Fuji: Adekunle Gold’s Heritage, Hustle, and Heartbeat
When Adekunle Gold called his sixth album Fuji, he wasn’t just naming a body of work — he was planting a flag. This is AG Baby at the intersection of ancestry and ambition, reaching back to the pulsating drum rhythms of Yoruba tradition while pushing forward into global pop soundscapes. Fuji feels like coming home without stepping backward — it’s Lagos in motion, the streets, the elders, the stories, the celebrations, and yes, even the grief. Over 15 tracks, Adekunle Gold weaves moments of introspection, swagger, romance, loss, and victory.
When Adekunle Gold said, “My album started as an acronym — Finding Uncharted Journeys Inside”, he isn’t just being poetic; he’s describing a return to his core. “But I’m already making fújì sounds; since my first album Gold, I’ve had a fújì-sounding song on every album. Even if I sing R&B, I sound fújì. So I might as well show the world this sound that I grew up on.”
That’s the soul of Fuji — a project that deftly merges tradition and evolution, rhythm and reflection. Built around a rich percussive base, Adekunle Gold glides through apala, fújì, and tungba influences with elegance and ease. The album isn’t just a genre experiment; it’s a full-circle moment — the sound of a man coming home and expanding what “home” can mean. Fuji is both a tribute and a transformation, an album that celebrates where Adekunle Gold comes from while boldly showing where he’s headed.
Track-by-Track Review: The Anatomy of Fuji
If Fuji is Adekunle Gold’s love letter to his roots, then each track is a verse in that letter — personal, rhythmic, and full of feeling. This is AG Baby stripped down yet elevated, blending nostalgia with new-age confidence.
From the opening drum rolls to the final soulful notes, Adekunle Gold takes us through the different shades of his sound — the joy, the hustle, the gratitude, the romance, and the rebellion. Each song feels intentional, like a carefully carved piece of the man’s story.
This isn’t just a listening experience — it’s a journey through rhythm and identity. Every track tells a tale of where he’s been, what he’s become, and the cultural pulse that keeps his music alive.
Welcome to The Anatomy of Fuji — where every beat, every verse, and every emotion reveals a different layer of Adekunle Gold’s evolution.
Big Fish – The Arrival
Big Fish opens the album with the confidence of a man who’s fully aware of his journey — and his worth. It plays like an out-of-body reflection, a cinematic retelling of Adekunle Gold’s come-up story. The production is grand yet grounded, blending traditional percussion with sleek modern elements that mirror his evolution from humble beginnings to global stages.
Here, AG isn’t bragging — he’s testifying. Every lyric drips with gratitude, grit, and a quiet sense of victory. Big Fish sets the tone for the album perfectly: it’s introspective but triumphant, humble but proud. You can hear both the boy from Lagos and the world-class artist in every note.
Don Corleone – Power Moves, Golden Aura
Fresh off watching The Godfather for the first time, Adekunle Gold channels his inner Michael Corleone — calm, calculated, and in total control. The result is Don Corleone, a smooth, swagger-laced track that oozes quiet dominance. You can feel the cinematic influence — the pacing, the precision, the elegance in every bar.
Produced by Michael, the song rides on sleek percussion and lush instrumentation, perfectly matching AG’s confident, almost regal delivery. And then there’s Simi — her subtle, angelic backing vocals gliding through the hook like a whisper from behind the throne. Together, they create a moment that’s both intimate and powerful.
Don Corleone isn’t just about influence; it’s about evolution. Adekunle Gold doesn’t have to shout his greatness — he just wears it, effortlessly.
Bobo feat. Lojay & Shoday – Sweet Talk, Slick Moves
Bobo glides in with an effortlessly smooth vibe — a playful, flirty tune that mixes charm with rhythm. Adekunle Gold, Lojay, and Shoday form a dream team of melody and mood, each bringing their own flavor to the mix. The chemistry is instant: AG sets the tone with easy confidence, Lojay slides in with his signature silky vocals, and Shoday adds that youthful spark that makes the song bounce.
It’s cheeky, romantic, and pure Lagos energy — the kind of song that feels like a wink and a smile across the dancefloor. Beneath the catchy hook, there’s still that Fuji essence — the percussion rolls, the groove, the warmth. Bobo proves Adekunle Gold can merge his traditional roots with modern sensuality without missing a beat.
Coco Money – Soft Life Anthem
Coco Money feels like a victory lap — a celebration of success, style, and self-worth. Adekunle Gold glides over a bright, percussive beat with the confidence of someone who’s earned every bit of his shine. It’s smooth, catchy, and deeply rooted in that Afro-inspired bounce that gives the album its heartbeat.
Here, AG flexes with flair but never loses his grace. The lyrics aren’t just about wealth; they’re about comfort, peace, and the freedom that comes from hard work paying off. It’s aspirational in the best way — the kind of song that makes you want to chase your dreams and look good doing it.
With its addictive rhythm and clean production, Coco Money stands tall as one of the album’s sleekest moments — proof that Adekunle Gold can make luxury sound grounded and groove timeless.
