Do you remember when we told you that Adekunle Gold and Olamide were cooking something in the studio right? Turns out that we were right! The wait is officially over as the duo has finally released their highly anticipated new single, “Formation.”

This fresh collaboration sees AG Baby and Baddo reuniting to deliver a sleek, mid-tempo record that perfectly blends soulful high-life influences with modern Afrobeats. It is a sophisticated, “cool” track that focuses on staying in one’s lane and maintaining focus—a vibe that is already resonating with fans across the continent.

Whether you are a day-one supporter of their chemistry or just looking for a new anthem for your playlist, “Formation” is definitely the track to have on repeat this week.

Listen to the song below

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In the world of Afrobeats, few stories are as poignant as the rise of the YBNL dynasty. This week, Adekunle Gold took us down memory lane while looking toward the future, announcing a new single with his mentor and former label boss, Olamide.

Can we talk about the fashion for a second? The pair went full 70s-chic in a garage filled with vintage hubcaps and golden lighting. AG Baby gave us sophisticated “Boss” energy in an oversized brown blazer, while Olamide served a major look in mustard yellow and flared trousers. The car is a classic Mercedes with a custom “YBNL” plate. It’s giving “Rich Uncles,” and we are here for it.

But it’s not all just about the aesthetic. Adekunle Gold got real with his fans about how much Olamide means to him. He shared that back in 2014, Olamide was the one who gave him his big break, taking him from a dreamer in Lagos to a global star. If you remember singing “Sade” at the top of your lungs back in 2015, you know how huge this is.

The new track is called “Formation” (no, not that one, Beyoncé fans!) and it arrives on 9 April. Gold says it’s all about “legacy and brotherhood.” Honestly we just can’t wait to see what these two have cooked up. Mark your calendars, because the kings of YBNL are back together

 

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Adekunle Gold marked a historic milestone in Nigerian cultural history as the first artist to headline the newly renovated Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Theatre Nigeria), Lagos, delivering a sold-out orchestral concert alongside the MUSON Orchestra and his band, The 79th Element.

Selling out within five days of announcement, the concert was both a testament to Adekunle Gold’s cultural stature and a powerful reintroduction of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts (National Theatre) as a home for ambitious, world-class artistic expression. The evening unfolded as a masterful fusion of heritage and innovation, redefining what is possible for live music performances in Nigeria.

Across the night, Adekunle Gold performed selections from his critically acclaimed album Fuji, alongside defining works from his decade-long catalogue, all reimagined through sweeping orchestral arrangements, live instrumentation, and cinematic stage design. Fan favourites were transformed into grand, emotive compositions that elevated the audience experience, blurring the lines between popular music, classical performance, and theatrical storytelling.

Opening the National Theatre after its long-anticipated restoration places Adekunle Gold in direct lineage with the iconic artists who have shaped the venue’s legacy, while simultaneously ushering it into a new era. The performance represented a rare convergence of scale, symbolism, and sound, a moment never before witnessed on the Theatre’s stage.
Social media lit up throughout the night, with fans, critics, and industry figures describing the concert as “generational,” “historic,” and “a turning point for Nigerian live music.” Many hailed the show as proof that Nigerian artists can mount productions that rival the finest concert experiences anywhere in the world.

The Lagos performance follows Adekunle Gold’s trailblazing orchestral debut at the EFG London Jazz Festival on November 23, 2025, where he made history as the first Nigerian artist to headline an orchestral show at London’s Royal Festival Hall. That sold-out performance closed the festival and saw him collaborate with the Guildhall Session Orchestra, earning critical acclaim for its rich, genre-defying reinterpretations of fan favourites such as “Sade” and “Many People,” alongside selections from Fuji.

Together, the London and Lagos performances firmly establish Adekunle Gold as a defining artist of his generation, one who continues to expand the global perception of Nigerian music while honouring its roots. With this orchestral series, he has not only raised the bar for live performance but set a new benchmark for cultural ambition, artistic excellence, and global relevance.

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Adekunle Gold has been officially recognised as the first artist to sell out the newly renovated National Theatre, now the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts. He received a commemorative plaque after filling the 3,560-capacity venue for his “Greatest Show Yet” concert on December 26, 2025.

The Lagos crowd enjoyed a full showcase of Adekunle Gold’s six albums, including his latest release, “Fuji,” accompanied by a 55-piece MUSON Orchestra and his band, The 79th Element. The performance blended orchestral grandeur with live instrumentation, offering fans a rich, memorable experience.

