Exclusive interview with Adekunle Gold: Passion, Amapiano, and collaborations with Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers on Tequila After Ever ©
Adekunle Gold interviewed by Xnia for MiEL at the Universal Music France offices in Paris.
Audio adapted with the help of A.I. All rights reserved - wedomiel.com
In the World of Adekunle Gold: A Musical Journey Through Passion, Family, and Dream Collaborations
Interviewer (XNIA): You’re here in Paris for Fashion Week. Does it feel a bit like stepping into another world? What draws you to this city?
Adekunle Gold (AG): Yes, Paris has this magical quality to it. There’s Fashion Week, of course, which brings people from all walks of life together, but there’s also this unique atmosphere. Paris feels like a place where creativity floats in the air. Here, fashion, art, and music intersect and feed off each other. I came to soak up this energy and, of course, to share a bit of my own creativity.
XNIA: You mention creativity. It seems to be the driving force behind your career. How would you describe your passion for music today, after all these years?
AG: My passion for music is even stronger now than when I started. It’s not just a love for sound, but for the entire process of creation. Composing a song feels like giving birth to something beautiful. I particularly love the idea that a simple melody can touch people around the world, that it can change someone’s life. For me, music is a chain of connections—it doesn’t just impact the artist, but everyone involved, from the producer to the video crew to the audience. Every song has the power to transform lives. It’s a tremendous privilege and a responsibility that I take very seriously.
XNIA: Each album you’ve released could be seen as a sort of personal journal, tracing your journey. Can you tell us about your latest project and what it means to you?
AG: My latest album is kind of a sensory adventure. It was born out of moments of discovery, like when I tasted tequila for the first time. It may sound trivial, but it was a moment of revelation for me—a kind of liberation. I wanted this album to capture that feeling of freedom and escape. Each track reflects a facet of my life, a story I’m sharing with my listeners. This album is also a tribute to discovery, a push towards new horizons. I want each song to be an experience, an immersion into my world.
XNIA: You’ve explored the Amapiano genre in this project, a unique style from South Africa. What inspired you to incorporate this influence into your music?
AG: Amapiano has this hypnotic power that fascinates me. The rhythm, the deep bass… it’s a genre with a real soul, and it resonates with me. With "Rodo," I wanted to capture the essence of this style while adding my own Nigerian touch. Amapiano represents a movement, a culture, and I have immense respect for the South African artists who have brought this sound to the global stage. For me, it was a new exploration, a musical journey. It’s also a homage to this culture that has shared its richness with the world. I hope my version of Amapiano will be received with as much passion as I felt creating it.
XNIA: You recently collaborated with Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers, two legends in the music world. How was that experience?
AG: Working with Pharrell and Nile Rodgers was surreal. Pharrell has been an inspiration for me since the start of my career. I remember a tweet of his from 2013 that really impacted me: he said I should assert myself as the person I wanted to be. Those words stayed with me for years. And then, ten years later, here I am in the studio with him… It was almost mystical. And with Nile, it was even more incredible. Just days after seeing him on stage, I found myself working with him, listening to him play the guitar. Being in the studio with these two legends was a priceless opportunity. Pharrell called me a “wild antenna,” someone who picks up the best melodies. Those words resonate deeply with me and remind me why I make music. They even inspired a tattoo I now have! These moments are unforgettable, and they encourage me to keep dreaming and believing in myself.
XNIA: With these incredible experiences, how do you manage to maintain balance with your family life?
AG: Family is my anchor. It’s what keeps me grounded. Every morning, I get up, go to the gym, and then spend time with my four-year-old daughter and my wife. These moments are precious; they help me stay centered. Music is essential, but it doesn’t mean anything if I can’t share my life with the people who matter most to me. Being an artist also means being a father and a husband. I try to find a balance, to make sure my loved ones feel my love for them as well.
XNIA: You also seem to be quite taken with Paris. What do you like most about it?
AG: Paris is simply an inspiring city. I love the architecture, the mix of styles, and the elegance of the buildings. The diversity of people, the way they intersect, each with their own story… It’s like a microcosm of the whole world. And the food! Every time I come, I discover new dishes. Paris is a place where you can get lost, but in a good way. It’s a city that makes you want to just sit back and observe, to soak in everything around you. It’s also a place where I find a kind of creative peace, a space to reconnect with myself.
XNIA: Lastly, do you have a message for your fans?
AG: I just want to say thank you. Thank you to everyone who supports me and follows me on this journey. The road can be winding, but knowing you’re there, that you’re listening, that you’re sharing these moments with me… that’s what gives it all meaning. Keep believing, keep dreaming, and I promise to keep sharing my world, my music, my heart with you. Together, I know we can go far.
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