Adekunle Gold: Biography, Life, Wife, Music & More
Full Name: Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko
Date of Birth: January 28, 1987
Place of Birth: Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Graphic Designer
Genres: Afrobeats, Highlife, R&B, Pop
Years Active: 2010 – Present
Record Labels: 79th Element, Def Jam Recordings
Early Life & Background
Adekunle Gold was born into the Kosoko royal family of Lagos, Nigeria, which makes him of royal descent. He studied Arts and Design at Lagos State Polytechnic and initially worked as a graphic designer before transitioning into music. His talent for design was evident when he created the famous YBNL Nation logo for Olamide’s record label.
Growing up, Adekunle was heavily influenced by music from King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, and 2Baba, which shaped his love for highlife and Afrobeats.
Musical Career
Early Career & Breakthrough (2015–2016)
Adekunle Gold started as a member of a music group called The Bridge before going solo. His big break came in 2015 with Sade, a highlife rendition of One Direction’s Story of My Life, which became a viral hit.
After the success of Sade, he signed with YBNL Nation, owned by Olamide, and released his debut album Gold in 2016, which featured hits like Orente and Pick Up. The album topped charts and solidified his presence in the Nigerian music industry.
Evolution & Global Recognition (2017–Present)
After leaving YBNL, Adekunle Gold rebranded his sound from strictly highlife to a more versatile blend of Afropop, R&B, and Afrobeats.
Notable Albums & Hits
🔹 About 30 (2018) – Songs like Ire and Damn Delilah showed his maturity and deep storytelling.
🔹 Afro Pop, Vol. 1 (2020) – Hits like Something Different and AG Baby (feat. Nailah Blackman) gave him international recognition.
🔹 Catch Me If You Can (2022) – With collaborations like High (feat. Davido) and Mercy, he cemented his place as a global Afrobeats star.
🔹 Tequila Ever After (2023) – This album featured hits like Party No Dey Stop (feat. Zinoleesky) and Ogaranya, blending Afrobeats with international influences.
Adekunle Gold has worked with artists like Davido, Ty Dolla $ign, Simi, Patoranking, and more. In 2023, he signed a major deal with Def Jam Recordings, marking his entrance into the U.S. music market.
Personal Life: Wife & Family
Adekunle Gold is married to Simisola “Simi” Kosoko, a fellow Nigerian singer and songwriter known for hits like Joromi and Duduke. The couple got married in January 2019 in a private ceremony and welcomed their daughter, Adejare Kosoko, in 2020.