Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko (born 28 January 1987), known professionally as Adekunle Gold and AG Baby, is a NigerianAfrobeats singer and songwriter currently signed to Def Jam Recordings.[1][2] He gained widespread attention after releasing the 2015 hit single "Sade", a highlife cover of One Direction's "Story of My Life".[3] He signed a record deal with YBNL Nation and released his 2015 debut studio album Gold, which debuted at number 7 on the Billboard World Albums chart. Gold was preceded by the release of three singles: "Sade", "Orente" and "Pick Up". Adekunle Gold revealed to Nigerian Entertainment Today that prior to signing with YBNL, he designed the label's official logo and completed other designs for Lil Kesh, Viktoh and Olamide.[4] In 2023, he released Tequila Ever After, his fifth studio album and first under Def Jam.[5]
While growing up, Adekunle developed interest in music while listening to songs by King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey. He became a member of his church's junior choir during his teenage years, and went on to write his first song at the age of 15.[7] In 2014, Adekunle went solo after disbanding from a music group he formed with a friend while in school. He was dubbed the "King of Photoshop" after posting an edited photoshop image of him hugging Tiwa Savage on social media platforms.[8] On 19 December 2014, he released "Sade", a cover of One Direction's "Story of My Life". The song rose to critical acclaim and was nominated for Best Alternative Song at The Headies 2015.[9][10]
2015–present: Gold
Adekunle Gold Performing at Felabration in 2017, UzomediaTV
After the release of "Sade", Adekunle released his first official single titled "Orente" through YBNL Nation after signing a music contract with the record label on 5 March 2015.[11][12] He was nominated in the Most Promising Act of the Year category at the 2015 City People Entertainment Awards.[13] On 18 July 2016, Adekunle Gold revealed the cover and track list of his debut studio album titled Gold. The album is a 16-track project, with musical production from Pheelz, Masterkraft, B Banks, Sleekamo, Oscar and Seyikeyz.[14] It was released on 25 July, three days before the original scheduled date of release.[15] Upon its release, it peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard World Album Chart for the week of 13 August 2016. Moreover, it was critically reviewed by contemporary music critics.[16][17] Following his departure from YBNL Nation due to the expiry of his contract, Adekunle Gold unveiled his band "The 79th Element" in reference to the atomic number of gold.[18] On 15 January 2018, Unity Bank unveiled Adekunle Gold as their brand ambassador.[19] Adekunle Gold released his highly anticipated album Afro Pop Vol. 1 on 21 August 2020.[20]
On 4 February 2022, he released his fourth studio album Catch Me If You Can with production credits from Seyifunmi, Davayo, Rymez, Lekka, TMXO, Tay Iwar, Blaise Beatz, Kali, Que Beats, and Spax.[21]
Adekunle married Simi in January 2019.[25] They have been dating for five years.[26] They had a daughter named Deja in May 2020.[27]
On 15 July 2022, Gold revealed his lifelong battle with sickle cell disease, and that it inspired his song titled "5 Star".[28]
He has since dedicated himself to advocating for the disease via his foundation 'Adekunle Gold Foundation' [29]
