Adekunle Gold

Adekunle Gold
Also known asAG Baby
Born
Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko

(1987-01-28) 28 January 1987
Lagos State, Nigeria
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Years active2010–present
Labels
Spouse
​
(m. 2019)​
Websiteadekunlegold.com

Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko (listenⓘ; born 28 January 1987), known professionally as Adekunle Gold, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He gained widespread attention after releasing the 2015 hit single "Sade", a highlife cover of One Direction's "Story of My Life".[1] He signed a record deal with YBNL Nation and released his 2015 debut studio album Gold, which debuted at number 7 on the Billboard World Albums chart. Gold was preceded by the release of three singles: "Sade", "Orente" and "Pick Up". Adekunle Gold revealed to Nigerian Entertainment Today that prior to signing with YBNL, he designed the label's official logo and completed other designs for Lil Kesh, Viktoh and Olamide.[2] In 2023, he released Tequila Ever After, his fifth studio album and first under Def Jam.[3][4] He released his sixth studio album, Fuji, on 3 October 2025. The 15 track album title is an acronym for Finding Uncharted Journeys Inside.[5]

Education

He holds a Higher National Diploma in Arts and Design from Lagos State Polytechnic.[6]

Career

2010–2014: Career beginnings

While growing up, Adekunle developed interest in music while listening to songs by King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey. He became a member of his church's junior choir during his teenage years, and went on to write his first song at the age of 15.[7] In 2014, Adekunle went solo after disbanding from a music group he formed with a friend while in school. He was dubbed the "King of Photoshop" after posting an edited photoshop image of him hugging Tiwa Savage on social media platforms.[8] On 19 December 2014, he released "Sade", a cover of One Direction's "Story of My Life". The song rose to critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Alternative Song at The Headies 2015.[9][10]

2015–present: Gold

After the release of "Sade", Adekunle released his first official single titled "Orente" through YBNL Nation after signing a music contract with the record label on 5 March 2015.[11][12] He was nominated in the Most Promising Act of the Year category at the 2015 City People Entertainment Awards.[13] On 18 July 2016, Adekunle Gold revealed the cover and track list of his debut studio album titled Gold. The album is a 16-track project, with musical production from Pheelz, Masterkraft, B Banks, Sleekamo, Oscar and Seyikeyz.[14] It was released on 25 July, three days before the original scheduled date of release.[15] Upon its release, it peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard World Album Chart for the week of 13 August 2016. Moreover, it was critically reviewed by contemporary music critics.[16][17] Following his departure from YBNL Nation due to the expiry of his contract, Adekunle Gold unveiled his band "The 79th Element" in reference to the atomic number of gold.[18] On 15 January 2018, Unity Bank unveiled Adekunle Gold as their brand ambassador.[19] Adekunle Gold released his highly anticipated album Afro Pop Vol. 1 on 21 August 2020.[20]

On 4 February 2022, he released his fourth studio album Catch Me If You Can with production credits from Seyifunmi, Davayo, Rymez, Lekka, TMXO, Tay Iwar, Blaise Beatz, Kali, Que Beats, and Spax.[21]

In March 2023, Adekunle Gold was signed to Def Jam Recordings. In a statement with Billboard, the CEO of Def Jam Recordings, Tunji Balogun announced that Adekunle Gold signed to Def Jam.[22][23][24][25]

In September 2025, New York University announced a collaboration with Adekunle Gold focused on sickle cell disease and mental health awareness.[26]

Personal life

Adekunle married Simi in January 2019.[27] They had been dating for five years.[28] They had a daughter named Deja in May 2020.[29]

On 15 July 2022, he revealed his lifelong battle with sickle cell disease, and that it inspired his song titled "5 Star".[30] He has since dedicated himself to advocating for the disease via his foundation 'Adekunle Gold Foundation' [31]

Adekunle is a supporter of Manchester United F.C.[32]

Discography

Studio albums

Awards and nominations

Year Award ceremony Prize Recipient/Nominated work Result Ref
2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best New Act "Himself" Won
2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Song Pick Up Won
Best New Act to Watch Himself Won
The Headies Best Alternative Song "Sade" Won
2017 City People Entertainment Awards Album of the Year "Himself" Won
City People Entertainment Awards Collabo of the Year "Himself and Simi" Won
IARA Best African Music Artist "Himself" Won
2021 Net Honours Most Popular Musician Nominated [33]
Most Played RnB Song "Pami"

(DJ Tunez featuring Wizkid Adekunle Gold & Omah Lay)

Nominated
2023 The Headies Songwriter of the Year Himself for (Simi – "Loyal") Won [34]
2024 TurnTable Music Awards Outstanding Achievement in Music in Film Himself for "Book of Clarence" and "Christmas in Lagos" Won [35]