Believe – Love, Legacy, and the Language of the Heart
On Believe, Adekunle Gold crafts a masterclass in balance — bridging eras, genres, and emotions with effortless grace. Built around a clever interpolation of Bill Withers and Grover Washington Jr.’s timeless Just the Two of Us, the track feels like both a nod to the past and a bold step into the future.
Here, AG celebrates love in its purest forms — familial, romantic, and spiritual — all woven through the lens of Yoruba storytelling. The cadence, the rhythm, the phrasing — it’s the oral tradition reimagined for the streaming generation. His voice glides over the jazzy, soulful groove, carrying warmth and wisdom in equal measure.
Believe isn’t just a love song; it’s a bridge between Fuji and soul, between home and the world. It’s Adekunle Gold reminding us that no matter how global the sound becomes, the heart of it will always beat in Yoruba rhythm.
My Love Is The Same – Unchanging Hearts, Timeless Bonds
My Love Is the Same flows seamlessly from Believe, carrying forward its emotional warmth and deep-rooted storytelling. Adekunle Gold leans into both familial and romantic love again, weaving verses that feel like affirmations — gentle, honest, and enduring.
The song’s beauty lies in its simplicity. It’s not grand or flashy; it’s grounded, like a conversation between generations. You can hear the echoes of Yoruba oral tradition in his delivery — the call-and-response phrasing, the vivid imagery, the rhythmic wisdom.
AG’s voice sits perfectly over the soft percussion and mellow groove, making My Love Is the Same feel like a quiet sunrise moment — full of warmth, continuity, and grace. It’s love, not just as emotion, but as heritage — constant, rooted, and beautifully human.
Love Is An Action feat. 6lack – Proof Over Promises
Love Is an Action pairs Adekunle Gold and 6LACK in a soulful masterclass on maturity and intention. Built around soft percussion and warm, rolling basslines, the track finds both artists exploring love beyond words — it’s about showing up, not just speaking up.
Adekunle Gold brings his Afro Fusion rhythm and heartfelt delivery, while 6LACK glides in with his signature calm introspection, his tone wrapping around the beat like smoke. Their chemistry is undeniable — understated, grown, and deeply emotive.
This isn’t a grand love anthem; it’s a quiet truth. Love Is an Action reminds us that real love lives in the doing — in the everyday gestures that don’t make noise but mean everything.
Many People – Grace, Glory, and the Good Life
Many People is Adekunle Gold at his most celebratory — a joyous ode to success, gratitude, and divine timing. The track shines with rich Fuji energy, grounded in rhythmic percussion and layered vocals that nod to Yoruba praise-singing traditions.
Here, AG pays homage to one of the genre’s icons by interpolating Yinka Ayefele’s classic hit — and the legend himself blesses the moment with a refreshed version just for this track. The result is both nostalgic and new, a beautiful meeting of generations that bridges old-school Fuji brilliance with Adekunle Gold’s sleek, modern artistry.
Lyrically, it’s a victory chant — confident yet thankful. Many People feels like a Sunday morning drive through Lagos with the windows down, gratitude in your heart, and joy in your voice. It’s not just about having made it — it’s about acknowledging everyone and everything that helped you rise.
Attack feat. Cruel Santino, Mavo & Tkay Maidza – Chaos, Cool, and Controlled Madness
Attack is where Adekunle Gold lets loose — a genre-bending explosion of sound and swagger. Featuring Cruel Santino, Mavo, and Tkay Maidza, the track feels like a creative free-for-all, where each artist brings their wildest instincts to the table.
The production is futuristic and edgy — Fuji percussion meets alt-pop and trap textures in a way that shouldn’t make sense, but absolutely does. Cruel Santino floats through the beat with his trademark eccentric cool, Tkay Maidza adds a burst of fiery attitude, and Mavo laces the record with infectious rhythm.
Through it all, Adekunle Gold remains the anchor — smooth, fearless, and fully in command. Attack is not about aggression but assertion — the sound of artists who know their lane, their power, and their individuality. It’s bold, experimental, and one of the album’s most thrilling detours.
Only God Can Save Me feat. Davido – Temptation, Fame, and Faithfulness
Only God Can Save Me finds Adekunle Gold and Davido reflecting on the chaos that comes with fame — the parties, the attention, the endless temptation — and the discipline it takes to stay grounded through it all. It’s witty, honest, and full of personality, with both artists delivering their verses like men who’ve lived the story they’re telling.
The production carries a smooth Afro-Fuji groove, balancing playful bounce with introspective undertones. Adekunle Gold’s delivery is calm yet candid, while Davido slides in with his trademark charisma, turning confession into charm.
But beyond the humor, there’s sincerity — a glimpse of the real-life struggle to remain loyal in a world that constantly tests your resolve. Only God Can Save Me is both prayer and flex: a reminder that even the strongest hearts sometimes need divine help to stay focused.
