It’s been two years since ‘Tequila Ever After’ and nearly a decade since Adekunle Gold first introduced himself to the world with his debut album, ‘Gold’.
AG has evolved since then, no two albums sound the same. He is constantly evolving, trying out new pockets to amplify his artistry.
Since the start of the year, he’s released four carefully curated singles, each one building anticipation for his sixth studio album, ‘Fuji’. In less than 48 hours, the full project will land on all major streaming platforms.
Ahead of its release, the TurnTable team gathered to unpack four key questions about what ‘Fuji’ might reveal and what it could mean for Adekunle Gold’s legacy.
What are the feature credits on ‘Fuji’? say about the sonic direction AG is taking on the album?
Z: Lojay & Shoday collaboration feel tailor-made for radio, accessible, melodic, and catchy. But I sense that the rest of the album seems to offer something more intimate: a window into fatherhood, the quiet struggles of maturity, and the duality of AG as both a hustler and a performer and an entertainer.
H: Lojay and Shoday each represent different lanes within the new-gen soundscape, appealing to younger listeners without compromising their distinct styles. Adekunle Gold has always been deliberate with his features. I’m curious to hear how these guest verses weave into his reimagined ‘Fuji’ universe.
W: AG is an artiste that will always evolve, hence the features. Beyond that, he’s crafting a bridge between heritage and modernity. That’s how you stay top of mind.
How will the album live up to the expectations of the public vs. the expectations of the artiste?
K: Fans have been buzzing since the album title dropped. My concern? Many are expecting the magic of Gold or the introspection of About 30. The lead singles have raised the stakes, and while AG’s newsletters have done a great job setting the tone, ultimately, listeners will interpret the project through their own lens.
H: I’ve deliberately avoided listening to the album so far. The last two AG projects left me underwhelmed, the singles built massive hype, but the full bodies of work didn’t deliver. This time, I’m going in with zero expectations.
W: There’s always tension between legacy and progression. AG knows his audience craves nostalgia, but his artistry demands growth. ‘Fuji’ won’t satisfy everyone, and it shouldn’t. True evolution rarely does.
At this stage in his career, now that he’s arguably one of the most globally recognized African artistes, what, if anything, does Adekunle Gold have left to prove?
Z: Honestly? Nothing. He’s surpassed most benchmarks: critical respect, cultural influence. Expectations will always loom large, but he’s reached a point where the only real demand is quality music, and even that feels more like a gift than an obligation.
H: Fans will always chase the “undisputed classic,” while Afropop audiences want undeniable hits. These are two very different and often conflicting audiences. Pleasing both is a near-impossible tightrope walk.
W: He doesn’t need to prove his relevance, he’s already cemented it. Now, it’s about legacy. ‘Fuji’ isn’t about winning new fans; it’s about defining what Adekunle Gold stands for in the canon of African music.
Will ‘Fuji’ be an Album of the Year contender?
Z: Absolutely. Have you seen his rollout? The man is operating with precision, purpose, and zero room for error.
H: Yes it is. AG’s announcement of a ‘Fuji’ is exciting. We were expecting this kind of announcement from someone else entirely; that he’s the one delivering it makes it even more compelling.
W: If the music matches the ambition, then yes.