Adekunle Gold has released his sixth studio album titled Fuji, a tribute to the Yoruba music genre that shaped his sound and upbringing.
In a recent interview with Apple Music, Gold described fuji as “the sound of Lagos,” recalling how the genre, rooted in Yoruba oral tradition, was a constant part of his childhood. “I grew up on fújì. It’s at every party, every event. It’s ingrained in me,” he said.
The album blends traditional genres like apala, tungba, and fuji with modern Afrobeats. Tracks such as “Big Fish” recount his rise in the music industry, while “Believe” and “My Love Is the Same” explore love and family. The project also continues his practice of embedding fuji sounds into his work, a technique present since his 2016 debut Gold.
The album features a diverse lineup of guest artists, including Davido, Lojay, Shoday, Asa, Simi, 6lack, Deja, Cruel Santino, Mavo, Yinka Ayefele, Don Toliver, Tkay Maidza, Robert Glasper, and the Soweto Gospel Choir.
Adekunle Gold has released five studio albums prior to Fuji, including his 2016 debut Gold, About 30 (2018), Afro Pop, Vol. 1 (2020), Catch Me If You Can (2022), and Tequila Ever After (2023).
Gold explained that the album’s title initially started as an acronym, ‘Finding Uncharted Journeys Inside‘ but evolved into a direct celebration of the music that defines his identity. “Even if I sing R&B, I sound fújì,” he said. “So I might as well show the world this sound I grew up on.”
With Fuji, Adekunle Gold reaffirms his commitment to preserving and promoting Yoruba culture through music. “I love my culture, my heritage,” he added. “We all have a duty to show our culture. I will never stop doing that.”
