Adekunle Kosoko better known as Adekunle Gold is a Nigerian musician, songwriter, and graphic designer. He began his career early and shot to the limelight in 2014 after releasing Sade, a cover of One Direction’s Story of My Life.
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After that, he released his debut single, Orente. And since then, has continued to water the thirst of his fans with timely music. Also, as a graphic designer, Adekunle designs for himself, some A-list artistes, and other brands. He was the one who designed the YBNL logo, the record label to which he was later signed to.
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Adekunle Gold Early Life
Adekunle Kosoko was born on January 28, 1987 as the first child and only son of the family. He hails from a Royal family in Lagos and he was born and raised in Ifako-Agege and Ikotun, Lagos State. Adekunle’s parents are teachers. He attended public schools for primary and secondary education. Thereafter, he attended the Lagos State Polytechnic and bagged a degree in Arts and Industrial Design.
He is related to the veteran actor, Prince Jide Kosoko.
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Personal Life
Adekunle Gold tied the knot with Simisola Ogunleye in January 2019. He likes to hang out with his friend at the beach, his most favorite place in the world.
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Adekunle Gold Musical Career
Adekunle started from the teen choir in his church. He was there for about 11 years. According to him, he started drawing his musical inspiration from legendary musicians like King Sunny Ade and Evangelist Ebenezer Obey.
Subsequently, Adekunle joined a band and wrote his first song in 2007. Together with other band members, they featured Skales and GT Da Guitarman before they disbanded.
Thereafter, he went solo and was writing songs behind the scene until December 2014 when he released Sade, a cover of One Direction’s Story of My Life. The song had lots of positive reviews and was even nominated for an award in The Headies, 2015. After Sade, Gold released other hit singles like Orente, Pick Up, and many more.
Adekunle Gold sings a fusion of modern/urban highlife, pop and indie genre.
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Record Label
The first connection between Gold and Olamide was a business relationship of being YBNL Nation official designer. He designed the YBNL logo and a couple of other works. Thereafter, Adekunle released his first song, Sade and Olamide took interest in him. As a result, he was offered a deal, and that marked a new beginning for him. On March 5, 2015, he joined the YBNL Nation and subsequently, released his debut studio album, Gold.
However, after the expiration of his contract with YBNL, Adekunle launched his band- The 79th Element. The 79th Element refers to the atomic number of gold in chemistry. He also owns the Afro Urban, a label that he runs by himself with a couple of team members.
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Gold
Adekunle Gold released his debut studio album, Gold in July 18, 2016. It was released under the YBNL Nation and produced by Pheelz, B Banks, Sleekamo, Oscar, Masterkraft and Seyikeyz. The album charted number 7 on the Billboard World Album Chart for the week. The album was also endorsed by Adele.
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About 30
Also, in 2018, he released his sophomore studio album, About 30. About 30 is a 14-track album and it featured several artistes. According to him, the album is a reflection of heart, fears, faith and pleasure.
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Songs
Some of his songs include;
- Sade, 2014
- Temptation, 2014
- Orente, 2015
- Uncle Suuru, 2015
- Pick Up, 2015
- No forget ft Simi, 2016
- Ariwo Ko, 2016
- Friend Zone, 2016
- Nurse Alabere, 2016
- Ready, 2016
- My Life, 2016
- Work, 2016
- Beautiful Night, 2016
- Fight For You, 2016
- Nurse Alabere, 2016
- Temptation, 2016
- Paradise, 2016
- Sweet Me, 2016
- Call on Me, 2017
- Only Girl ft Moelogo, 2017
- Money, 2017
- Ire, 2018
- Mr Foolish ft Seun Kuti, 2018
- Damn Delilah, 2018
- Somebody, 2018
- Yoyo ft Flavour, 2018
- Kelegbe Megbe, 2019
- Promise ft Simi, 2019
- Before You Wake Up, 2019
- Young Love, 2019
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Adekunle Gold Net Worth
In January 2018, he was unveiled as a brand ambassador of Unity Bank. Also, Austinemedia estimated his net worth at $400,000. He is one of the richest Nigerian musicians.
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Awards And Recognition
- Best Song ‘Pick Up’, Nigeria Entertainment Awards, 2016
- Best New Act to Watch, Nigeria Entertainment Awards, 2016
- Revelation of Africa, AFRIMMA, 2016
- Best Alternative Song ‘Sade’, The Headies, 2016
- Best Song, Beat of Lagos Award, 2016
- Album of the Year, City People Entertainment Awards, 2017
- Collabo of the Year, City People Entertainment Awards, 2017 (with Simi)
- Alternative Artist of the Year, Nigeria Entertainment Awards, 2018
- Best African Music Artist, IARA, 2017
- Album of the Year, IARA, 2017
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Adekunle Gold Quotes
“We are quick to cancel people, even when we really do not know about their reality and experiences.”
“I want you to know that without your ears and your heart, my voice is on mute.”
“Protect black women, respect their bodies, their voices, their choices and their freedoms.”
“Money can’t buy charisma.”
“…I have always believed that difference sells.”
“…people love to associate with stars rather than support promising acts.”
“It feels good to have a dream, and then see it come through.”
“With age 30 comes a little more responsibility with a lot of life to live.”
“Music is very wide and there is no reason to limit ourselves to just a part of it.”
“Music is supposed to be a vehicle for social change …my songs often dwell on topical issues that people can relate with and learn from.
“A true hit song is one that people can still enjoy many years after being recorded.”
“The life is greener on the other side.”
“It is the way we treat our things that outsiders would also perceive it.”
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Entrepreneurial Lessons From The Life Of Adekunle Gold
Dare to be Different
Adekunle Gold believes that music is very wide and that there is no reason to limit oneself to just a part of it. Also, he believes that ‘difference’ sells better than tradition way of doing things. According to him, at first, he was scared on the general acceptance of his music style, but today the rest is history.
Just like Adekunle, it is important that you believe in yourself and have confidence in your abilities. You can’t be different and stand out if you are doing what everyone is doing.
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NO is Not Final
Gold attended so many reality show auditions and got countless NOs. As a result, he stepped back to do his assignment (personal development). Today, he is an ace musician.
Leverage On Your Strength
At first, Adekunle was regarded as King of Photoshop. As an Art and Industrial Design graduate, he photoshopped himself with Tiwa Savage, Toolz, and Tonto Dikeh. The image went viral. So, Adekunle thought, ‘if my creation can draw such attention, it means I have a shot at making it big’. He then capitalised on the fame and released his first hit, Sade.
Also, as an entrepreneur, start with the skill you have. Start where you are and build a platform for yourself. Eventually, you will know when to add other services and products from the feedback you get from your audience, clients and customers.
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1 thought on “Adekunle Gold – Biography, Songs And Career Of Adekunle Kosoko”
So interesting