Taking to social media, Adekunle Gold shared his excitement: “Thank you all for a great end to 2025. North America is up next… where should I bring the Fuji experience to?

 

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The sweetest bit of news to land on Christmas Eve is that the Kosokos are growing their family. And if you’re wondering which Kosokos, we mean Adekunle Gold and Simi, one of music’s most loved couples.

The announcement came quietly and beautifully through the music video for Adekunle Gold’s song “My Love Is the Same,” a track from his latest album “Fuji.” Released today, the video features Simi making a gentle appearance, her baby bump clearly visible, confirming that the couple are expecting another child.

As fans already know, “My Love Is the Same” is a reassurance song addressed to Adekunle Gold’s daughter, Adejare. It centres on staying emotionally present even when life feels heavy. The song speaks to long days, work pressures, and financial strain, while holding on to the promise that love remains steady. Lines like “I dey with you don’t you worry” and “Baby my love is the same” underline that sense of constancy, even in uncertain moments.

Adejare features prominently in the video alongside her dad. We see them laughing, singing, heading out on little adventures and sharing ice cream. Then, towards the end, she runs into her mum’s arms. Simi appears in a white cropped tee and jeans, her bump on full display, as Adejare hugs her tightly. It’s a simple moment that says everything.

Yes, you guessed right. Adejare is about to become a big sister.

Sharing his thoughts on Instagram, Adekunle Gold wrote, “No matter where I go, my home is the same… my love is the same. I’m grateful for my blessings and I’m grateful to be able to capture these moments with my favourite people in the world.”

A lovely surprise, and a Christmas gift wrapped in music, family and love.

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First it was a newsletter announcing his upcoming album — not just announcing, but telling us in detail the inspiration behind it — and now Adekunle Gold has taken to Instagram to share more about this next chapter.

The new album is titled “Fuji,” and for Adekunle Gold, it’s more than just a sound. In his words, “Fuji was the genre that raised me, even when I didn’t realise it. It was the backdrop of my childhood in Lagos. The street sounds, the owanbes, the music floating out of shops in the markets. Fuji carried history, grit, and soul. It was never just entertainment. It is survival. It is storytelling. It is Lagos itself.”

On Instagram, he opened up about what Fuji means to him:

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.

It’s safe to say fans are in for something special. So save the date, the album “Fuji” drops on October 3rd. Ahead of the release, Adekunle Gold has already given us two singles, “Coco Money” and “Bobo,” teasing just a glimpse of what’s to come.

 

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Adekunle Gold is definitely in his “I’m getting my money up” era, and we’ve got all the receipts.

The superstar kept his word about dropping something new. In yesterday’s newsletter, he told subscribers “I have a surprise for you tonight,” and by midnight – boom! – we had a fresh single. Some fans probably stayed up just to be first to hear it.

“Bobo” is a fun, bouncy track all about money, confidence, and not caring what people think. Featuring Lojay and Shoday, it’s basically an anthem for anyone levelling up and living their best life. Plus, it’s packed with that Nigerian humour we all love about how money changes everything.

AG didn’t just give us audio, there’s a visualiser too, so you can watch all three artists bring the song to life.

This comes after “Coco Money,” which is exactly why we’re saying Adekunle Gold is really in his money era right now.

Watch the video below

 

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If you thought “Coco Money” was tough in audio, wait till you see the video. Adekunle Gold is back with the visuals and it’s shot entirely in black and white. It still delivers the same bold message to work smart, stay focused and enjoy your wins.

Produced by Niphkeys, “Coco Money” is all about working smart, avoiding bad decisions and cashing out proudly. Adekunle isn’t sugarcoating anything. He calls out misplaced priorities and lazy behaviour with lines like “Can’t be broke, can’t be lazy.”

But it’s not all grit. There’s also enjoyment, with Adekunle Gold proudly chanting “My money be like coco money.” It’s confident, cheeky, and exactly the kind of song you want on when you’re spending or still scheming.

Watch the video below.

The post AG Baby Keeps It Black, Bold and Unbothered in the “Coco Money” Video appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

When Adekunle Gold released his debut album Gold on July 28, 2016, it was more than just another project from an emerging artist, it was a cultural statement.

At a time when Nigerian pop music leaned heavily into club hits and dancefloor bangers, Gold introduced something different: a warm, nostalgic blend of Highlife, Afro-soul, and Folk, wrapped in soothing vocals and honest storytelling.

Today, Adekunle Gold is a global Afrobeats powerhouse, known for his boundary-pushing sound, bold fashion choices, and his suave alter ego AG Baby. But before all the glitz and global features, there was Gold, a deeply personal, sonically rich album that laid the foundation for everything that followed.

