Few artists in Nigeria’s buzzing music landscape have managed to reinvent themselves as seamlessly as Adekunle Gold. Once hailed as the “King of Urban Highlife,” Adekunle’s journey from his early days of heartfelt folk-inspired ballads to the slick, genre-bending swagger of AG Baby is nothing short of remarkable. It’s the story of an artist who refused to stay boxed in, proving that evolution is the secret to longevity in a fast-moving industry.
The Birth of Adekunle Gold
Adekunle Kosoko, popularly known as Adekunle Gold, first broke into the limelight in 2015 with his breakout single “Sade”, a soulful reinterpretation of One Direction’s “Story of My Life.” The song was raw, emotional, and drenched in Yoruba highlife sensibilities. It quickly caught the attention of Nigerians, who were drawn to the honesty of his sound.
Signed to YBNL Nation, Adekunle cemented his reputation with tracks like “Orente” and “Pick Up.” His debut album, Gold (2016), was a masterclass in storytelling — a blend of folk, highlife, and pop, all bound by a voice that carried both tradition and vulnerability. With it, Adekunle carved out a space that was uniquely his own.
But as much as fans adored the “Adekunle Gold” sound, the industry was shifting. Afrobeats was globalizing, and the sonic landscape was leaning towards fusion, experimentation, and bolder aesthetics. For Adekunle, staying in one lane wasn’t an option.
The Transformation: Enter AG Baby
Around 2019, Adekunle Gold began shedding his old skin. Gone were the agbada visuals and rustic imagery. In came a slicker, more confident persona: AG Baby. He made reference to this rebrand on a post on X (formerly twitter) on August 21st, 2024, saying…
Afro pop Vol 1 was when i became AG Baby.
The turning point was his third studio album, Afropop Vol. 1 (2020). Songs like “Something Different” and “AG Baby” signaled a clear shift. His sound became funkier, infused with elements of R&B, trap, and dancehall while still keeping traces of his African roots. The message was loud and clear — Adekunle wasn’t just a highlife singer anymore; he was a global pop star in the making.
Even his fashion told the story. Once simple and earthy, his style transformed into bold, edgy, and flamboyant — a mix of retro glam and futuristic swagger. Adekunle Gold wasn’t just changing his sound; he was changing his identity.
Album Breakdown: The Evolution in Four Stages
1. Gold (2016) – The Urban Highlife Masterpiece
This debut album was steeped in Yoruba folk and highlife, capturing the warmth of Nigerian storytelling. Standout tracks included:
“Orente” – a love anthem rooted in simplicity and tradition.
“Pick Up” – a prayerful banger that spoke directly to everyday Nigerians.
“No Forget” ft. Simi – a heartfelt ballad of love and promises.
The album established Adekunle Gold as a unique voice who could bridge tradition and pop without losing depth.
2. About 30 (2018) – The Maturity Phase
Adekunle Gold’s sophomore effort showed growth, both lyrically and sonically. The sound expanded with richer instrumentation and deeper themes. Key tracks include:
“Ire” – a soul-stirring reflection on life’s journey, still one of his most iconic songs.
“Damn, Delilah” – heartbreak storytelling with a dramatic twist.
“Fame” – an introspective take on the struggles behind success.
Here, you could hear Adekunle’s restlessness; he was still the highlife crooner but already experimenting with bigger sounds.
3. Afropop Vol. 1 (2020) – The Birth of AG Baby
This was the full transformation. Adekunle embraced pop, funk, R&B, and dancehall without fear. Some highlights:
“AG Baby” ft. Nailah Blackman – the swagger-filled anthem that unveiled his new identity.
“Something Different” – a genre-bending fusion of Afrobeats and trap that became a global hit.
“Okay” – playful, cocky, and stylish, announcing his arrival as a modern pop star.
With this album, Adekunle officially left the “folk singer” tag behind.
