Adekunle Gold has been officially signed to Def Jam, the company’s CEO tells billboards. Gold gained widespread attention after the release of his 2015 single “Sade,” which was a highlife cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life”. The CEO of Def Jam, Tunji Balogun, says he has had his eyes on him ever since then.
The afropop singer and songwriter says signing with the record label feels like a full circle moment for him after Balogun’s executive position at Def Jam in 2022. He said that being signed to this record label feels great because, since he shares the same roots as the CEO, “he just totally gets it”.
Gold’s debut album “Gold” in 2017 did really well; it peaked at the number 7 spot on the Billboard World Album Chart. After that, he opened his own record label “Afro Urban Records,” where he released two extra albums, “About 30” (2018) and “Catch Me If You Can” (2022). He said opening his own label was the best decision he ever made at the time.
The CEO of DefJam says ever since he has been following Gold, his music style has elevated, his songwriting has been refined, his vocals have strengthened, and his artistry has broadened. He says Gold can definitely be seen as a global artist at the moment and a rightful ambassador for Nigerian and African music. He says Gold has the talent, focus, and work ethics needed, and he is very happy to have him join Def Jam.
He was in Lagos when Adekunle Gold was recording his new song, “Party no dey stop,” featuring fellow Nigerian artist Zinolesky. This would be his first single under the Def Jam record label ahead of his deputies’ album for the label, due in June.
It would definitely be great to see all the amazing music Gold would create after this deal.
