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

 

The post Adekunle Gold’s New Song “Bobo” Will Make You Feel Rich appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The last time Joey Akan caught up with Lojay, it was at the dynamic Nigerian artist’s house. This time, the roles are reversed: Lojay is in Akan’s territory – the Afrobeats Intelligence podcast – for a free-ranging, joyful conversation that lasts just over an hour.

"It's interesting how much you've grown since then," Akan reflects, as Lojay lounges comfortably on a white sofa, dressed in a black hoodie and relaxed jeans. That growth becomes a central theme, echoed in Lojay’s thoughts on artistry, honesty, and intention. “At the end of the day, it’s like, what do you truly want? Are you doing it for something else?” he muses, a mindset he applies to everything from music-making to getting a tattoo.

Akan’s poise allows the conversation to meander without ever losing track. He riffs off Lojay’s reflections, guiding the dialogue with an ease that feels more like a catch-up between old friends than a formal interview. The result is an atmosphere that invites candor, laughter, and the occasional surprising admission.

Lojay speaks openly about the emotional layers that shape his music, like why heartbreak often inspires his most potent songwriting, how fame has complicated his relationships, and the burden of always being viewed through the lens of success.

Kehinde Alabi, better known as Louddaaa, interned as a sound engineer in Port Harcourt before moving to Lagos about five years ago. He started seeking employment as a sound engineer since it seemed production didn't make sense — he hadn't produced in over a year as production jobs weren't readily available. He submitted his CVs to studios, companies, and radio stations, but "they all rejected me," Louddaaa recalls in a recent Zoom conversation with OkayAfrica.

A friend would send him a vacancy post that turned out to be Mavin Records. "Are these people trying to scam me or something?" he remembers thinking, but he sent his credentials and got the job after a series of interviews. "It was a miracle," he says, "and I told myself I would be the best recording engineer ever because it felt like a second chance for me. I had hope again."

The journey to becoming a producer was even more interesting, relates Louddaaa. He selected beats and recorded the Mavin Records artists, but stayed back after every session to arrange beats. Due to his residence being on the Mainland, going to the other side of Lagos was stressful each evening. While making beats one night, Don Jazzy entered the studio and heard something he was making. "Can we try Ayra [Starr] on this?" the don asked, and soon enough, Louddaaa got locked in with the newly minted star, whose debut EP and album he would significantly influence.

Still, Louddaaa was unconvinced he was a producer. Sometimes, he flunked the producer sessions he was booked for since he didn't think he could replicate the genius of Ayra Starr's songs. "Working with her was different; we had a deep connection," he would explain. "It was easy; there was no tension. We simply exchanged ideas. They were ideas that took us six months to create; now you want me to create a beat on the spot?"

"It took a while for me to start playing that role of a producer," he says, "because I kept telling myself: 'I don't know why they love this thing that I'm doing. What do they like? This is not really making sense to me.' I wasn't sure about myself. It took me a while to say, 'Bro, it's happening already. They like this."

Since those days of uncertainty, Louddaaa has imprinted his sound more visibly on the colorful skies of contemporary Afrobeats. Shining with a deeply personal energy, the mellow and measured quality of Louddaaa's sound has shaped the early careers of new-age Mavin artists, from Magixx to Bayanni and Boy Spyce. This isn't a mere coincidence, he tells OkayAfrica. "Whenever I want to work with an artist, the first thing I do is try to engage them," he says. "I have a conversation with them and understand where they are. Then I try to create a sound based on all the information I have that I think is unique to your story."

He applied the same approach with Davido, collaborating on two tracks for his recent album, 5IVE. Louddaaa had tried connecting with the star in 2021 and subsequent years, but nothing came out of those efforts. Then, in February of last year, he was inspired by the Holy Spirit — Louddaaa is a firm believer — to create music for Davido, which he collaborated on with his friend, Dayo Grey.

"I was very intentional," he says. "I listen to David a lot, and I have an idea of where he is based on all the songs and features he has done in the past. I also have an idea of where he should be in terms of music, and I just put all those things together."

They made 'Anything,' which stands out as an exceptional high point even among an album characterized by its triumphant moments. Davido had committed to recording the track, and Louddaaa still had many ideas to explore. He wanted something vintage for Davido, a beat with the rustic qualities of the classic "Aye," whose chorus he enthusiastically sings. "I told him, let's go back to that old David," he explains. "Let's create a 2024 record that has an element of the old David but still feels good for this age that we're in. That's how we made '10 Kilo,' I sent it to my songwriter friend, and he came up with some ideas, the melodies, and everything."

Louddaaa orchestrated the record. "I remember when I first sent the beat for 'Anything' to my songwriter, the first thing they wrote, I was like 'nah, this is not it,' because I had an idea what I wanted him to sound like: a Davido and Louddaaa song," he attests. "Everything that you guys hear now, to the glory of God, was something that I envisioned. In terms of the writing, production, and everything, we tried different ideas."

It's clear that Louddaaa isn't just another producer — he's a designer of entire soundscapes. "I call myself an 'A&R' in quotes," he says, "not an official A&R, but I have this ear to design a sound that is unique for an artist." More artists now want the sauce; between last year and now, his roster includes the likes of Lojay, Chike, Black Sherif, and Simi, whose latest album featured nine tracks from Louddaaa. Most of these artists share a soulful core; Louddaaa says the inspiration pulls both ways.

"It's from my end, first of all," he says. "My sound is born from my life experiences. I've gone through so many dark things in my life that I can't even go into details right now. My life is a rollercoaster. Growing up, music was like a coping mechanism for me. It was what I used to bury most of the things I was dealing with as a child and as a teenager. Every time I make music, I connect it to one of those things. I'm saying something, but it's with music. One of my biggest testimonies is when people listen to my music, they tell me they love it, it's so soulful, it's so emotional. And I'm like, 'Thank you, Jesus.' Because that was my goal — I want you to feel something."