Adekunle Gold Reflects on His Musical Journey from Church

Adekunle Gold, a prominent Afrobeats artist, revealed the origins of his music career during an appearance on the One54 podcast, aired on September 10, 2026. He recounted how he joined a church choir as a young boy, despite being raised in a Muslim household, where both his parents practiced Islam.

His father maintained an open perspective on faith, which allowed Adekunle to explore his musical interests. He became captivated by the choir and the leaders who commanded the congregation during praise and worship.

Although he never achieved the choir leadership role he desired, he credited his 11 years in the choir as foundational to his music career. An aunt, who was also a choir member, played a significant role in developing his musical ear by teaching him and his siblings various harmonies.

Adekunle Gold wrote his first song at age 15 and gained national recognition with his highlife cover "Sade" in 2014.