Adekunle Gold looks a lot like a blooming flower, and the best part is, it almost feels like we get to see it all unfold… in slow motion. The Nigerian artists’ music has always been described as authentic. His Highlife music style confirms that he’s an incredible musician and his growing fans always knew he was something special but, no one saw this metamorphic change coming.
It wasn’t just about him switching his music style and becoming more appealing to the masses. We saw him transform from a sweet fresh-faced singer to becoming a bonafide ‘bad boy’. His last project, ‘Afropop Vol.1’ presented him as AG Baby, which captured his excitement at discovering a new self and exploring his transitioning. “Catch Me If You Can” is a bolder, more comfortable version of AG: One that is settled and accepting of himself now and is well aware of the power he holds and where it can lead him.
The confidence oozes out as he sings, “I’m a new man, forget what you knew. Now I don find my voice, I go talk my sh* now”…a very bold statement as his intro song, which sets the tone for the project. He delivers more of that beautiful confidence on subsequent songs like “Win’, where he talks his shi* some more, giving thanks to everyone who contributed to his growth, including himself and “Mercy”. He laments over the fake love he’s receiving since everyone wants to tap into his greatness now.
Even on love songs, his approach is bolder and sexier. He boldly sings about smoking trees, booties bouncing and exudes sings with audacity talking about “If I can’t have you nobody else can” on the sensual single, “Sinner” with Lucky Daye. On “FYE” he asks, “can I deep dive into your ocean?” with Stefflon Don and “Dior Dior Dior” with Foushee, he sings about waiting in line for his turn with a girl he’s interested in: “You’re in denial, you know you want me o. Decide.”
It’s not all bad boy through and through tho. AG Baby represents and acknowledges his family a number of times, reminding you of his influences and motivators. Simi surprise adds her vocals to his song “Mercy”, taking on a cheerleader role as she sings a few lines of praise on the song’s intro.
Again, it’s obvious he’s singing about his wife as he name-drops her on “More Than Enough”, a danceable happy tune where he serenades her and gives her his full attention and on “Born Again”. Adekunle mentions his daughter in the line “And I’m blessed with Adejare, See me (Simi) I dey prosper)”. The 14 track album of Afrobeats and Amapiano gives the album a sweet, feel-good feeling.
The features complement without being overbearing, and AG alternates between soft, low-tempo, upbeat, and the right tempo. There’s only one word to describe it: fluid. The songs flow into each other, and some standouts will cause you to hit replay after your first full listen.
