Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold returns to his roots with the release of his sixth studio album, Fuji, described as a tribute to the ancestral sounds of his home country. The album, set for release on Friday, celebrates the rich musical heritage of Lagos and the Yoruba community, a major influence on contemporary Afrobeats.
“That sound is the soundtrack of Lagos. It’s everywhere. That sound gave birth to Afrobeats and all the things we hear today,” Gold told AFP in Paris. A descendant of the Kosoko royal family, the 38-year-old singer fuses traditional Yoruba elements with modern R&B melodies, bridging generations of Nigerian music for a global audience.
Fuji, a genre emerging from Yoruba Muslim culture in the 1960s, is known for its fast percussion, large ensembles, and lyrics addressing social and political themes. Gold’s album also explores personal narratives, including grief over his father’s death, family life, and fatherhood.
Gold, also known as AG Baby, first gained national recognition in 2014 with a cover of a One Direction song and has since signed with Def Jam Recordings, collaborating with Nile Rodgers and Pharrell Williams. His recent viral hit, “Party No Dey Stop,” featuring Zinoleesky, has amassed 29 million views on YouTube.
Beyond music, Gold remains committed to social causes, founding a foundation to support sickle cell treatment and local charities. Though he resides in the United States, he emphasizes his connection to Lagos and the importance of preserving and sharing Nigerian culture.
