Adekunle Gold

Adekunle Kosoko (born January 28, 1987), widely known by his stage name Adekunle Gold (AG Baby), is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and graphic designer. He is recognized as a pioneer of the urban highlife genre, blending contemporary pop with traditional Nigerian musical elements. Early Life and Education Adekunle Kosoko was born in Lagos State, Nigeria, into the Kosoko royal family of Lagos. He developed an early interest in music, growing up listening to artists like King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey. He began writing songs during his teenage years and joined a church choir, where he honed his musical skills. Adekunle Gold is an alumnus of Lagos State Polytechnic, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Arts and Design. Career Progression Adekunle Gold initially gained prominence in 2014 after releasing the hit single "Sade," a highlife rendition of One Direction's "Story of My Life." The song quickly went viral and led to him signing with Olamide's YBNL Nation record label in 2015. Under YBNL, he released his debut studio album, Gold (2016), which debuted at number 7 on the Billboard World Albums chart. Following the expiration of his contract, he established his own label, Afro Urban Records, in 2018, marking a shift towards a more global and diverse Afropop sound, which he branded as "Afro-Urban." His subsequent albums, About 30 (2018), Afro Pop, Vol. 1 (2020), and Catch Me If You Can (2022), cemented his status as a major force in African music. Major Achievements and Notable Works Adekunle Gold has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including a Headies Award for Best Alternative Song (2016). His notable works include the chart-topping singles "Sade," "Orente," "Money," "High" (featuring Davido), and "Sinner." His style evolution has been a significant aspect of his career, moving from highlife-folk sounds to a more polished, contemporary Afropop sound that appeals to a global audience. Current Status Adekunle Gold continues to be an influential figure in the music industry, consistently releasing commercially successful and critically acclaimed projects. He is married to fellow Nigerian singer Simi, and the couple has a daughter. His latest music explores themes of love, personal growth, and self-acceptance, maintaining his commitment to fusing African sounds with global pop aesthetics.