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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When Pheelz collaborated with Usher on “Coming Home” and “Ruin,” it was obvious that he knew how to blend Afrobeats. Both songs had the dripping sensuality the American R&B great is known for, but there was something else about the bounce. A special element that listeners of Pheelz would recognize as his own.

That element is present on “Stay Together,” the new single from the maverick Nigerian artist and producer, which he’s created in collaboration with global music platform Beyond Music.

On “Stay Together,” we hear a riveting drum base that sounds like a call to action. Stacked on both sides by siren-esque vocals, Pheelz’s opening verse hones into the revelatory perspective of one who’s seen it all. Promoting love and mutual respect, he warns that “repeating history is deja vu,” a notion that is reiterated from unique perspectives throughout the song.

Pheelz’s reputation as a premium collaborator is also evident in his ability to work with the trio of voices that contribute to “Stay Together.” Nigerian multi-hyphenate Marshall Muze co-produces and writes on the record, bringing his signature depth as he unspools sociopolitical considerations. The feathery tones of Zambian-born Naimah also find charged purpose to rally behind, with musician of French and English descent, Ella Rose, contributing vocals.

With warm tones and vivid representations of art and culture, the visuals also reiterate the positive message of the song. OkayAfrica had a brief discussion with Pheelz about the creation of “Stay Together” and the work he’s currently doing with Beyond Music.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How did the beat come alive from your end? You’re known to bring your vast compositional skills into your production. How did that work for “Stay Together”?

I didn’t produce the beat on this one, but once I heard it, I knew exactly where I could add that Pheelz flavor. We added some live instrumentation — textures, harmonies, little musical details that bring more emotion to the track. I’m always thinking about how to give the music more soul, more depth. Sometimes it’s not about doing the most, it’s about knowing what the song needs to breathe.

You’ve been one of the farthest-reaching Afrobeats artists in terms of collaborations. How do you approach working with other artists, especially those from other cultures?

Can you tell us a bit about the Beyond Music Vol. 4 - Social Change album? You’re working with icons like Angélique Kidjo on that. What’s that looking like?

Working on this project is a blessing. Beyond Music Vol. 4 is more than just music — it’s a message. Collaborating on the same project with someone like Angélique Kidjo is humbling. She’s a queen, a living legend, and the way she pours her spirit into every note is inspiring. This album addresses real issues, real change, and it’s an honor to lend my voice and sound to something so powerful. It’s art with purpose.