Adekunle Gold Speaks On Year-Long Struggle Behind ‘Coco Money’ Hit

Afropop sensation Adekunle Gold recently opened up about the extensive hurdles he faced in releasing his hit single “Coco Money.”

In an interview, he disclosed that the track took over a year to clear, primarily due to the complexities involved in obtaining rights for its interpolation of Rihanna’s 2015 hit “Bitch Better Have My Money.” Unlike traditional sampling, interpolation requires artists to re-record melodies or lyrics, necessitating legal approval from the original songwriters and publishers, a process that can be both time-consuming and costly.

Despite the prolonged clearance process, “Coco Money” has been lauded for its innovative fusion of modern Afropop with traditional Yoruba street sounds, particularly the Elegbe call-and-response riff. This cultural motif, deeply rooted in Fuji music, adds a unique percussive element to the track, distinguishing it from other contemporary Afropop songs.

The song’s success underscores Adekunle Gold’s commitment to pushing creative boundaries and his resilience in navigating the intricate legal landscape of music production. His experience serves as a testament to the challenges artists face in the industry, highlighting the importance of perseverance and innovation in achieving artistic goals.