Our song of the week!
Adekunle Gold has cause for celebration. His highly decorated career, one that’s gradually closing in on a decade, has unfurled unlike many others. His first hit single “Sade” ー a cover of One Direction’s famous record “Story Of My Life” ー came in his late twenties. While there isn’t exactly a universal acceptance on what age or time to start a career in music or in the creative space generally, many consider your late twenties a little late. Not for Adekunle Gold though. “Sade” was quickly followed by a lucrative deal with YBNL, a succession of other hit singles and a debut album that’ll not only make him ubiquitous but one that also set the tone and lay the groundwork for every creative endeavour he’s embarked upon henceforth.
He’s since morphed into AG Baby, a cooler, shredded, fashionable version of his old self. That metamorphosis didn’t only come with his looks and other intangibles, it’s even more apparent in his recent music which is more robust and daring than anything he’s done in the past. His progression has been well documented over the years, which comfortably places him in the upper echelon of artists in the country and a flagbearer even outside of it. So yes, there’s much cause for celebration. But, perhaps, the biggest cause for celebration is Adekunle Gold’s revelation on his latest release “5 Star”. Over Kel P’s solemn keys and syncopated drums he sings: “I will never forget the 90s / Many nights I go dey beg for mercy / Sickle cell show me crises”. It’s shocking, at least for most, but mostly, it’s more inspiring and moving than anything else. There’s no smidge of self-pity here and you get a sense that Adekunle Gold doesn’t want you to feel any pity for him as well. If anything, it’s just added context, as to why he’s grateful and celebratory.
This isn’t the only time when he sings with great candour. Almost every famous person yaps on about the many struggles that fame brings and how money doesn’t buy happiness. Adekunle Gold, however, does not feed this narrative. He sings, sincerely: “Money, na filter, don’t let them fool ya / Make your rabba, Stack your paper / Let them know when you pull up, pull up” encouraging everyone to work harder, do better for themselves, so just like him, you can live that 5-star life.
