Nigerian Afropop sensation Adekunle Gold has released his sixth studio album, ‘Fuji’, marking a deliberate return to the Indigenous musical traditions that shaped his artistic identity.
The 38-year-old singer, who unveiled the album on Friday, described the project as a heartfelt tribute to the ancestral sounds of Nigeria, particularly those rooted in his Yoruba heritage.
Speaking to AFP in Paris, Gold emphasised the cultural significance of Fuji music to Lagos and Nigerian identity.
“That sound is the soundtrack of Lagos. It’s everywhere. That sound gave birth to Afrobeats and all the things that we hear right now,” he said.
A descendant of the Kosoko royal family, Gold draws heavily from the Indigenous Yoruba community, one of West Africa’s largest ethnic groups, for artistic inspiration.
He characterised Fuji as “one of the oldest sounds of Nigeria”, highlighting its foundational role in the country’s musical landscape.
Fuji music, which evolved from Yoruba Muslim culture, gained prominence in Nigeria during the 1960s following independence. The genre is distinguished by its rapid percussion-driven beats, large instrumental ensembles, and lyrics addressing sociopolitical themes.
The late singer-songwriter Ayinde Barrister, widely recognised as Fuji’s pioneer, named the style after Mount Fuji in Japan.
Gold’s latest work blends traditional Nigerian musical elements with contemporary R&B melodies, positioning him alongside artists such as Burna Boy and Davido, who have successfully bridged Nigeria’s musical past with global contemporary sounds.
“You listen to it, and it makes your body move. It’s magical,” Gold explained. “Fuji, Highlife (another traditional genre), every sound from Nigeria makes you feel alive. I feel like that’s why it does well.”
The singer’s track ‘Party No Dey Stop’, featuring fellow Nigerian artist Zinoleesky, has achieved viral success with 29 million YouTube views. The visually vibrant music video showcases colourful outfits, energetic dancing, and flower-adorned boats, marking Gold’s first major breakthrough in the United States market.
Gold, also known as AG Baby, first gained recognition in Nigeria in 2014 after releasing a cover of One Direction’s music. His career has since progressed to include a recording contract with American label Def Jam Recordings and collaborations with funk legend Nile Rodgers and musician Pharrell Williams on the track ‘Falling Up’.
The new album represents an emotional journey through significant life events, Gold revealed.
“I talk about my grief when I lost my father. I talk about my love life, my daughter, about being a family man,” he explained.
Despite residing in the United States, Gold maintained that his “heart is in Lagos”, emphasising his commitment to cultural preservation.
“I’m spreading the culture, talking about my heritage, talking about tradition,” he said.
Addressing Nigeria’s challenges, where nearly 60 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line, Gold expressed cautious optimism.
“There have been steps in the right direction,” he said, whilst calling for collective responsibility beyond governmental action. “It is not enough for the government to do everything. We need to do what we can as citizens.”