As Adekunle Gold debut album, Gold clocks nine years, here are 9 things you might have forgotten about this iconic project.

1. Before the music, he was the “King of Photoshop”

9 YEARS AGO TODAY@adekunleGOLD dropped his amazing debut album

The project featured amazing songs & hits like "Orente", "No Forget Ft Simi", "Pick Up", "Ready", "Sade" and more

What's your favourite song? pic.twitter.com/3ZuSnsQ2km

— NOTJUSTOK (@NOTJUSTOK) July 28, 2025

Long before he became a household name in music, Adekunle Gold was an internet sensation for an entirely different reason, graphic design. He earned the nickname “King of Photoshop” after his hilarious, well-edited pictures of himself alongside celebrities like Tiwa Savage went viral.

But this wasn’t just random internet fun. Adekunle Gold studied Graphics at Lagos State Polytechnic and used his skills in visual storytelling to build an audience before his musical breakthrough. That background in creativity and aesthetics would later influence his album artwork, branding, and visuals, all of which became central to his identity as an artist.

2. Sade was actually a One Direction cover

Yes, you read that right. The song that put Adekunle Gold on the map, Sade, was a Highlife cover of One Direction’s Story of My Life. But what made it special was the way he localized the song’s emotion and lyrics, transforming it into a tale of unrequited love that resonated deeply with Nigerian audiences.

Released independently before he joined YBNL Nation, Sade quickly went viral, showcasing his ability to fuse Western melodies with indigenous storytelling, a trademark that would carry through to Gold.

3. Gold dropped earlier than planned

10 years ago today, I released the greatest cover of all time; Sade. pic.twitter.com/I5F1rM92Yz

— BIG FISH (@adekunleGOLD) December 19, 2024

While the official release date for Gold was July 28, 2016, the album actually dropped three days earlier, on July 25. The early release was a pleasant surprise for fans who had been eagerly anticipating Adekunle Gold’s first full-length body of work, and it sparked a wave of online excitement.

In an era when surprise drops weren’t as common as they are today, this unexpected move gave Gold a boost in visibility and fan engagement right out of the gate.

4. Simi’s quiet but powerful contribution

While fans were still speculating about the nature of Adekunle Gold and Simi’s relationship in 2016, few knew just how involved she was in the Gold project. Not only did Simi master several tracks on the album, but she was also the only featured artist on the project.

Her duet with Adekunle on No Forget was a standout moment, an emotionally stirring ballad that many interpreted as autobiographical. The chemistry between the two was undeniable, and looking back now, it feels like an early chapter in a love story that eventually became public and permanent.

5. A Billboard debut

In a remarkable feat for a debut album, Gold peaked at #7 on the Billboard World Albums Chart in August 2016, a huge accomplishment for a Nigerian artist at the time, especially one working with such a non-commercial sound. The achievement validated not just Adekunle Gold’s talent, but the potential global reach of Nigerian folk-inspired music. It was a signal that “urban highlife,” as he called it, had international appeal.

6. The dream team behind the sound

Though Gold sounded refreshingly different, its magic came from a carefully curated production team. The album featured the work of top Nigerian producers like Pheelz, Masterkraft, B Banks, Oscar Heman-Ackah, Seyi Keyz, and Sleekamo.

Each producer brought something unique to the table, helping Adekunle blend traditional instruments with contemporary sounds. This tight-knit group was key in developing the album’s sonic identity, an identity that would define his early years and distinguish him from the crowd.

7. The 79th Element - A band born from Gold

What are your fave tracks? Share stories if you have any. I’m reading everything. pic.twitter.com/7ZbZDGEAeG

— BIG FISH (@adekunleGOLD) July 25, 2024

Following the expiration of his deal with YBNL Nation, Adekunle Gold announced a new musical chapter with the formation of his live band, The 79th Element. For fans of the periodic table, that name held symbolic weight, gold is the 79th element.

This wasn’t just a clever name. It was a declaration of independence and a commitment to live performance and musical authenticity. Gold wasn’t just a debut album; it was the birth of an identity that Adekunle would continue to evolve and refine with every release.

8. Gold was a darling among critics and award shows

Upon release, Gold received overwhelmingly positive reviews from critics and fans alike. Reviewers praised its honesty, consistency, and Adekunle’s ability to tell relatable stories through simple but powerful lyrics.

