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Tag: Adekunle Gold

  • Why I hid featured artists on ‘FUJI’ album – Adekunle Gold

    Why I hid featured artists on ‘FUJI’ album – Adekunle Gold

    Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has spoken about his decision to keep the featured artists on his album ‘FUJI’ a secret.

    In an interview on Cool FM, Adekunle said he wanted listeners to focus on the music rather than getting caught up in the hype surrounding the guest appearances.

    Adekunle Gold emphasised that the music itself was the priority, stating, “The only thing that mattered was music, the song, not the optics of it, not who’s on it.”

    By keeping the features under wraps, Adekunle Gold aimed to create a more immersive experience for his fans, encouraging them to enjoy the album from start to finish without distractions.

    According to him, people have become too focused on the artists featured on a track rather than appreciating the music as a whole.

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    He said: “Because I feel like I feel like we’re so spoiled now that we just don’t even understand how to enjoy music anymore.

    “When I made my first album, I had only one feature. And was it my one of my greatest work? Yes. So I’m like, you know, I need to go back to simpler times when what matters to me is the music, not okay, who’s on it? Yeah, I need you to enjoy the music.

    “Whoever voice you hear on it and all of that. Yeah, that’s fine. I’ll reveal it later to you.

    “But first, before fixating on Oh, I need to listen to this one because somebody’s on it. Yeah, enjoy the journey. Yeah, I crafted this album intentionally.

    “That’s why I said, listen to it from top to bottom. Because that’s the only way normal people should listen to music. 

    “Why would you want to skip just because there’s a feature there and then it makes no sense. I mean, because I make music and I am very intentional about how I make my music as well. So I hid the feature intentionally because I want to enjoy the music or do all the guesswork you want to do and all of that just enjoy the music. And then you can find out”. 

  • I can afford to fail as a musician but not as a father – Adekunle Gold

    I can afford to fail as a musician but not as a father – Adekunle Gold

    Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has claimed wife, Simi, and daughter, Adejare, are the heart of his world and he cannot afford to fail them.

    The ‘FUJI’ crooner, on the NotJustOk podcast, stressed that while he could handle a faltering music career, failing as a father or man is non-negotiable.

    Inspired by his desire to give Adejare a better childhood, Adekunle said he poured this resolve into songs like ‘My Love Is The Same’.

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    He said: “All I wanted to be is to do more for my own daughter because I can’t afford to bring her to the kind of life that I grow up living. It has to be way better. And that’s why I’m working hard.

    “My family is my centre. I don’t joke with my family. I can afford to be a failed musician, not a failed father or a man. That’s not negotiable for me.”

  • Collaborating with Simi seamless – Adekunle Gold

    Collaborating with Simi seamless – Adekunle Gold

    Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has described his creative partnership with his wife and colleague, Simi as seamless and collaborative.

    In a recent interview, he explained how Simi effortlessly contributes to some songs by adding to the chorus while mixing it in the studio.

    According to him, their process involves mutual input, with Simi often enhancing his tracks with backups or adjustments during mixing, even without him present.

    Similarly, he said he provides feedback on her songs, making their collaboration smooth and intuitive.

    Adekunle Gold said, “My partnership with Simi is very seamless. When I write… So, Don Corleone, when I made the song, I think she was listening to the chorus when I made it, and she just said, well, she has an idea, that she wanted to add something to it. I’m like, okay, go for it.

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    “And then she just went, go Kunle, and that was it. I’m like, oh, this is smart. And that’s it.

    “And we’re just in the studio right there, because she was mixing the song. She mixed the song at first, right? She was mixing the song and then she just added to it. Sometimes one of the benefits I enjoy is when I send my song to Simi to mix, you know, she does like some… I don’t have to be there.

    “She just does some backups, things that the song needs, and then that’s it. It’s just very easy. When she writes the songs, when she sends to me, I tell her what I think she should add to it, and that’s easy”.

    Addressing claims about Simi prioritising his career over hers, Adekunle dismissed the speculation, emphasising that both he and Simi are unaffected and content with their dynamic.

    “All of these things don’t faze me, nor my wife or anything. We’re good”, he said.

  • Adekunle Gold brings out Fuji legends Saheed Osupa, Obesere, Taye Currency at carnival 

    Adekunle Gold brings out Fuji legends Saheed Osupa, Obesere, Taye Currency at carnival 

    In true Lagos fashion, the Fuji Carnival was a celebration of heritage, rhythm, and the enduring power of Nigerian street music.

