In a story that resonates with many Nigerians and music lovers across Africa, Adekunle Kosoko—known to millions as Adekunle Gold—has opened up about a personal chapter of his musical journey involving American music icon Beyoncé and her globally celebrated album “The Lion King: The Gift.”
According to the Afrobeats sensation, he submitted a song he had written for Beyoncé’s 2019 project—a period marked not just by significant creative opportunities but also by deep personal grief. He recounted that his contribution coincided with one of the most challenging years of his life, as he was mourning the loss of his father, a period deeply etched in his memory and artistry.
Sharing his experience, Adekunle Gold explained that he was approached by Beyoncé’s team shortly after his father’s passing in 2019, inviting him to work on her “Lion King: The Gift” album, which was inspired by the release of the Disney movie “The Lion King.” The album—which featured many African artists—was hailed for its authenticity and powerful celebration of African music. For Adekunle, however, the invitation came at a time when he was grappling with intense emotion and personal hardship.
“At the time, I was too consumed by grief to even think about music. But one day I forced myself back into the studio. Out of that pain, I wrote Simile,”
he revealed, capturing the duality of creativity born from struggle and sorrow.
In an honest moment of reflection, the artist admitted that there was a part of him that secretly hoped that the song, despite being submitted, would not be selected for the album. He attributed these mixed feelings to the heavy emotional state from which the work had emerged, noting that the track “Simile” carried the rawness of his grief.
Ultimately, Adekunle Gold’s unspoken wish came true—the song “Simile” was not chosen for “The Lion King: The Gift.” As the album went on to break international boundaries, it featured a constellation of Nigerian talents such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Tekno, and Mr Eazi, each making their mark on a project praised for spotlighting African artistry on the world stage.
While fans celebrated the inclusion of these big names, the moment also cast a spotlight on the competitive and often emotional process of international collaborations, particularly for artists from West Africa. For every star who shines, many more stories of missed opportunities and unselected songs linger in the background.
Refusing to let the song gather dust, Adekunle Gold recently included “Simile” on his latest album entitled “Fuji.” Released in 2024, he described the track as a heartfelt offering to listeners who may be navigating their own battles with grief, loss, or major life changes. The song, layered with Adekunle’s distinctive sound and emotional storytelling, is intended to be a source of comfort and solidarity for anyone feeling alone in their struggles.
He explained, “For years, the track remained unreleased until 2024, when my longtime collaborator Michael replayed it during a session. It reminded me that even in my most profound loss, I was not alone. I had God to lean on.”
“Grief isn’t just about losing a parent. It can be the loss of a person, a friendship, a dream, or even a version of yourself; whatever it is, you don’t have to carry it alone.”
Adekunle’s words echo the universal themes of his new album and resonate with countless listeners from Lagos to Accra, London to Atlanta.
Expanding the Afrobeats Narrative: Local Voices and Global Stages
Nigeria’s rise as a global music powerhouse is reflected not only in its Grammy nominations and bustling streaming statistics—according to data from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI), Nigeria is now among Africa’s largest music markets—but also in the heart and stories of individual artists.
Commenting on Adekunle Gold’s revelation, Lagos-based music analyst Adebayo Odoyemi noted, “It’s a reminder that even global opportunities come with challenges unique to our context. Our artists face not only industry barriers but also personal circumstances, and their resilience is what pushes Afrobeats to the world.”
For young and aspiring talents across the continent, Adekunle’s story offers both inspiration and a glimpse into the realities of creative life. The music business, for all its glamour, tests the emotional strength of its stars—especially when global recognition is just within reach but personal difficulties weigh heavily.
- Mental wellbeing in the spotlight: Industry insiders say more African entertainers are speaking up about the impact of personal difficulties on their careers. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health remains an overlooked topic in Africa. By sharing stories of vulnerability, musicians like Adekunle Gold are helping to normalize conversations on loss and recovery.
- Creative resilience: Music psychologist Dr. Ezioma Onwueme emphasizes, “Transforming adversity into art is a hallmark of Nigerian musicianship. Fans respond not only to the beats but to the emotional honesty behind them.”
The Path Forward for African Artists
As the world’s appetite for African music grows, stories like Adekunle Gold’s highlight not only the creative potential in Nigeria and West Africa but also the personal costs and opportunities of such prominence. The Afrobeats genre, now a dominant global sound, is celebrated for blending local rhythms with universal themes—from joy to heartbreak, resilience, and healing.
Comparisons can be drawn with other West African artists who have navigated international collaborations, from Ghana’s Shatta Wale’s appearance on Beyoncé’s album to the many who submit tracks that never see the light of day. Though their names may not always make global headlines, their voices contribute to the rich, evolving tapestry of African music.
“It’s not every song that will make a major project—but each one tells an important story of ambition, hope, and the power of sharing our truths,” shared Abuja-based entertainment journalist Ini Ekpo.
Community Reactions: Shared Experiences and New Meanings
Following Adekunle Gold’s recent album release and the inclusion of “Simile,” social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have filled with comments from fans relating to the themes of grief and hope.
One user commented, “Hearing Simile made me realize I’m not alone in missing loved ones. Thank you, AG, for your honesty.” Others praised the artist for his courage in revisiting a painful period to create a song meant to help others heal.
As Afrobeats continues to top charts and win hearts worldwide, stories like Adekunle Gold’s are reminders of the power of music—not just to entertain, but to connect, support, and uplift. For everyone struggling with pain or uncertainty, songs like “Simile” tell us, in true African tradition: there is strength in community, and music is often the bridge between our private sorrow and collective healing.
Have you listened to Adekunle Gold’s “Simile” or found comfort in music during a difficult time? How do you think Nigerian artists should share their stories of struggle and resilience with the world? Drop your thoughts in the comments and follow us for the latest in African entertainment, music, and culture.
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