The album earned a nomination for Album of the Year at the 2017 Nigeria Entertainment Awards and was also nominated at The Headies 2018 for Best R&B/Pop Album and Album of the Year. For a debut project, these nods were a reflection of its staying power.

9. At its core, Gold was about life’s simple struggles and triumphs

What made Gold truly special was its ability to connect with everyday Nigerians. The album was full of universal themes; love (Orente, No Forget), hustle (Pick Up, Work), hope (Fight for You), and cultural pride (Temptation).

In Pick Up, for example, Adekunle sings a prayer disguised as a pop song asking God to bless his hustle and answer his calls (literally and metaphorically). In Work, he reminds listeners that wishes don’t come true without effort. These messages, wrapped in soft guitar strings and rhythmic percussion, made Gold feel personal, even spiritual.

Nine years later, Gold still holds a special place in the hearts of fans. It wasn’t flashy or overly polished, it was honest, thoughtful, and deeply rooted in Nigerian culture. It announced Adekunle Gold not just as a talented musician, but as an artist with vision, heart, and staying power.

In a music industry often driven by trends, Gold was timeless. And in many ways, it still is.

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Is your money adding up, or are you still running on a deficit? Adekunle Gold isn’t here to play nice about it. His latest single, “Coco Money,” is a bold reminder to work smart, stay focused, and enjoy the rewards of your hustle.

Produced by Niphkeys, the track is laced with witty lines and sharp commentary on misplaced priorities. Adekunle throws subtle jabs at people who chase trends without getting their finances right, singing, “Misplaced priorities, uh-uh. Can’t be broke, can’t be lazy.”

But it’s not all tough talk. There’s also an unapologetic celebration of wealth and enjoyment, with Adekunle proudly chanting, “My money be like coco money” and “Bitch better have my money.” The vibe is confident, cheeky, and just the kind of soundtrack you need when you’re cashing out or dreaming big.

If you’ve been slipping on your grind, consider this your wake-up call.

Listen below.

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East London rap heavyweight J Hus and Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake join forces for the first time on “Gold,” a bass-heavy track that merges UK street grit with Yoruba-rooted bravado.

The black-and-white music video strips away distraction and focuses on mood and presence. It’s restrained but powerful, much like the track itself.

Following his Royal Albert Hall show and the impact of his 2020 project “Big Conspiracy,” this is J Hus’ first release since 2023. His verse had previously surfaced over the instrumental of Shallipopi’s 2025 hit “Laho,” leading to talk of a remix. Instead, “Gold” emerges as a standalone moment, full of nods to loyalty, wealth, and the codes that define those who live by them.

J Hus flashes gold rings and name-drops Rolex, Cartier, and Gaddafi—not just for flash, but to signal survival, ambition, and a legacy built through resilience. “Don’t bend, don’t break, don’t fold,” he declares. “It’s a bad boy gangsta party.”

Asake comes in with chant-like repetition and sharp one-liners, calling himself “too oversabi” and already thinking in 2060. His verse moves between spiritual clarity and street smarts, pairing perfectly with Hus while keeping his own rhythm. “Life is too short, make I burn enemies,” he says.

Watch the music video below.

The post J Hus & Asake Team Up for the First Time on “Gold” | Watch Video appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Of all the places Beyoncé could have chosen to bring out Miley Cyrus, Paris felt especially perfect. The city has always had a flair for the unexpected, and during her first night at the Stade de France, Beyoncé gave fans a moment they’d been craving for over a year.

Midway through her Juneteenth show, she paused, smiled at the crowd, and said, “I wanted to do something special for you.” “I could not do it without this young lady’s help,” Beyoncé said as Miley ascended upon the stage. “I need y’all to scream and give it up for Ms. Miley!” Then, without much warning, the two launched into “II Most Wanted,” their Grammy-winning duet from “Cowboy Carter,” and the crowd nearly lost it.

Fans have been hoping to see this moment since the song dropped. And of course, it was worth the wait. Beyoncé called herself Miley’s biggest fan and thanked her before the two jumped into a performance that was just awesome.

They both showed up in dazzling gold looks that felt perfectly synced. Beyoncé rocked a custom Rabanne chainmail fringe gold bodysuit with metallic textures and fringe along the hem, paired with fishnet tights and cowboy boots. Miley, on the other hand, wore a Alexander McQueen gold catsuit completely covered in sequins and beadwork, with a high neckline and floor-length confidence. Beyoncé’s hair was parted down the middle in flowing waves, while Miley’s was styled with bangs. The vibe was rock-meets-country, big-stage glam.

See their beautiful photos below

 

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