Lailo – Soft Glow, Gentle Groove
Lailo slows things down with a breezy, soft-tempo Afropop rhythm that feels like a deep exhale. It’s Adekunle Gold in his comfort zone — warm, melodic, and effortlessly romantic. The production is silky and minimalist, with smooth guitar lines and subtle percussion that let his voice shine front and center.
Lyrically, it’s tender and reflective — a love song that doesn’t shout but sways. AG’s delivery carries that Fuji soulfulness beneath its pop surface, giving the track emotional depth without losing its lightness.
Lailo feels like golden-hour music — something you play when the sun hits just right and everything slows down. It’s calm, charming, and quietly addictive, reminding listeners that even in a high-energy album, Adekunle Gold’s soft touch still steals the show.
Oba – Crown Talk, King Energy
Oba — which means King — is Adekunle Gold stepping fully into his throne. The track radiates power, poise, and presence, built on a confident Fuji rhythm that commands attention from the first beat. The percussion is bold, the chants regal, and AG’s delivery? Pure royalty.
Here, he isn’t asking for recognition — he’s affirming it. The lyrics blend pride with gratitude, echoing the journey from hustler to headline act. It’s celebratory but grounded, reminding you that his crown wasn’t handed to him — he earned it, track by track, year by year.
Oba stands as one of the album’s defining moments — an anthem for self-belief, cultural pride, and hard-won glory. It’s Adekunle Gold looking back at his path and saying with quiet conviction: I didn’t just dream of the throne — I built it.
Simile feat. Soweto Gospel Choir & 79th Element – Spirit, Sound, and Surrender
Simile is a breathtaking fusion of soul and spirituality — the kind of song that doesn’t just play, it moves through you. Featuring the majestic harmonies of the Soweto Gospel Choir and the rich instrumentation of The 79th Element, the track feels like a homecoming — both earthly and divine.
Adekunle Gold’s vocals soar with conviction as he sings of grace, gratitude, and faith, while the choir lifts the record into something celestial. The percussion and layered harmonies echo his Fuji roots but expand into something far bigger — a universal sound of praise and peace.
Simile is pure elevation. It’s not just the emotional high point of the album; it’s a spiritual experience — a moment where Adekunle Gold transcends genre and becomes a vessel for something higher.
I’m Not Done feat. Robert Glasper – Still Rising, Still Golden
I’m Not Done feels like a deep exhale — reflective, soulful, and quietly triumphant. With Robert Glasper on board, the track glows with rich jazz textures, delicate keys, and fluid transitions that wrap Adekunle Gold’s vocals in warmth and sophistication.
Lyrically, AG stands tall in self-awareness — acknowledging how far he’s come while declaring there’s still more to do, more to give, more to become. It’s the voice of an artist in his prime but still hungry, still curious, still evolving.
Robert Glasper’s jazzy fingerprints give the song a timeless elegance, transforming it into something you feel more than you just hear. I’m Not Done is both a promise and a statement — a reminder that Adekunle Gold’s journey is ongoing, his creativity still expanding, his story still being written.
Obimo – My Heartbeat, My Home
Obimo — meaning “my heart” in Igbo — is one of the most emotionally resonant songs on the project. Already beloved from its earlier release, the track finds Adekunle Gold in his most intimate and vulnerable form, delivering a soulful declaration of love wrapped in warm percussion and tender harmonies.
The production is minimal yet powerful — soft guitar strings, layered background vocals, and gentle rhythms that allow AG’s voice to take center stage. His delivery is heartfelt, painting a picture of deep affection, gratitude, and emotional safety.
With Obimo, Adekunle Gold bridges tradition and modern Afropop seamlessly. It’s a love song that feels timeless — the kind of track that lingers long after it ends, reminding listeners of the depth and sincerity that define his artistry.
Final Remarks: The Evolution of Adekunle Gold
Adekunle Gold’s latest album, Fuji, is more than a collection of songs — it’s a journey of evolution, introspection, and mastery. Across its diverse soundscape, AG Baby balances grit and grace, weaving between vulnerability, spirituality, love, and celebration with remarkable ease.
From heartfelt ballads like Obimo and Love Is An Action (feat. 6LACK) to hard-hitting collaborations like Attack and Only God Can Save Me (feat. Davido), the project reflects a man who has grown into his sound and purpose. Each feature, melody, and lyric feels intentional — proof of an artist deeply in tune with his craft and message.
Ultimately, this body of work, Fuji, cements Adekunle Gold as one of Afrobeats’ most versatile and fearless storytellers — an artist unafraid to explore every shade of emotion while staying true to his roots. It’s not just an album; it’s a statement of legacy, love, and self-belief — a reminder that Adekunle Gold is far from done; in fact, he’s only getting started.
Ratings
Delivery: 1.8/2
Lyricism: 1.8/2
Relatability: 1.7/2
Mixing and Production: 1.9/2
Replay Value: 1.8/2
Adekunle Gold FUJI Album Review – Reviewed & Written by Peace Umanah
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