The Untold Story Behind Adekunle Gold’s “Simile”

Adekunle Gold has revealed a fascinating origin story for “Simile,” one of the songs on his upcoming album Fuji, and it’s a tale that bridges continents, genres, and creative intention.

“Simile” was originally written and recorded by Adekunle Gold for Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift project, released in 2019, although it didn’t make the final cut for Beyoncé’s album, AG has repurposed the song for Fuji. 

This gives “Simile” a special pedigree: a song that has global ambition from its inception, now being reintroduced through a project that’s deeply rooted in Nigerian tradition.

The Album ‘Fuji’ is set for release October 3, 2025 and Adekunle Gold describes it as his “boldest project yet,” with a mission to revive and globalize the indigenous Yoruba fuji sound. The album is deeply personal and explores themes like longing, loss (including the death of his father), friendships gained and lost, the experience of fatherhood, and the triumphs of his journey over the past five years.

Singles such as “Coco Money” and “Bobo” have already given listeners a taste of where Fuji is heading: rhythms and production that lean heavily into the fuji world but with modern production polish.