Nigerian singer Adekunle has advised intending couples to undergo genotype testing before marriage, stressing the need to establish compatibility before having children.
Speaking in an interview, the singer called for increased awareness about sickle cell, urging people to understand the condition and its implications before making decisions about marriage and parenthood.
Adekunle disclosed that genotype testing was among the first steps he and his wife took when they began their relationship, as they wanted to establish whether they were compatible.
“When we met,the first thing we did was to know our genotype that we match,” Adekunle said.
Explaining how the test is conducted, he described it as a straightforward medical examination that reveals an individual’s genotype.
“Yes its easy test, you do it and then they tell you she’s AA and I’m AS. So you have to do that first,” he said.
He also highlighted the need for couples to consider the potential implications of having children when their genotypes could increase the risk of sickle cell disease.
Adekunle said having sickle cell should not stop anyone from pursuing their dreams, but maintained that couples must carefully consider their options before deciding to have children.
“We tell people, if you have sickle cell, forget love, you can’t do it, it makes no sense,” he said.
He further noted that raising a child who may experience serious health challenges could place significant difficulties on a family.
“Because you’re about to bring a child into the world and about to be sickly, what is the point?” he said.
Asked how he would have reacted if his wife had sickle cell, Adekunle was categorical in his response: “There’s no way I would have done that.”