Singer Adekunle Gold has reflected on his relentless work ethic, revealing that he has not taken a break since releasing his debut album.
Adekunle, who is married to singer Simi, broke into the music scene in 2014 with his breakout single ‘Sade,’ which became an anthem and earned a nomination for Best Alternative Song at the 2015 Headies.
He later joined Olamide’s YBNL Nation, where he released his debut album Gold.
Speaking about his journey to success, the 38-year-old told The Nation that he always knew he was destined for more.
“From what I can remember, there were no examples around me of what I wanted to become. I knew there was more for me to be, and I wanted it. So when I finished secondary school, the chase began,” he said.
Adekunle Gold recalled how he pursued multiple career paths before making it in music. “I earned a degree in Art and Industrial Design at Laspotech (I know the name has changed now), but it wasn’t enough. So I learned Photography and became the ‘King of Photoshop’,” he said.
“I had multiple 9-5s, as well as freelance jobs as a graphics designer. But it wasn’t enough. I started a branding company, and clearly, it wasn’t enough.”
Despite his achievements, Adekunle Gold admitted that he never felt satisfied.
“You would think I had my hands too full for music, but a lot of my income was fueling that passion that nobody really knew I had at the time.
“Music was always my end game. And when I got my break, you’d think that it would be enough, but it wasn’t.
“For every win I had, I was chasing 10 more. I didn’t know what it felt like to enjoy my wins. I didn’t know how to stop. And sometimes, to breathe, to be in the moment, to live, you have to pause and take a look at your wins.”
The singer, who shares a daughter, Adejare Kosoko affectionately known as Deja, with Simi, said his four-year-old recently made him realise how serious he is about everything.
“Deja’s voice has been the loudest. I have made a pact with myself (the 22nd one) to relax and enjoy more, be more in the moment, to let my hair down (I cut it all off sha). I am a being, not a machine I’m supposed to be,” he said.
Recalling his upbringing, Adekunle Gold noted that his father was a strict man who rarely laughed, a trait he believes may have influenced his personality.
“My dad was a very strict man. He rarely laughed with us, and when he did, it felt like it was a better day than usual. I wonder if it’s genetic,” he said.
