Adekunle Gold: Biography, Net Worth And Career Achievements Of Simi's Husband

When Nigerians hear Simi, we immediately think of her gentle falsetto, beautiful lyrics, and graceful presence. But behind every queen is often a king—and in this case, her king is Adekunle Gold. If you’ve heard his songs “Sade”, “Orente”, “Pick Up”, or more recently “Party No Dey Stop,” you already know him. But let’s dig deeper into the life of the man who holds Simi’s heart, and whose own journey is defined by grit, creativity, and cultural richness.

Sit back, relax, and let me take you through the story of Adekunle Almoruf Kosoko, his rise from graphic designer to international Afrobeats star, his business ventures, family life with Simi, and just how much he’s worth.

Childhood & Early Background

Adekunle Gold was born 28 January 1987 in Lagos State, Nigeria. Hailing from the Kosoko royal family of Lagos Island, Adekunle grew up with cultural roots and a creative spirit. His father often played classic highlife music—think King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey—on the morning commute, nurturing his love for music from early on.

Growing up, he was the only son among three sisters, taught to carry responsibility with humility. That balance between creativity and tradition would later become the foundation of his artistry and work ethic.

Education & Graphic Design Background

Adekunle pursued Arts and Industrial Design at Lagos State Polytechnic, earning a Higher National Diploma. His love for visuals also blossomed. Before the music industry took full notice, Adekunle made waves online as the “King of Photoshop”, photoshopping himself into images with A-list celebrities like Tiwa Savage—and going viral in the process.

He even designed the logo and album covers for YBNL Nation, the record label he’d soon sign with, proving his design talent sat well alongside his musical instincts.

Music Career Beginnings

His professional music journey began in earnest around 2010 with a band named The Bridge, which he formed during his polytechnic days. They released a few tracks, including a cover of John Legend’s “All of Me” and others. The band dissolved by 2013 as Adekunle pursued a solo path.

Breakthrough with “Sade”

The breakthrough came on 19 December 2014 when Adekunle released “Sade”, a highlife cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life.” The fusion of Yoruba, English, and highlife elements caught the public’s attention—airplay soared, and soon after, he was signed by YBNL Nation, Olamide’s label.

He followed with hits like “Orente” and “Pick Up”, which solidified his sound—a blend of Afro-pop, highlife, and soulful R&B. His debut album Gold dropped in 2016 and debuted at No. 7 on Billboard’s World Albums chart.

Albums, Evolution & Collaborations

Over the years Adekunle has released:

• Gold (2016): Introduced his signature highlife-Afro-pop sound.

• About 30 (2018): A more mature project exploring adulthood, love, and responsibility.

• Afro Pop Vol. 1 (2020): Featuring tracks like “Mercy” and “Sinner”, expanding his global appeal.

• Catch Me If You Can (2022): A culturally rich album with global collaborations including Lucky Daye, Ty Dolla Sign, Stefflon Don, Fatoumata Diawara, and others.

• Tequila Ever After (2023): His fifth album released under Def Jam Recordings, featuring Pharrell Williams, Khalid, Nile Rodgers and more—firmly placing him on the global stage.

His music shows constant evolution—from Lagos soundscapes to international collaborations. Songs like “Party No Dey Stop” feature rising talents like Zinoleesky and secured No. 1 on Nigeria Top 100 charts with record-breaking streaming numbers.

Awards & Recognition

Adekunle Gold’s music has won him multiple awards:

• Headies Awards: Best Alternative Song (“Sade”), Best Song of the Year, and Best New Act.

• Africa Movie Viewers' Choice Awards (AFRIMA): Revelation of Africa (2016).

• City People & Beat of Lagos Awards: Album of the Year, Collabo of the Year (with Simi), Best Song.

Net Worth: How Wealthy is Adekunle Gold?

Estimates vary:

• Some sources place his net worth at around $2.1 million as of 2025, citing revenues from streaming, concerts, and endorsements.

• Others suggest a range between $2–5 million, with consistent income from touring globally, brand deals (like Tecno, Guinness, Unity Bank), merchandise, and YouTube monetization.

• A conservative figure widely accepted is around $2 million USD in early 2025.

Regardless of the exact number, his wealth reflects both talent and strategic growth in a competitive industry.

Personal Life: Married to Simi, Family Journey

In 2019, Adekunle Gold married fellow Nigerian singer Simi in an intimate ceremony after dating for years. Together they have a daughter, Deja, born in May 2020. This couple quickly became a fan favourite, celebrated not just for their music collaborations like “Promise” and “By You,” but for their grounded and supportive relationship.

Unlike tabloids often paint, they have weathered controversies—such as rumors of infidelity in 2021—but have emerged stronger, focusing on family and creative growth.

Business & Brand Endorsements

Beyond music, Adekunle has diversified into brand partnerships. He has been an ambassador for Unity Bank, Tecno, Guinness Nigeria, and has launched merchandise lines tied to his albums and tour. His design background also supports his own visual branding and creative direction.

He runs his own band called The 79th Element, a nod to gold’s atomic number, which also serves as his creative and managerial team.

Why Adekunle Gold Stands Out

1. Artistry with Substance: Adekunle blends traditional highlife with modern Afropop, delivering thoughtful lyrics and cultural pride.

2. Creative Versatility: From graphic design to music to branding—he wears many hats without losing consistency.

3. Global Appeal: Signing with Def Jam and collaborating with Pharrell and Khalid mark him as a global artist still rooted in Nigerian sound.

4. Personal Integrity: A family man married to Simi, raising a child in the public eye with dignity and transparency.

5. Financial Growth: Leveraging streaming, endorsements, and touring—not just one-hit wonders, but sustained progression.

Final Thoughts

In a generation chasing fast fame and viral hits, Adekunle Gold stands apart. His creativity, consistency, and character make him more than just Simi’s husband—he is a musical architect, combining visual art and soulful sound to celebrate love, culture, and growth.

When you next listen to him belt a verse or watch a seaside music video with Sinach’s chord, remember: this is a man who rose from church choirs and Photoshop jokes to international acclaim—all while staying true to his art and his woman, Simi.

That’s a legacy worth celebrating.