Afrobeats singer and songwriter Adekunle Gold has said growing older should be seen as an advantage rather than a setback, describing age as a source of clarity, confidence and renewed purpose.
The Lagos-born artiste shared the reflections while speaking with SOCIETYGIST following his recent 39th birthday celebration, revealing how his perception of aging has evolved over the years.
According to the singer, birthdays once came with anxiety and pressure, but now inspire calmness and gratitude.
“There was a time when birthdays used to scare me. I felt like time was tapping me on the shoulder, asking what I had to show for myself,” he said.
Gold explained that he once believed progress came with strict timelines, creating the illusion that success had an expiry date.
“I thought progress had a deadline, like there was a point where you either arrived or you didn’t. But this year felt calm,” he added.
The artiste’s renewed outlook comes on the heels of his sixth studio album, Fuji, which many critics have hailed as his most impactful body of work to date. While appreciative of the praise, Adekunle Gold said he views his creative journey differently.
“I smiled when I saw the tweets — not because they’re wrong, but because I see something else,” he said. “One thing I know for sure is that I don’t have a peak. I feel like I’ve unlocked something — a new person, a new purpose.”
Adekunle Gold, who rose to prominence over a decade ago with his breakout single Sade, said the confidence he now exudes is the product of years of growth, experience and hard-earned lessons.
He also challenged societal pressure around success and self-actualisation, urging people to rethink rigid timelines imposed on personal development.
“There’s no such thing as being late to becoming who you’re meant to be, to achieving your dreams, to starting again,” he said. “You’re not late — you’re informed.”
The singer’s reflections have resonated with fans online, reinforcing his reputation not only as a musical force but also as a voice of introspection and growth in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.