Nigerian music sensation Adekunle Gold has unveiled the pivotal moment that transformed him from a graphic designer to one of Africa’s most celebrated artists, crediting producer-turned-artist Pheelz as the catalyst behind his signing to YBNL Nation record label a decade ago.
The revelation comes as Gold celebrates ten years since the release of his breakthrough single “Sade,” a creative reimagining of One Direction’s “Story of My Life” that captivated Nigerian audiences in December 2014. The song’s viral success marked the beginning of what would become an illustrious career spanning five albums and numerous hit records.
Before his meteoric rise in the music industry, Gold had already established a professional relationship with YBNL’s founder, Olamide, though not through music. Working as a graphic designer, he had made his mark creating distinctive cover artwork for label artists including Lil Kesh and Viktor. However, it was his musical talent that would ultimately define his legacy.
The story of his transition from behind-the-scenes creative to center stage performer hinged on a fortuitous connection with Pheelz, who recognized Gold’s exceptional potential after hearing “Sade.” Impressed by the unique blend of contemporary sound and traditional elements in Gold’s music, Pheelz took the initiative to advocate for his signing with Olamide, setting in motion a chain of events that would reshape Nigerian music.
Under YBNL’s guidance, Gold’s artistic journey flourished. His debut album, aptly titled “Gold,” showcased his versatility as an artist and featured standout tracks like “Orente” and “Pick Up,” which helped establish him as a force to be reckoned with in the African music scene. The album’s success validated Pheelz’s early faith in his abilities and Olamide’s decision to bring him into the YBNL fold.
Throughout his decade-long career, Gold has demonstrated remarkable artistic evolution. His initial sound, which masterfully fused urban contemporary styles with traditional Yoruba musical elements, laid the groundwork for what would become his signature artistic expression. This foundation allowed him to later reinvent himself with the release of “Afro-pop Vol 1,” which marked his successful transition into a more mainstream pop sound while maintaining the cultural authenticity that first endeared him to fans.
The artist’s journey from creating visual art for other musicians to becoming one of Nigeria’s most sought-after performers illustrates the unpredictable nature of success in the music industry. His story particularly highlights the crucial role that established industry figures like Pheelz can play in discovering and nurturing new talent, as well as the importance of having influential advocates within the industry.
Gold’s success story also underscores the transformative power of social media and viral moments in modern music careers. The widespread sharing and acceptance of “Sade” across digital platforms provided the initial momentum that, combined with institutional support from YBNL, helped launch his career into the stratosphere.
As he reflects on his decade in music, Gold’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists, particularly those working in adjacent creative fields. His trajectory from graphic designer to music superstar demonstrates that artistic talent can manifest in multiple forms and that success often comes through unexpected channels and champions.
The celebration of his tenth anniversary in music not only marks a personal milestone for Adekunle Gold but also represents a testament to the evolving nature of Nigerian music and its growing influence on the global stage. His continued success and artistic growth validate the instincts of those who first recognized his potential, particularly Pheelz, whose crucial early support helped unveil one of Africa’s most distinctive musical voices to the world.
