To begin, Adekunle Gold, the glitz and flamboyant pop artiste and creative mastermind he has become, should be looked at through the microscopic lens of intent—a meticulous work.
From Adekunle Gold to Tio Tequila is a creative masterpiece personified by this artiste that we now know as AG Baby.
Since the release of his debut album ‘Gold’ six years ago, one attribute that has stuck with Adekunle Gold’s artistry
is his songwriting ability as an individual who grew up listening to masters of Nigerian Jùjú music, such as King Sunny Adé and Chief Ebenezer Obey.
These musical geniuses have greatly influenced Adekunle Gold’s sound in their own right by taking into his art the Yoruba indigenous sound and traditions into his music. With songs like ‘Orente’, ‘Nurse Alabere’, ‘No Forget’ featuring Simi, and ‘Ariwo ko’, the range of his pen game is evident.
His ability to write about the simple things of life, like being in love whilst highlighting the technicalities of life and working hard, has permeated throughout his musical discography.
Upon its release, the album was well-received and critically acclaimed. The album, amongst others, was nominated for the Headies Album of the Year award. Adekunle Gold’s music has always met all demographics, from the young to the
old, through all age groups and persons.
Then came the release of his Sophomore album ‘About 30’—a captivating body of work. From the album cover art to the range of features from Seun Kuti on ‘Mr Foolish’ to Flavour on
‘Yoyo’ and the quality of music delivered with songs like, ‘Ire’ as the album intro to ‘Damn, Delilah’, ‘Money’ and outro ‘Call on Me’—the progression of him as an afrobeat artiste continued.
The release of the single ‘Kelegbe Megbe (Know your level)’ in 2019 is a monumental moment or trajectory to the rebrand of Adekunle Gold. The line with which this song took from its sonic and lyrical delivery to its visuals was particularly striking.
It is truly outstanding. It differed from anything Adekunle
Gold had put out up to that point. The detailing down to the cover art of the song was captivating. It is a flawlessly delivered piece of art.
Before this point, Adekunle Gold had personified as a traditional Afrobeat artiste centred on Yoruba music’s indigenous flow. A change was not expected or foreseen. He took the industry and the world with his rebrand by storm—an exhilarating, thrilling shower.
Adekunle Gold laid down the groundwork for his rebrand in 2019. It was a peculiar year sonically with drops from him such as ‘Before You Wake Up’ and ‘Young Love’. The introduction to AG Baby came to us from releasing his third studio album ‘Afro Pop, Vol. 1’ in 2020 during the global pandemic.
The album starts with the song ‘AG Baby’ which he collaborated with Trinidadian singer and songwriter Nailah Blackman. A song that transcends into the artiste he has evolved into. This album eventually became a staple of AG Baby and a new dawn to his artistry. He is consistently expanding his horizon. It reveals the level that Adekunle Gold has transformed into.
Through songs like ‘Sabina’, Caribbean flow on ‘Pretty Girl’, rhythmic hit that ‘Okay’ emits and ‘Something
Different’ reminiscent of what love with a lady could have been.
Apart from being able to deliver a comprehensive and enjoyable body of work gracefully, Adekunle Gold is a certified hitmaker. He has vastly given hits since his being in the limelight, from ‘Sade’ which covered One Direction’s hit single ‘Story of My Life’ to ‘Sinner’ a simmering R&B collaboration with Lucky Daye and ‘High’ a classically infused Amapiano record which featured Davido off his
album ‘Catch Me If You Can’ which released in 2022.
The album had features from international acts, notably American R&B artists Ty Dolla $ign, Lucky Daye, Fousheé, to British rapper and singer Stefflon Don, as well as France-based Malian singer-songwriter Fatoumata Diawara. Despite these features, AG Baby maintained his African core throughout the album.
In anticipation of his fifth studio album ‘Tequila Ever After’ to be released on In anticipation of his fifth studio album ‘Tequila Ever After’ to be released on Friday the 28 th of July 2023, we already have an idea of the sound to expect with the three-song EP released with hit song ‘Party No Dey Stop’ featuring Zinoleesky, ‘Do you mind’, ‘Omo Eko’ and hit single ‘Ogaranya’.
The excitement and anticipation are brewing. In his word, he says this album ‘will change his life’. Adekunle Gold has wholeheartedly put work into creating an outstanding and transcending album which will have such movement to change his trajectory profoundly and successfully to greater heights.
The expression of his art has transformed through his music and fashion style. He is a maestro in his own right who has an ‘ear’ for music. Evident through all the albums and songs he has always put out right from the beginning of his career till now.
He has been able to release quality music in all eras, remaining
relevant in the musical scene whilst revamping this masterpiece. His attention to detail is evident, with an intent to actively work on rebranding and rebuilding his artistry. As a performer, he embodies the character to entertain and engage with people, from his clothing selection to his band.
Adekunle Gold is an artiste that wants to keep producing and exhibiting quality in all aspects and facets of himself as an artist, a fashion icon and a pop star.
It takes a certain level of talent, courage and dedication to produce art, and this has shown throughout his journey as an entertainer whilst maintaining the core and roots of his authentic self, transitioning in all aspects of his work seamlessly and professionally.
In all of the art, Adekunle Gold as an artist
is immensely talented; his abounding creative abilities are a glaring example of the artiste he has evolved into. From this indie, traditional act to a pop star.
Speaking on who Adekunle Gold is to one of his biggest fans, she said, ‘I adore Adekunle Gold as a music artist. His ability to master the art of individualism is genuinely captivating. Through his song lyrics, visuals, and unique style, he effectively communicates his journey as an artist, allowing his audience to connect profoundly. His sense of style resonates deeply with me, as he uses it
as a powerful medium to express his passion for music visually. Adekunle Gold’s authenticity and artistic brilliance make him an exceptional and beloved musician’. These words genuinely encapsulate the essence of Adekunle Gold.
