Adekunle Gold, one of Nigeria’s celebrated Afrobeats voices, has peeled back the curtain on a fascinating chapter behind Simile, a track set to appear on his forthcoming album Fuji. His recent revelation is drawing the attention of fans across Nigeria, Ghana, and the wider West African music scene—sparking conversations about music, global collaborations, and the evolving soundscape of African pop.
The Untold Origins of “Simile”
On September 16, 2025, Adekunle Gold took to his social media platforms to share the unexpected journey of “Simile.” According to the singer-songwriter, the song was first conceived as part of a pitch for Beyoncé’s 2019 project, The Lion King: The Gift. The compilation, renowned for its fusion of African and global sounds, brought together top artists from across the continent—but not every track made the final cut.
“Simile” ultimately didn’t find a home on Beyoncé’s album. But like many great songs with unfinished stories, Adekunle Gold shelved it, waiting for the right moment to breathe life into it. With Fuji, he saw the perfect opportunity, offering listeners access to a previously hidden side of his artistry—a record with both local heritage and global roots.
Building Anticipation: A New Sound for a New Era
The decision to include “Simile” on Fuji has only fueled anticipation surrounding Adekunle Gold’s sixth studio release, now confirmed for October 3, 2025. Local music critics in Lagos and Accra have described the project as a bold experiment—blending Nigeria’s indigenous Fuji music with contemporary pop and international collaborations.
For Adekunle Gold, the motivation is as much personal as it is creative. In recent interviews, he’s described Fuji as a return to his roots, one that seeks to revive and globalize the classic Yoruba Fuji sound—a genre long beloved for its storytelling and rhythmic energy. In his words, “This is about going back to the source and reminding the world what African music can do.”
Rooted in Personal Story: From Tragedy to Triumph
Adekunle Gold has opened up about the experiences that shaped this new album, saying it is the most personal work of his career. He reflects on the emotional highs and lows of recent years—including the loss of close friends, the joys and challenges of fatherhood, and the pain of losing his own father. “Every song is a piece of my journey,” he notes. “This album carries my laughter, my tears, my hopes—and I believe it’s my greatest work yet.”
Music commentators in both Nigeria and Ghana have pointed out how this approach deepens the appeal of Fuji, inviting listeners to not just dance, but to connect with the stories behind the beats. The album’s introspective themes are expected to resonate widely, especially with those grappling with change, loss, and growth—a reflection of the times across Africa and beyond.
Collaborations: Where Local Legends and Global Stars Meet
The buzz around Fuji has also centered on its impressive lineup of features. Already, fans have heard singles like Coco Money and Bobo, both infused with classic Fuji percussion and contemporary Afrobeats flair. The album is set to include appearances by Fuji icon K1 De Ultimate, whose decades-long career has championed the genre, as well as international heavyweights like Pharrell Williams and Swae Lee.
According to industry insiders, these collaborations are a deliberate attempt to position Fuji music—and by extension, Nigerian culture—on a world stage. “The cross-generational and cross-cultural elements show just how much potential our sound has for global influence,” notes Abuja-based music analyst Sarah Yusuf. “It’s a chance for new audiences to experience the richness of Fuji rhythms, reimagined for today.”
Innovation Meets Heritage: Pushing the Afrobeats Envelope
By merging traditional Yoruba Fuji sounds with modern instrumentation, Adekunle Gold aims to carve out a fresh identity within Afrobeats—a genre already synonymous with innovation and cross-pollination. Local DJs and radio hosts have noted the subtle ways Fuji incorporates talking drums, call-and-response vocals, and storytelling reminiscent of early Fuji pioneers, while still keeping the production sleek and international.
“Fuji has always been about the people,” explains Lagos-based Fuji historian Segun Balogun. “What Adekunle Gold is doing now is similar to what Fela did for Afrobeat: taking a deeply Nigerian sound and making it speak to the world.”
Local and Global Reactions: Fans Speak Out
The unveiling of “Simile’s” backstory has resonated with fans on social media, with many surprised and excited by the potential for more such unreleased gems in Africa’s music archives. Some Ghanaian fans are calling for more pan-African collaborations, while Nigerian listeners praise Adekunle Gold for staying true to his roots even as he breaks new ground internationallly.
Ikorodu-based fan Ngozi Adekunle shared on X (formerly Twitter): “It’s inspiring to see our artists create music that can cross borders and still keep the essence of home alive. OG, keep pushing!”
As the countdown continues to Fuji’s release, questions remain: Will the album spark a wider Fuji revival among younger Nigerian and West African artists? Will more global stars look to Nigeria for inspiration? What impact will it have on the next wave of Afrobeats?
What’s Next for Adekunle Gold—and African Pop?
With Fuji, Adekunle Gold is poised to leave a mark not only on Nigerian pop, but on the global perception of African music as a whole. The project promises a deeply personal narrative, bold collaborations, and a reinvigorated sound—a balance of heritage and forward-thinking artistry.
For listeners in Lagos, Accra, and beyond, Fuji is more than just an album—it’s a cultural moment, a bridge between the past and the future of African music.
What do you think about Adekunle Gold’s journey back to his Fuji roots and the story behind “Simile”? Are you excited for this new chapter in Nigerian and African music, or do you prefer the earlier days of Afrobeats? Share your thoughts, join the conversation, and don’t forget to follow us for more stories on the artists shaping our world.
Adekunle Gold shares the story of “Simile” off his upcoming album which he wrote & recorded for Beyonce’s “Lion King” album 🥺♥️ pic.twitter.com/QINW7KqRHe
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ)
Adekunle Gold shares the story of "Simile" off his upcoming album which he wrote & recorded for Beyonce's "Lion King" album 🥺♥️ pic.twitter.com/QINW7KqRHe
— 𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗨𝗠 𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗞𝗦 📀 (@AlbumTalksHQ) September 16, 2025
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