For multi-talented Nigerian artiste Adekunle Kosoko—widely known as Adekunle Gold—becoming a father has sparked a powerful new chapter in both his personal journey and music career. Adekunle Gold, whose sound bridges Afrobeats, highlife, and urban pop, has recently opened up about how fatherhood and marriage have transformed his priorities, purpose, and work ethic.
In an exclusive conversation with Spotify, Adekunle Gold shared that his family’s well-being has become his strongest motivation. The Lagos-born singer, who captured the world’s attention with hits like “Orente” and “Okay,” revealed that every move he makes is shaped by his commitment to being a present husband and an intentional father. “No matter where I go, my love remains the same,” he shared, reflecting on how the birth of his daughter has given his entire life “new meaning.”
“All I want is to do more for my daughter. I can’t afford to bring her into the kind of life I grew up living. It has to be better. That’s why I hustle and work hard. My family is my centre. Everybody knows I don’t joke with them,” Adekunle Gold said during the interview, emphasising the emotional shift he has experienced in recent years. The father of one—who is married to renowned singer Simi, herself a household name from her own successful musical career—has become synonymous with themes of love and family responsibility, especially since the couple welcomed their daughter, Adejare, in 2020.
Family as the True Centre: A Rising Trend Among African Celebrities
Adekunle Gold’s candid remarks resonate with a growing number of Nigerian and West African artistes who publicly embrace parenthood, aiming to set new standards for celebrity fatherhood. In an industry where headlines often focus on glamour or controversy, this commitment to family life is refreshing. According to Dr. Lara Ajayi, a sociologist at the University of Lagos, “Celebrities like Adekunle Gold are challenging the old stereotypes by making hands-on parenting aspirational. This directly impacts fans, showing that success includes what you build at home, not just what you achieve outside.”
Redefining Success Beyond the Charts
While music remains an integral part of his identity, Adekunle Gold insists that being a responsible father takes precedence over career accolades. “I can afford to be a failed musician, but not a failed father or man,” he said—an admission that has sparked widespread praise and discussion online. This sentiment is gaining traction not just in Nigeria but across West Africa, as fans applaud the singer’s forthrightness about his priorities.
On social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), his words were described as “frame-worthy.” One fan, posting as @shuluemp, commented, “That line should be framed. Success in music isn’t just about charts and money; it’s about showing up for your people.” This view reflects a powerful shift in how success is defined among younger generations in Nigeria and beyond, as family values increasingly inform professional ambitions.
The Legacy Factor: Parenting Against Odds
Many Nigerians and Ghanaians see parallels between Adekunle Gold’s journey and that of thousands of parents who strive daily to create a brighter future for their children. According to a 2022 report by the National Bureau of Statistics, the average Nigerian household spends up to 60% of its income on children’s education and welfare, a statistic that underscores the centrality of family in West African society.
By drawing on his personal history and vowing to offer his daughter opportunities he never had, Adekunle Gold echoes the aspirations of countless African parents. “Most of us, regardless of fame or fortune, want our children to have more than we did,” said Lagos-based family therapist, Mrs. Yetunde Balogun. “Celebrities speaking out about this make these challenges—and dreams—feel more universal and attainable.”
Celebrity Couples and the Power of Partnership
The synergy between Adekunle Gold and his wife Simi also offers fans a compelling model of a modern Nigerian family. As two prominent artistes balancing chart-topping careers and parenthood, they are often cited as cultural icons for millennial and Gen Z audiences. Their public displays of love and teamwork inspire conversations about gender roles, supportive partnership, and the realities of raising children in the public eye in Nigeria—where expectations are high and privacy limited.
“It’s not easy to chase your dreams and keep a family together, especially when everyone is watching your every move,” commented Abuja-based pop culture journalist Emeka Nwosu. “But the fact that Adekunle and Simi openly prioritise family in their lyrics, interviews, and even on social media, gives young couples realistic relationship goals.”
Balancing Stardom and Responsibility: A Broader Perspective
The struggle to balance family obligations with career demands is hardly unique to the entertainment industry. However, the visibility of stars like Adekunle Gold brings added scrutiny and influence. Across Africa, historical norms sometimes pressurise men—especially public figures—to be seen as providers first and foremost, often at the expense of emotional or physical presence in the home.
However, this narrative is shifting. Dr. Ajayi noted, “A growing body of research suggests that African youth are rethinking what it means to be a ‘real man.’ While financial responsibility remains critical, emotional support and hands-on fatherhood are now more widely recognised as equally important.”
Global Resonance: African Family Values on the World Stage
As Afrobeats continues its meteoric rise on the global stage, the personal lives of superstars—including their philosophies on parenting—are inspiring audiences far beyond Africa. Adekunle Gold’s story adds a nuanced layer to the ongoing discourse about fatherhood, legacy, and the future of African families. International publications have chronicled similar sentiments among artists across backgrounds, but what makes Adekunle Gold’s testimony particularly striking is its rootedness in distinctly Nigerian experiences.
According to a feature in Billboard Magazine, African artistes are increasingly using their platforms to highlight issues of social justice, education, and family. This attention helps bridge old divides about what matters most—both at home in Africa and for the diaspora seeking to remain connected to their roots.
Community Pulse: Local Voices React
At viewing centres, in clubs, and in online communities from Lagos to Accra, Adekunle Gold’s remarks have sparked dialogue about the pressures and joys of fatherhood in contemporary Africa. Young parents and aspiring artistes weighed in, highlighting the real-world impact of seeing role models who actively parent.
- Bola, age 28, Lagos: “As a young dad and a huge AG fan, I see myself reflected in his story. It helps to know even the stars struggle and fight to give their kids better.”
- Kwame, musician, Accra: “Balancing music and family isn’t easy, but we must keep trying. AG’s honesty reminds us what’s truly at stake.”
- Chiamaka, educator, Enugu: “Public figures have a duty to influence positively. Hearing AG talk like this can help break negative cycles.”
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
Of course, striking this balance is not without difficulty. Many Nigerian and West African men still face workplace norms or economic realities that make hands-on parenting difficult. Lack of paternity leave, long commutes, and social expectations can present real barriers. However, with more celebrities taking the lead, there is hope that both societal attitudes and institutional policies will gradually evolve to better support family life.
For Adekunle Gold, the journey continues—marked by music that uplifts and a devotion to family that inspires. His story serves as an important reminder of the evolving narrative of African manhood and the enduring strength of parental love.
What do you think about Adekunle Gold’s perspective on balancing stardom and family? Do Nigerian and West African celebrities have a responsibility to set examples for the next generation? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to follow us for the latest in entertainment news and lifestyle trends!
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