    In partnership with Mainland BlockParty, Legend Extra Stout, Nigeria’s original full-brewed stout, powered the unforgettable experience as Adekunle Gold transformed Broad Street into a pulsating hub of nostalgia and new-school energy, paying homage to the Fuji greats who inspired his latest album, Fuji.

    One of the most unforgettable highlights of the night came when AG, known for his unconventional fusion of pop, highlife, and Fuji, welcomed Fuji music legends Saheed Osupa, Taye Currency, and Obesere to the stage at different moments throughout the night. Each icon brought their signature energy and timeless hits, sending waves of excitement and emotion through the crowd.

    From Osupa’s commanding presence to Obesere’s larger-than-life showmanship and Taye Currency’s magnetic rhythm, the night was a living tribute to the sound and spirit that shaped generations of Lagosians.

    The performances struck a deep chord with fans, many of whom grew up on Fuji, uniting old and new audiences in a moment of shared cultural pride.

    As Adekunle Gold moved between his own hits, from “Pick Up” and “High” to new releases off his sixth studio album like “Bobo,” “Don Corleone,” “Attack,” and “Only God Can Save Me”, it became clear that the night was not only a concert but a bridge between eras.

    At the heart of it all was Legend Extra Stout, fuelling the carnival with its rich, bold flavour. Guests toasted with chilled cups as they soaked in the sounds of Lagos, the city that birthed Fuji and continues to define Nigerian music culture. For a brand that celebrates originality and boldness, the moment couldn’t have been more fitting: Legends honouring Legends.

    By the time the lights dimmed and the last notes echoed through Broad Street, it was clear that something iconic had happened. The Legend x Adekunle Gold Fuji was a love letter to Lagos, to culture, and to every legend whose sound continues to inspire the next generation.

  • Lagos honours Adekunle Gold, names street after him

    Lagos honours Adekunle Gold, names street after him

    Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has received a lasting honour in his hometown of Lagos, with a street named after him — “Adekunle Kosoko Street.”

    The recognition celebrates his outstanding contributions to the Nigerian music industry and his influence on the country’s cultural landscape.

    Expressing gratitude, Adekunle Gold shared, “Adekunle Kosoko Street. The city that raised me now carries my name. Thank you Lord for my many blessings.”

    This milestone follows the successful release of his latest album, “FUJI,” which has further cemented his reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most versatile and soulful voices.

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    Born Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko on January 28, 1987, the award-winning singer, songwriter, and performer has built a decade-long career defined by creativity and consistency.

    His music, known for its rich storytelling and emotional depth, often touches on themes of love, relationships, and social issues, resonating with fans across the world.

    Over the years, Adekunle Gold has collaborated with top artists, won numerous awards, and continues to be celebrated as a trailblazer in the global Afrobeats movement.

  • Adekunle Gold brings Yinka Ayefele on stage, moves fans to tears in Lagos

    Adekunle Gold brings Yinka Ayefele on stage, moves fans to tears in Lagos

    Singer Adekunle Gold stirred emotions and excitement during his Lagos album listening party when he invited gospel legend Yinka Ayefele to join him on stage.

    In a touching display of respect, Adekunle Gold prostrated before Ayefele, drawing loud cheers from the audience. 

    The moment became even more electrifying when the duo performed Ayefele’s evergreen hit, “Many People,” evoking nostalgia among fans both at the venue and online.

    As Adekunle Gold rose to his feet, he pulled Ayefele into a warm embrace, prompting another round of applause and admiration from the crowd.

    Read Also: Adekunle Gold unveils track list ahead of ‘FUJI’ album release

    Fans flooded social media with emotional reactions to the performance. 

    One wrote, “I don’t know how much it’ll cost, but I pray for long life and good health. Ayefele must play live at my wedding. So help me God!”

    Another fan gushed, “Yinka Ayefele’s star power is like Michael Jackson’s in Nigeria! His grace is unmatched. May God bless me and my family with such everlasting grace.”

    A third added humorously, “When I said Ayefele must perform at my wedding, una think I no get sense? I know what I’m saying—just look!”

  • Adekunle Gold unveils track list ahead of ‘FUJI’ album release

    Adekunle Gold unveils track list ahead of ‘FUJI’ album release

    Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has released his tracklist ahead of his highly anticipated album “FUJI” on October 3.

    The album will feature 15 carefully crafted tracks that showcase his personal journey, lessons learned, and stories of love, loss, and identity.

