Adekunle Gold: If you have sickle cell, forget love
By Valerian Khakayi, September 11, 2026Nigerian Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has said people living with sickle cell disease should put genotype compatibility ahead of romantic feelings, advising them to “forget love” when considering relationships that could lead to marriage and having children.
Speaking on a recent episode of the One54 Podcast, the singer, who lives with sickle cell disease, explained that his concern was about couples with incompatible genotypes having children who could develop sickle cell disease.
He argued that romantic feelings should not override the potential health risks to their children.
“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. 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?” Gold said.
Additionally, Gold explained that genotype testing is therefore an important consideration when people are pursuing relationships, particularly for couples who intend to have children.
Gold on Simi’s genotype
The singer revealed that knowing Simi’s genotype was one of the first things he considered when they met, saying the information influenced his decision to proceed with the relationship.
“There’s no way I would have done that. When I 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 stated.
Gold further explained that he would not have married Simi if she had the SS genotype, saying the possibility of having a child who could develop sickle cell disease would have outweighed his romantic feelings.
“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 added.
His comments reflect his personal approach to relationships and family planning, with genotype compatibility playing a major role in his decision to marry Simi.
Gold’s remarks also underline his call for greater awareness about genotype testing among couples before they make decisions about marriage and having children.
Adekunle Gold and Simi got married in January 2019. The couple have two children.