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biography Adekunle Gold is a Nigerian born and bred highlife artist with a wholesome spirit, native roots and music that speaks to the world. He gained recognition from his very first release, “Sade”, a love song which sampled the instrumental from One Direction’s “Story of My Life”. HOME BASE Nigeria AVAILABLE FOR Concerts Private Parties Festivals Brand Activations Club Performances Modelling
Just two weeks after the release of “Sade” on December 19, 2014, Adekunle was contacted by one of Africa’s biggest acts, Olamide, to join his music imprint for 2 years, YBNL. Adekunle hit the ground running, releasing three songs (“Orente”, “Pick Up” and “Ready”) in the run up to the release of his debut album, “Gold”. Released on July 25, 2016, “Gold” debuted at number 7 on the Billboard World Albums Chart, with all of its singles enjoying massive radio play. Since his independence in 2017, Adekunle Gold has gone on to sell out 3 of his headlining shows. O2 Islington UK (800) June 30th Button Factory Dublin (750) July 7th Federal Palace Lagos (2100) December 26th He has also performed on other shows with audiences of over 6000 people. Adekunle is set to release his sophomore album in the first quarter of 2018 and is well on his way to selling out his show at the O2 Indigo (2700) on June 29th.
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Adekunle’s music is crafted almost exclusively with producer and friend Seyikeyz. In June 2014, just after the kidnapping of the Chibok girls, they released “Let It Stop”, a track dedicated to a peaceful Nigeria. “Let It Stop” was well received by Nigerian radio and gave Adekunle the confidence to keep pushing. His decision to stay the course has paid off. In October 2015, he performed in London, at his first intercontinental show. A year later he toured America solo on a sold-out, 7-city club tour, which touched Atlanta, Houston and New York City among others. To date he has collaborated with acts such as Tiwa Savage (Nigeria), Simi (Nigeria), Sauti Sol (Kenya), Dela (Kenya) and Lil Kesh (Nigeria). Adekunle believes that music is communication, meant to give insight, stir up emotion or bring a sense of serenity. He draws inspiration from his daily life and the experience of being a modern African in the metropolis of Lagos. He is passionate about Africa, uplifting his people and sharing their talents with the world. Adekunle, who is a graphic designer by trade, maintains social media pages that are big on strong imagery and personality. His modern-African sense of style has been noted
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www.adekunlegold.com
and well documented in Nigerian news media. Often clothed in Adire (a traditional hand dyed Yoruba material), he is an avid traveler and explorer who consistently documents and shares his experiences with his fans and followers. In favor of steering his own career, Adekunle became an independent act in early 2017. He has recently announced “One Night Stand with Adekunle Gold”, an intercontinental tour that will touch London, Dublin, Paris, and several North American cities. The tour will close in the artist’s hometown of Lagos, Nigeria. Adekunle, who has quickly become well known for his brilliant stage presence, insists on staying true to his sound, and taking his shows to the next level by having his band, The 79th Element, accompany him throughout the tour. Adekunle continues to make strides in growing to a globally recognized brand, which represents Africa for both musical and social causes.
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www.adekunlegold.com
quotes/
elements Like many artists, Adekunle’s musical journey has largely been shaped by his experiences in church, where he discovered his love for music as a child. Also discovered in church? His name, when he heard a pastor say, “you can’t substitute brass for gold”. That gem stuck, giving us Adekunle Gold. Adekunle is a Yoruba name which means, crowns fill the home. Seyikeyz, Adekunle and rapper, Skales, originally teamed to form a band. However, with Seyikeyz’ ability to play multiple instruments and Adekunle’s voice and pen as his instruments, they learned quickly that an artist-producer duo would get them further, faster. Adekunle got his start in a band with childhood friend Seyikeyz and Skalez. The band used covers to gain traction, releasing their take on songs such as ‘Diamonds’ by Rihanna and ‘All of Me’ by John Legend.
In May 2017 Adekunle Gold announced his official band, The 79th Element. Comprised of some of the most well known musicians in Nigeria, the 8-member band is named after the atomic number of gold. THE 79TH ELEMENT
PRODUCER/ MUSIC DIR.
DRUMS
PERCUSSION
Michael Bakare
Oladele Afolabi
Babatunde Alaba
@seyikeyz
@herbalistonthebeat
@georgiaalabama77
KEYBOARD
BASE GUITAR
LEAD GUITAR
Ojekunle Ayodeji
Owa Ayo
Femi Leye
@dejikeyz
@awhydave
@femileye1
BACKING VOCALS
BACKING VOCALS
Kosoko Adekunbi
Aigbokhan Martins
@adekunbee
@ayomide_martins
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“ You can’t substitute brass for gold.”
“
The goal is to be timeless.”
“ Gold has stood the test of time as one of earth’s most valuable elements. It is bright, soft and malleable, yet ageless and treasured.” PAGE 08
www.adekunlegold.com
links YouTube
Snapchat
SoundCloud
Spotify
press Zikoko
The Cable
OkayAfrica
Bella Naija
YNaija
The Guardian Life
Daily Trust
BBC Music
One Night Stand
Music in Africa
NotJustOk
Money
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www.adekunlegold.com
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SOCIAL
CONTACT/BOOKING
instagram.com/adekunlegold
+234 VENN AGENCY
facebook.com/adekunlegold
hello@vennagency.com
twitter.com/adekunlegold
www.adekunlegold.com