by 
Adekunle Gold’s story is a peculiar one.
The boy went from graphics designer to YBNL artist, to most-promising alternative singer, then to afro-pop A-lister with a decent number of hits.
He’s done well for himself truly. And, he’s come a long way. I mean, it’s been a while since he was that guy on the YBNL roster begging Sade for love.
Adekunle Gold emerged around 2015 and was well-known for his R&B-Alternative tunes like “Orente” and “Ready.”
His debut album, “GOLD” came in 2016 and it was a perfect first album for someone like Adekunle. That year, only Simi was featured on his album.
His romance with Simi became apparent after “No Forget” and although, their relationship didn’t become public until sometime in 2019, it was hard not to see they had a connection. Simi even engineered Adekunle Gold‘s album.
After their marriage, things were bound to change though. Of course, they’re both creatives and there’s probably a way to make sure their personal relationship doesn’t affect their music.
And truly, it wasn’t long after their marriage that Adekunle Gold pivoted and transformed into an afro-pop artiste.
His album “Afro-Pop Vol. 1” was a defining moment in his career, and some of his hottest cuts ever were on it (“Something Different,” “AG Baby”).
What made the album such a banger was Adekunle’s choice to go all out on the album. He didn’t hold back, and he sang the way any other afro-pop would sing. After all, what is afro-pop if not songs about women and big boy lifestyle?
“Afro-Pop Vol. 2” Coming?
But it seems like “Afro-Pop Vol. 2” is coming. And I’m sure if Adekunle Gold releases another afro-pop album, it’s gonna be good.
Unlike the first one, though, Simi‘s involvement in this one is going to be a ‘focus’ and it can either make the album better or fuck it up.
I, for one, don’t think it’s going to make it better. Already Adekunle Gold has a song out, called “Sinner.”
The song which is some good good vibes, features popular American R&B singer, Lucky Daye. The song has the potential to become another “Something Different” or “AG Baby” but I’m sensing it’s not going to stick like those two.
“Sinner” is good, don’t get me wrong. The only problem with the jam is the fact that he’s making it all about his wife. In the artwork, he’s with his wife. In the music video, his wife. Even in the lyrics, everything is about his wife, Simi.
This shouldn’t be a problem, ordinarily. He can make songs about who he loves. And maybe in 2016, this would’ve been a good move. But he’s not who he was anymore. He’s now an A-list artist, supposedly doing afro-pop, music for the mainstream.
With his recent afro-pop re-branding, Adekunle Gold should be out there doing songs about ladies whining their waist dancing to his “gbedu” or singing about some fictional heartbreak and not doing songs sharing his fantasies about the woman he’s married to.
And, I don’t think this is the end, no. We’re probably going to see more of this in Adekunle‘s music, moving forward. For his sake, though, I hope I’m wrong.
