Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold has returned to his cultural roots with the release of his sixth studio album, Fuji, on Friday. The project, he said, is a tribute to the ancestral sounds that shaped his home country.
“That sound is the soundtrack of Lagos. It’s everywhere. That sound gave birth to Afrobeats and everything we hear today,” Gold told AFP in Paris.
A descendant of the Kosoko royal family, the 38-year-old Afropop star draws inspiration from Yoruba heritage, one of the largest ethnic groups in West Africa. He described Fuji as “one of the oldest sounds of Nigeria.”
Fuji music, which emerged from Yoruba Muslim culture, is characterised by its fast-paced percussion, large ensemble of instruments, and socially conscious lyrics. The genre took root in the 1960s, shortly after Nigeria’s independence, with the late Ayinde Barrister credited as its pioneer. He named it after Japan’s famous Mount Fuji.
Gold blends these traditional rhythms with the smooth melodies of contemporary R&B, continuing a trend seen among Nigerian stars such as Burna Boy and Davido who bridge the gap between local heritage and global audiences.
“You listen to it and it makes your body move. It’s magical,” Gold said. “Fuji, Highlife — every Nigerian sound makes you feel alive. That’s why it thrives.”
His colourful video for “Party No Dey Stop,” a duet with Zinoleesky, features vibrant outfits, energetic dancing and flower-decked boats. The song has amassed over 29 million views on YouTube and marked his first major U.S. hit.
Since then, Gold has signed with Def Jam Recordings and worked on the track “Falling Up” alongside funk icon Nile Rodgers and music producer Pharrell Williams.
Spreading culture
Gold said Fuji is not just a celebration of music but also a deeply personal record, exploring themes of grief, love and family.
“I talk about my grief when I lost my father. I talk about my love life, my daughter, about being a family man,” he said.
Although now based in the United States, he insists his “heart is in Lagos.”
“I’m spreading the culture, talking about my heritage, talking about tradition,” he added.
The singer also addressed Nigeria’s socioeconomic challenges, noting that nearly 60 per cent of the population lives below the poverty line.
“There have been steps in the right direction,” he said, but stressed that “it is not enough for the government to do everything.” He urged citizens to “do what we can” to drive progress.
Living with sickle cell disease since childhood, Gold launched a foundation this year to fund treatment and support charities in Nigeria.
