Adekunle Gold Releases His #Softlife Anthem '5 Star'

The Nigerian superstar releases one of his most vulnerable tracks yet, revealing how he did not let his sickle cell disease diagnosis stop him from getting the life he wants.

Adekunle Gold Releases His #Softlife Anthem '5 Star'
Photo credit: Simon Thiselton

Afropop musician Adekunle Gold truly is a force to be reckoned with.

The Nigerian singer and producer recently concluded his North American tour, leaving his mark and music behind among his American and Canadian fanbases. And to solidify his victory lap and get the weekend warmed up, AG Baby gifts the music world with '5 Star', an ode to the soft, sweet life that most of us should demand.


The single comes via Afro Urban Records via Platoon, and just days after Gold's 19-city US and Canada tour, as he sets his sights on stages across Australia, London, and Paris next. The Afropop sensation debuted the single and performed it live during his tour, and now gives the rest of us a taste.

Gold teased a short clip of the single online, garnering attention around his #SoftLivingOnly on popular music and video sharing app TikTok. Drenched in the sexy, hypnotic rhythms that the Nigerian 'Catch Me If You Can' crooner has commanded, '5 Star' is a clear sign of Gold's immeasurable talent and understanding of his voice and sound. Produced by industry heavyweight Kel-P, the single is a sure-in for the run-for-song of the summer, as the pair encourage fans to embrace their inner superstar.

On the single, Gold says,“’5 Star’ is an opportunity for me to speak my truth, to honestly express my experiences and my reality. It’s a manifestation of the life that I want for myself and for all of you.”

Avid fans of the singer who subscribe to his personal newsletter were treated to a heartfelt letter as the single dropped. AG Baby opened up about the fact that he was born with sickle cell disease. The star broke the news on his own terms, writing in his newsletter this morning, "It feels liberating to finally be able to speak my truth."

The newsletter continued, "When I talk about how I struggled to get to where I am today, I need you to know that my struggle was real. I was born with sickle cell disease. It was life and death, it was physical, mental, financial, you name it -- I went through it all."

And AG Baby's fans are eating the new single and his vulnerability up on social media. 

Listen to '5 Star' by Adekunle Gold here


The custom cover art for OkayAfrica’s best Afrobeats songs of the year list which features Ayra Starr, King Promise and Tems.
Latest

The Best Afrobeats Songs of 2024

African music has had some great sonic highs throughout the year. Here are the best Afrobeats songs of 2024, featuring Amaarae, Wizkid, Tyla, Olivetheboy, Angélique Kidjo and more.

Rema performing onstage  at the 2024 Dreamville Music Festival.
Latest

Why is Rema’s Appearance at Afro Jam Japan Drawing So Much Attention?

The Nigerian superstar has found himself in the center of a conversation with far-reaching consequences.