–By: Olayiwola Faith Adedolapo
The popular Nigeria musician, Adekunle Kosoko, popularly known as Adekunle Gold is a highlife musician, songwriter and graphic designer. He was born into the royal Kosoko family in Lagos, Nigeria. His style of music is majorly influenced by King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey. He was named the King of Photoshop after he posted an edited picture of him hugging Tiwa Savage. His music has been appreciated by many fans which include Ire, Orente etc.
His recent album, ‘About 30’ which was officially released recently has received various applauds from his fans. The famous musician claimed that the album took him two years to complete which shows how much care and extra effort he took into producing the sophomore album.
Before releasing, the artist Adekunle Gold had used an unpopular style and method of ensuring a widely announced album before the day of released which is not usually the traditional method used. It has always been a tradition for most musicians to announce the release date and let the fans, viewers and critics wait eagerly for it. But Adekunle Gold took the other way round and firstly released the numbering of the track in the most unusual way: he numbered from seventeen (17) down to thirty (30) instead of one (1) down to the expected thirty (30). And afterwards, he released the Artwork for the album and asked his fan to repost it to increase the album awareness.
The tracks in the album include: Ire, Down with You, Mr. Foolish ft Seun Kuti, Surrenda, Damn Delilah, Yoyo ft Flavour, Money, Pablo Alakori, Remember, Fame Somebody, Mama, There Is A God, Back To Start, Ire (Remix) ft Jacob Banks and Call On Me.
The album is a reflection of who Adekunle Gold is. He revealed as said on his Twitter page: I am really emotional now, I could cry happy tears. This album, #About30, is a reflection of my heart, my fears, my pleasures, my pain, my losses and my faith. With the love you give me? I would do it again and again and again and one more time. I want you to listen intentionally, absorb and create your own stories from it. It is yours and not for anyone to interpret. Not even me….
The album is known for its uniqueness which has again revealed that one does not have to shout or make ‘noise’ in order to produce a song that will be loved and appreciated by all and sundry. Adekunle’s About30 is not just cool but rich in words. Each word and line is not just rich in thoughts but also flow along the idea behind the title for each track.
The song, Ire which had earlier on been released before the album was launched was also included alongside another track titled Ire remix. Ire is seen by many as one which moves several thoughts and makes one ponder on oneself; a psychological song that does not just move the writer’s or musician’s thoughts but also, the listeners’ ones. The title Ire which is a Yoruba word means ‘goodness’. The song explains how Adekunle had unknowingly hid his talents, ability, dream and fame without him knowing; knowing they even existed. If I had known the life I was searching for was already my own: shows that the musician had searched for what he already had before he realized it and begin to lament on how time had passed but not opportunity.
Another extraordinary track, Mama is also one of the best tracks in About30. Mama is just so awesome! It is one for the mother to child ‘rock the party music’ dance. A song that appreciates the mothers’ uniqueness and awesomeness and show how invaluable they are…..well, irrespective of their numerous rules and orders. It also talks of our irreplaceable they are and he promises to pay her back in wealth, sound health and joy. The pun which goes: ‘Iya mi to ta gold ki ba le di Gold laye’ is just so awesome.
The other song, ‘Damn Delilah’ is one song which reveals just what almost every relationship encounter. Our love song musician decided to change his mood and spoke on the opposite, ‘the Delilah’s love’. To hell to you Delilah! It shows the heavy sorrow he carries in his heart and cursed her into hell. And also narrated the things she did which includes cheating on him and lying. He also spoke on how good he feels when she is away which opposes when he was still in love with her.
Oh yeah! The two tracks, Fame and Surrender are just as awesome as they are the only two tracks where Adekunle Gold did not speak Yoruba. This is not just awesome but also impressive as the famous English-Yoruba addict can sing two whole songs without adding his Yoruba lines. The track Surrender is the direct opposite of Damn Delilah where he revealed that he had tried to avoid any form of love until he met this lady and he is willing to surrender to true love.
The beats are just so great and every line is a reflection of Adekunle Gold’s thoughts and present situation. We hope he does not fail us the next time!