See also

References

  1. ^ Tobi Akingbade (20 July 2018). "How Adekunle Gold went from being the 'King of Photoshop' to Africa's newest pop star". Metro. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
  2. ^ Kayode Badmus (21 August 2015). "I was involved with YBNL before Olamide signed me – Adekunle Gold". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 21 August 2015.
  3. ^ https://www.thefader.com/2023/07/14/adekunle-gold-announces-new-album-tequila-ever-after-via-Def-Jam/
  4. ^ Adekunle Gold Biography, Family, Age and Net Worth
  5. ^ Idowu, Omotoyosi (4 October 2025). "Adekunle Gold's 'Fuji' is cultural masterclass in evolution, authenticity". Premium Times. Retrieved 10 October 2025.
  6. ^ Elmalawx, online (29 May 2025). "Adekunle Gold: From Royalty To Music". Ratedsongs. Retrieved 29 May 2025.
  7. ^ "Adekunle Gold Biography and Songs (Must Read)". Naija Quest. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  8. ^ Mayowa, George (4 June 2015). "King Of Photoshop:Designer Adekunle Gold Plays Some Tricks With Toolz, Tonto Dikeh & Tiwa Savage! (Photos)". 360Nobs. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  9. ^ Akan, Joey (30 September 2015). "Check out the complete nomination list". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 4 October 2015. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  10. ^ "Olamide Leads Headies 2015 Nominees". This Day. 11 October 2015. Archived from the original on 15 October 2015. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  11. ^ Channels Television (2 July 2015). "YBNL Act, Adekunle Gold Sings 'Orente'". Channels TV. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  12. ^ Tayo, Ayomide O. (5 March 2015). "Rapper signs 5th artiste Adekunle Gold to YBNL imprint". Pulse Nigeria. Archived from the original on 3 February 2016. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  13. ^ George Kaydee (11 July 2015). "Awards: Full Nominee List Of City People Awards". Jaguda. Archived from the original on 30 July 2015. Retrieved 29 October 2015.
  14. ^ "Are You Ready for Adekunle Gold's Album? See the Album Cover, Tracklist & Pre-Order it". BellaNaija. 19 July 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  15. ^ Adedayo Showemimo (25 July 2016). "Breaking! Adekunle Gold pulls a Beyonce, drops new album ahead of time". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  16. ^ "Adekunle Gold's album debuts on Billboard music chart". The Cable. 6 August 2016. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  17. ^ Tayo Sarumi (8 August 2016). "Album Review: Adekunle Gold – Gold". notJustOk. Retrieved 23 August 2016.
  18. ^ bellanaija.com (17 May 2017). "Adekunle Gold & The 79th Element! Singer unveils New Band | See Photos". BellaNiaja. Retrieved 18 May 2016.
  19. ^ Oluwatobi Ibironke (15 January 2018). "Adekunle Gold Signs Deal With Unity Bank". Tooxclusive. Retrieved 25 January 2018.
  20. ^ "Adekunle Gold Releases His Highly Anticipated Album 'Afro Pop Vol.'". The Guardian. Lagos, Nigeria. 21 August 2020.
  21. ^ Topfella (4 February 2022). "Adekunle Gold – Catch Me If You Can Album Download". NaijaMusic.com.
  22. ^ Mamo, Heran (14 March 2023). "Nigerian Afropop Singer Adekunle Gold Signs With Def Jam". Billboard. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  23. ^ "Adekunle Gold signs with American label, Def Jam". Vanguard. Lagos, Nigeria. 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  24. ^ "Adekunle Gold signs with Def Jam, releases album in June". Punch Newspapers. 15 March 2023. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
  25. ^ "Nigerian Star Adekunle Gold Joins Def Jam Recordings". African Folder. 15 March 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
  26. ^ "NYU and Nigerian Artist Adekunle Gold Explore the Power of Music to Improve Science on Sickle Cell Disease and Mental Health". www.nyu.edu. Retrieved 14 March 2026.
  27. ^ Ademola Olonilua; Timileyin Akinkahunsi (12 January 2019). "Adekunle Gold, Simi's white wedding date yet to be fixed –Manager". Punch. Retrieved 24 February 2019.
  28. ^ Olowolagba, Fikayo (17 January 2019). "We dated for 5 years – Adekunle Gold confirms getting married to Simi". Daily Post. Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  29. ^ "Adekunle Gold, Simi welcome first child | Premium Times Nigeria". Premium Times. 7 June 2020.
  30. ^ Punch, Newspaper (15 July 2022). "Inspiration behind 5 Star". Punch Newspaper. Archived from the original on 7 July 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2022.
  31. ^ "Adekunle Gold on sickle cell advocacy: 'It's time to learn my voice – people are dying' CNN AFRICA". CNN. 19 June 2024.
  32. ^ Whitelaw, Elliot (10 February 2022). "How United inspire Adekunle Gold". Manchester United F.C. Retrieved 15 June 2025.
  33. ^ "Net Honours – The Class of 2021". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 21 June 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
  34. ^ Arogbonlo, Israel (4 September 2023). "Full list: See 2023 Headies Award winners". Nigerian Tribune. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  35. ^ "The TurnTable 2024 Music Awards". TurnTable Charts. TurnTable. Retrieved 2 April 2025.
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