When Adekunle Gold announced he was naming his upcoming album FUJI, my first reaction was a mix of excitement and cautious curiosity. I was thrilled that one of Afrobeats’ most inventive stars was finally taking on the challenge of curating a modern, Fuji-inspired body of work. Yet, a small part of me wondered: would the album truly embody the Fuji spirit, or would it merely borrow the name?
Two tracks in, my doubts vanished. The project is a full-blown Fuji celebration. Adekunle Gold had promised to create an album that soundtracks his childhood—and he delivered, sparing no effort in bringing that vision to life.
Throughout FUJI, he expands the boundaries of Fuji music, blending its raw essence with pop, soul, and contemporary Afrobeats influences. Adekunle Gold teams up with Davido, fuses Fuji and Amapiano with American R&B star 6lack, and invests in some of the most ambitious samples yet heard in modern Afrobeats.
From his wife’s sultry ad-libs praising him as “the Godfather” on Don Corleone to the nostalgic interpolation of Yinka Ayefele’s classic on Many Men, Adekunle Gold makes FUJI both a tribute to heritage and a statement of evolution.
Every track has something special, but here are the top five songs that lingered with me the longest:
1. Don Corleone
Like a true Godfather, Adekunle Gold has carved his own lane—constantly reinventing himself while staying ahead of the curve. On Don Corleone, he basks in the grandeur of Fuji music’s flamboyance, exuding the confidence of a man who commands respect in every room. His superstar wife’s affectionate whispers only heighten the air of triumph and luxury.
2. Many People
Teaming up with the legendary Yinka Ayefele, Adekunle Gold crafts a dancefloor gem that bridges eras. Many People merges Ayefele’s iconic tungba rhythms with pop and rap nuances, creating a vibrant fusion that’s equal parts nostalgic and futuristic. Get ready to relive the 2000s while partying like it’s 2025.
3. Believe
Sampling Grover Washington Jr. and Bill Withers’ timeless Just The Two Of Us is no small feat—and certainly not a cheap one. On Believe, Adekunle Gold channels his journey with elegance, layering Fuji cadences over soulful instrumentals. It’s a smooth, heartfelt anthem that mirrors the poise of a man who’s earned every bit of his shine.
4. Love Is An Action (feat. 6lack)
Here, Adekunle Gold flexes his genre-fluid artistry, marrying Fuji’s rhythmic energy with the laid-back pulse of Amapiano. His delivery is distinctly Fuji, while 6lack brings a global pop touch that expands the record’s reach to urban audiences worldwide. It’s proof that tradition and innovation can groove side by side.
5. Only God Can Save Me (feat. Davido)
When Adekunle Gold and Davido link up, good vibes are guaranteed. On Only God Can Save Me, they deliver a breezy, feel-good record driven by lush strings and seductive drums. Lyrically, they muse about fame, women, and money—acknowledging the chaos of stardom while choosing to dance through it all. It’s the sound of two giants celebrating life on their own terms.