Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko, widely celebrated as Adekunle Gold or AG Baby, has long been a defining voice in Nigerian Afrobeats. Born on 28 January 1987, the singer-songwriter first captured national attention in 2015 with Sade, a highlife reinterpretation of One Direction’s Story of My Life. That same year, he joined YBNL Nation and released his debut album, Gold, which debuted at number seven on the Billboard World Albums chart, propelled by hits including Sade, Orente, and Pick Up.
Adekunle Gold’s creative instincts were already shaping the Nigerian music scene before fame. In a candid interview with Nigerian Entertainment Today, he revealed that he designed YBNL Nation’s official logo and created designs for artists like Lil Kesh, Viktoh, and Olamide. This flair for visual storytelling continues to influence his work today, from album covers to show flyers and personal accessories.
In 2023, he released Tequila Ever After, his fifth studio album and first under Def Jam Recordings, followed by FUJI in October 2025, an album whose title doubles as a personal mantra, Finding Uncharted Journeys Inside. In an intimate conversation brimming with energy, Adekunle Gold unpacked the story behind FUJI, his journey through fame, and the heritage that fuels his creativity.
“You’ve got to stop ducking us!” the exchange began, playful and warm, immediately breaking down barriers. Though delayed, he arrived finally at the right time, a punctual entrance that felt almost symbolic for a man whose career has been defined by timing, opportunity, and relentless drive.
Reflecting on milestones, he spoke with genuine excitement about his Tiny Desk performance. “I planned the session for Tiny Desk. It’s a platform I’ve been dying to be on for a long time. When it finally happened, it was a great moment for me.” Passion, gratitude, and humility radiated through every word.
Life outside music has been equally remarkable. Adekunle Gold described himself as blessed, citing personal milestones including a new house on a street named after him, a singular honor in the city that raised him. “It’s such a great feeling to know that the city has a street in my name. There’s no getting used to that,” he shared, pride and humility intertwined.
At the heart of the conversation was FUJI, a tribute to one of Nigeria’s oldest and most vibrant musical traditions. “Fuji is the soundtrack of Lagos. It’s everywhere, parties, streets, gatherings. Kids today might not know it, so this album preserves it for the future,” he explained. From its devotional roots in the 1960s to its evolution into an energetic, soulful genre filled with drums, guitar, and horns, Fuji captures love, politics, and life in ways that lift the spirit and move the body.
Adekunle Gold’s creativity extends beyond sound. His work in design, coupled with a love for reading real-life stories, has shaped his artistry. “Books are a game changer. Real-life stories are more fascinating than fiction,” he reflected, underscoring how his perspective continually informs his music.
Heritage also plays a central role in his work. His Don Kolon music video was filmed at Inua Ero Palace in Lagos, a space connected to his royal lineage. “Knowledge is a blessing. Every album, every song has depth,” he said, crediting his father for instilling pride and curiosity that fueled his early development.
Even his playful experiments with Photoshop proved pivotal. “I photoshopped myself with other artists, people reacted, and it helped me gain attention for my music,” he recounted, demonstrating the ingenuity that has defined his journey.
His rise has not been without struggle. Once living in a one-bedroom apartment with his son and no job, he pushed forward relentlessly, signing with Def Jam before ultimately charting an independent path with his own label. Throughout, his partner Simmy, a gospel and mainstream artist, remains his unwavering support.
This feature captures more than the trajectory of a superstar. It tells the story of a man deeply connected to Lagos streets, enriched by heritage, and devoted to preserving the soul of Fuji for future generations. In the intersection of personal triumphs, global stages, and cultural legacy, Adekunle Gold’s journey resonates as both inspiring and profoundly musical.