4. Catch Me If You Can (2022) – The Confident Globalist
This album proved AG Baby’s evolution wasn’t a phase — it was the new standard. Collaborations stretched across borders, and the sound was fully international. Key tracks:
“High” ft. Davido – an energetic anthem that dominated the airwaves.
“It Is What It Is” – calm, reflective, and cool-headed, showing his lyrical maturity.
“Sinner” ft. Lucky Daye – sensual R&B with global appeal.
The album positioned Adekunle as a global Afropop figure, not just a Nigerian star.
5. Tequila Ever After (2023) – The Party Maestro
By this point, Adekunle Gold was fully settled in his AG Baby skin. This album was celebratory, confident, and dripping with bangers. Some standouts:
“Party No Dey Stop” ft. Zinoleesky – the Lagos street-pop fusion that dominated charts.
“Ogaranya” – a vibrant showcase of swagger and Afrobeats excellence.
“Do You Mind?” – playful, sexy, and unmistakably AG Baby.
This was not just an album — it was a declaration that Adekunle Gold had arrived on the world stage.
Why the Transition Worked
Adekunle Gold’s shift wasn’t a gimmick, it was growth. Unlike artists who rebrand suddenly and risk alienating their core fan base, Adekunle transitioned gradually. He carried his audience along, showing them step by step why the change was necessary.
Authenticity: Even as AG Baby, his music still carries the heart of Adekunle Gold; honesty, relatability, and cultural grounding.
Versatility: He’s shown he can do it all: highlife, Afropop, R&B, trap-fusion, and even dancehall.
Consistency: With every album, Adekunle has delivered quality, ensuring his artistry remains respected.
Visual Identity: His fashion rebrand amplified his new sound, making him stand out both in music videos and on global stages.
AG Baby: The Brand and Beyond
Today, Adekunle Gold is more than a musician, he’s a cultural force and a global export. His international tours sell out, his collaborations span continents, and his fashion has made him a trendsetter. He represents the new generation of Nigerian artists who aren’t confined to borders, genres, or stereotypes.
Yet, what’s most inspiring is how his journey reflects resilience. Adekunle Gold’s transition reminds us that reinvention is not about abandoning your roots, but about evolving while staying true to your essence.
Teasing the Future: Fuji & the Road to It
As of late 2025, Adekunle Gold has dropped heavy hints about a sixth studio album titled Fuji, scheduled for October 3, 2025.
This project is being billed as deeply personal, a return to roots, reflection, and storytelling in its purest form. In his own words, it will carry stories of survival, family, grief, love, and the lessons of a five-year journey in music and life.
Rollout Moves & Singles So Far
The lead-up has already seen singles “Coco Money” and “Bobo” released, the latter featuring Lojay and Shoday. These tracks hint at the sound palette he’s exploring; a blend of Yoruba tradition and modern rhythms.
The album’s tracklist leaked online, and Adekunle confirmed its authenticity. Among the teased features: K1 De Ultimate, Mavo, Cruel Santino, Miguel, Pharrell Williams, Swae Lee, pointing to a fusion of indigenous sounds and global appeal.
Adekunle has deliberately stayed coy about revealing all features, preferring fans to first experience the work organically rather than through pre-publicized names.
His messaging suggests a full-circle moment, that “Fuji” isn’t just a title, but an attempt to evoke and reimagine the sonic roots that raised him. Whether the album will fulfill the ‘Fuji in essence’ promise is among the biggest curiosities in the upcoming rollout.
Fans and critics alike are watching closely: Will Fuji fuse the old and new so seamlessly that the AG Baby era feels enriched rather than erased? Will this be his boldest, most risk-taking album yet?
Conclusion
From the soulful ballads of “Sade” to the electrifying energy of Tequila Ever After, Adekunle Gold’s metamorphosis into AG Baby is a blueprint for artistic reinvention. He has proven that you can honor your beginnings while boldly chasing the future.
Adekunle Gold is no longer just the “urban highlife boy” who stole hearts with his simplicity. He is AG Baby, a global star, a style icon, and one of the most versatile voices in Afrobeats today.