Biography of Adekunle Gold
Adekunle Kosoko known professionally as Adekunle Gold is a Nigerian highlife singer, songwriter and graphic designer. He rose to prominence after releasing the 2015 hit single “Sade“, a highlife cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life“. Adekunle Gold is fast becoming a household name in the Nigerian music industry.
Early life and background of Adekunle Gold
Adekunle Gold was born on January 28th,1987, into the Kosoko royal family of Lagos state, Nigeria. He’s a nephew to veteran Nigerian actor, Jide Kosoko who is also a prince. He had his primary and secondary education in public schools. Thereafter, he proceeded to Lagos state polytechnic (LASPOTECH) and bagged a Higher National Diploma in Arts and Graphic designs.
While growing up, Adekunle developed interest in music while listening to songs by King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey. Raised by liberal parents, Adekunle and his other siblings were allowed to practise other religions aside Islam which was the religion of the parents.
Adekunle Gold’s Rise to Fame
The highlife singer started singing in a church’s choir. There, he wrote his first song at age 15. The name “Gold” was inspired from one of his pastor’s sermon. Adekunle was also a member of the now-defunct boy band “The Bridge Boyz,” a group formed in 2010 with his friend Seyikeys. They released three songs and a cover which include; “No Sleeping on a Bicycle”, “Norm Breaker” featuring Skales and “All of Me” (John Legend cover).
In 2014, he got disbanded from the music group and decided to go solo. His first solo song “Let it stop” which was a peace song didn’t get the much needed attention he wants. Adekunle was dubbed the “King of Photoshop” after posting an edited photoshop image of him hugging Tiwa Savage on social media platforms.
On 19 December 2014, he released “Sade“, a cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life“. It got positive reviews. Sade was a minor breakthrough for him as he got signed to YBNL Nation under which he released his debut studio album “Gold” in 2015. Prior to the signing, Adekunle was working as a freelance graphic designer for YBNL Nation. He designed the YBNL logo and couple of other works.
“Gold” is a 16-track project, with musical production from Pheelz, Masterkraft, B Banks, Sleekamo, Oscar and Seyikeyz. Upon its release, it peaked at #7 on the Billboard World Album Chart for the week of 13 August 2016. Following his departure from YBNL Nation due to the expiry of his contract, Adekunle launched his band- The 79th Element. The 79th Element refers to the atomic number of gold in chemistry.
In 2018, he released his second 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.
Adekunle released a new single titled “Before you Wake Up“ in February, 2019. This came after his surprise marriage to his heartthrob and fellow Nigerian singer Simi.
On January 30, 2020, he released a new single “Jore” featuring Kizz Daniel.
Adekunle Gold’s Relationship
Adekunle married his long time girlfriend, Simi in a close-knit ceremony in January 2019. They served their fans and army with a romantic tune “Promise“. The classic video depicted their love, affections and wedding clips.
Awards and nominations
He won the following awards:
Best Song ‘Pick Up’, Nigeria Entertainment Awards, 2016
Best New Act to Watch, Nigeria Entertainment Awards, 2016
Best Song, Beat of Lagos Award, 2016
Revelation of Africa, AFRIMMA, 2016
Best Alternative Song ‘Sade’, The Headies, 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
Adekunle’s Net Worth
In January 2018, he was unveiled as a brand ambassador of Unity Bank. With an estimated net worth of $400,000, Adekunle Gold ranks as one of the richest and most influential artist in Nigeria
