I got an early listen to Adekunle Gold’s album “Fuji” ahead of its release, and it’s a daring fusion of Nigerian music history, the artist’s Yoruba roots and global soundscapes.
Adekunle Gold is one of the most influential Afropop artists of his generation. Since his breakout in 2014 with the hit single “Sade,” he has carved a distinct lane by blending Afropop, Afrobeats, and R&B with traditional Nigerian sounds in his music. Hit songs like “Party No Dey Stop” featuring Zinoleesky from 2023, “High” featuring Davido from 2021, and “Rodo” from 2024 have established Adekunle Gold as a memorable name.
With nearly a billion streams and five critically acclaimed albums, Adekunle Gold has emerged as a leading voice in modern African music. Today, he enters into a new creative era with “Fuji”, his sixth studio album and most adventurous project to date. The album title is a nod to the Nigerian Fuji genre, while also serving as an acronym for “Finding Uncharted Journeys inside.”
His album arrives at a time when many are questioning the direction of Nigerian music. With the number of cross-border musical collaborations, Nigerian sounds are increasingly blending with popular genres as many artists explore themselves through experimentation. There is a general fear that the sweetness of Afrobeat as we know it will be watered down and transformed. However, Adekunle Gold’s new album “Fuji” looks back to Nigeria’s rich musical history, reminding listeners of the power in drawing from what we know to shape a new future.
A legacy reimagined: The roots of Fuji music
Fuji is a popular genre of Yoruba music originating in Nigeria in the 1960s, born from the Yoruba Islamic Wéré music tradition. Initially performed for Muslims during Ramadan, Fuji was born and evolved into a powerful genre, fuelled by pulsating percussion, call-and-response vocals, and local storytelling.
Artists like Ayinde Barrister, Alhaji Kollington Ayinla, and later, Saheed Osupa, Adewale Ayuba and Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (K1 De Ultimate), helped popularise Fuji throughout Nigeria. Known for its raw energy and deep cultural ties, Fuji evolved into a soundtrack for resilience, celebration, and reflection of urban life. Fuji sounds eventually became synonymous with gatherings like Owambe parties and wedding celebrations. It remains a cornerstone in Nigeria’s rich musical heritage. Genres like Apala music and the 1920s Juju music, both blend with Fuji music today to inspire new sounds from Afrobeats artists.
In the fifth track of the album “Believe”, Adekunle Gold introduces his intention to blend hints of Fuji sounds with Afrobeat sounds, while sampling American artists Bill Withers and Grover Washington Jr’s “Just the Two of Us”. The seventh track on the album “Love is an Action” also samples Bobby Caldwell’s “What You Won’t Do For Love” popularised by Tupac’s sample of the same song on his hit single “Do For Love”. One of the singles released ahead of the album “Coco Money” samples Rihanna’s iconic “B*tch Better Have My Money”. This fusion of diverse musical influences showcases Adekunle Gold’s evolving artistry and willingness to experiment beyond traditional Afrobeat boundaries. By weaving nostalgic Western samples with indigenous Nigerian rhythms, he creates a sound that feels nuanced.
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Fuji: tradition meets the future
With “Fuji”, Adekunle Gold builds a cultural bridge between the past and future. Singles like “Coco Money” featuring Lojay and Shoday and “Bobo” highlight his fearless blending of traditional West African elements. Sounds like the native talking drums and Yoruba instrumental arrangements are mixed with modern production and global pop sensibilities. It’s a sonic experiment rooted in identity and heritage that is open to evolution.
The album is more than homage; it attempts to redirect the conversation surrounding Afrobeats. It says we have always drawn inspiration from somewhere, and we have to carve out a new path. It reiterates the history of Fuji music and Nigeria’s long relationship with evolving musical genres. From its vibrant instrumental to its genre-defying style, “Fuji” represents a new frontier for Afropop. Adekunle Gold doesn’t just revisit the classics; he brings them to a world stage, proving once again that Nigerian music is timeless and globally resonant.
My favourite song on the album is “My Love is The Same,” with a hook like “I dey with you, don’t worry, baby my love is the same”. The song offers soft sounds perfect for a Saturday morning. Its soothing melody and reassuring lyrics create an atmosphere for moments of peace. The song captures an aura often found in Afrobeats songs of the past, where sounds come together to soothe and uplift the listener.
With “Fuji”, Adekunle Gold doesn’t just craft an album; he curates a cultural statement. It’s a bold and thoughtful reimagining of Nigeria’s musical legacy, tying together the past, present, and future of our music. By honouring the foundations of Fuji music while embracing global sounds and experimentation, Adekunle Gold reinforces the idea that innovation does not require abandoning tradition.
