Nigerian Afropop singer Adekunle Gold has officially signed with Def Jam Recordings, the company tells Billboard.
“I’ve been following Adekunle Gold since I first heard his record ‘Sade’ in 2016. Over the years, everything in AG’s world has elevated. His songwriting has refined, the scope of his artistry has widened, his vocals have strengthened, his approach to fashion is more distinct, and his showmanship and performance ability has grown exponentially”. Tunji Balogun CEO/chairman of Def Jam records said in a statement to Billboard.
“He’s stepped into stardom on his terms and is completely comfortable being his true self”,
he added.
Tunji believes that a partnership with Adekunle will help upscale the Nigerian’s audience base and strengthen the structure Adekunle has built over the years.
Adekunle Gold’s most recent song featuring Zinoleesky “Party No Dey Stop” arrives ahead of his fifth studio album due in June.
Gold first rose to fame in 2015 with the single Sade, a highlife love song that sampled instrumentals from One Direction‘s 2013 hit “Story of My Life”. “Sade” went on to win best alternative song at the 2015 edition of The Headies. Adekunle Gold’s debut studio album, Gold, 2017 peaked at No. 7 on Billboard‘s World Albums chart.