    In a statement on Instagram, Adekunle Gold invited listeners to experience the music with open ears, allowing the songs to speak for themselves before revealing the features on October 6th.

    Read Also: I once wrote a song for Beyoncé, says Adekunle Gold

    Adekunle wrote, “15 songs carefully crafted for your ears. I want you to experience the music with open ears first, feel the stories, the emotions, the journey.

    “The features will be revealed on October 6th, but until then, let the songs speak for themselves. FUJI out October 3rd”.

    The album promises to be a cultural statement and a deeply personal project that blends traditional Fuji music with modern Afrobeats.

    With “FUJI,” Adekunle Gold aims to redefine Afrobeats and bring traditional Nigerian sounds to the global stage. 

  • I once wrote a song for Beyoncé, says Adekunle Gold

    I once wrote a song for Beyoncé, says Adekunle Gold

    Afrobeats singer and songwriter, Adekunle Gold has revealed that he once penned a song for US superstar Beyoncé during one of the most difficult periods of his life.

    Gold disclosed that in 2019, shortly after the death of his father, he was invited by Beyoncé’s team to contribute to her ‘Lion King: The Gift’ album project.

    “At the time, I was too consumed by grief to even think about music. But one day I forced myself back into the studio. Out of that pain, I wrote Simile.

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    According to him, despite sending the song to Beyoncé’s camp, he secretly hoped it would not be chosen for the project.

    “For years, the track remained unreleased until 2024, when my longtime collaborator Michael replayed it during a session. It reminded me that even in my deepest loss, I was not alone. I had God to lean on,” he reflected.

    Adekunle Gold has now included ‘Simile’ on his latest album titled ‘Fuji,’ hoping the track will comfort listeners dealing with grief or loss.

    “Grief isn’t just about losing a parent. It can be the loss of a person, a friendship, a dream, or even a version of yourself; whatever it is, you don’t have to carry it alone,” he said.

  • Ignore criticisms from those without focus, direction – Adekunle Gold advises fans

    Ignore criticisms from those without focus, direction – Adekunle Gold advises fans

    Singer Adekunle Gold has said that people without clear direction in life are often the loudest critics of others.

    He advised that when faced with negativity or criticism from such individuals, the best response is to keep moving forward and not waste valuable energy on them.

    Read Also: Adekunle Gold returns with ‘FUJI’ album October

    “It’s always the ones not doing anything meaningful with their lives that have the most to say about you. When they come for you, keep it moving; they’re not worth your energy,” he said.

  • Adekunle Gold returns with ‘FUJI’ album October

    Adekunle Gold returns with ‘FUJI’ album October

    Afrobeats star Adekunle Gold is set to release his sixth studio album “FUJI” on October 3, 2025.

    The ‘Coco Money’ hitmaker, in a recent post on X, said the upcoming album marks a new chapter in his life and career, reflecting his journey, lessons learned, and experiences.

    According to him: “FUJI” is a story about where he comes from, who he has become, and where he’s heading.”

    He added that the album has been five years in the making and promises to be his greatest work yet.

    Read Also: Adekunle Gold to headline historic orchestral concert in London

    Gold wrote: “I’ve been working quietly on something that marks a new chapter for me. Music that carries where I come from, who I have become, and where I’m heading. This album is my story, the lessons I have learned, the friendships I have lost, the wins I have celebrated, the grief of losing my father, the joy of welcoming my daughter into the world, and so much more.

    “This album has been 5 years in the making and it is my GREATEST work yet; my ability to outdo myself continues to amaze me. It’s a reminder that I am truly capable of anything I set my mind on and so are you. I’ve shown you many sides of me, changed my name, surprised you with music you didn’t ask for or expect, but you have stayed. You’ve given me your ears and embraced every single phase I’ve embarked on.

    “This phase is rooted in the very beginning of my journey, a return to the essence of why I started making music, to tell stories. Listen with open ears, because I won’t be revealing any features until you’ve experienced it for yourself. This is me, Adekunle Kosoko”.

    Adekunle Gold’s musical journey has been marked by consistent reinvention and growth.

    His previous album, “Tequila Ever After”, was released on July 28, 2023, featuring 18 tracks with collaborations with notable artists like Pharrell Williams, Khalid, Simi, and Odumodublvck.

    The new album, “FUJI”, signals a new direction in his music, blending traditional Nigerian sounds with modern styles.