Adekunle Gold Opens Up on Beyoncé Album Rejection and How Grief Shaped His Song Simile

Afrobeats Star Reflects on One of His Darkest Career Moments

Nigerian Afrobeats singer Adekunle Kosoko, better known as Adekunle Gold, has revealed how his contribution to Beyoncé’s acclaimed 2019 album The Lion King: The Gift was rejected — a moment he describes as one of the darkest in his career.

The 38-year-old star shared that the opportunity came during one of his lowest points: grieving the loss of his father.

“At the time, I was too consumed by grief to even think about music. But one day I forced myself back into the studio. Out of that pain, I wrote Simile,” Adekunle recalled.

A Missed Chance on a Global Stage

Beyoncé’s team had invited Adekunle to submit a track for the project, which later featured Nigerian heavyweights Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, Tekno, and Mr Eazi.

Despite pouring raw emotion into Simile, Adekunle admitted he secretly hoped it wouldn’t be picked, fearing it exposed too much of his personal struggle. Eventually, the song did not make the cut.

For him, it was both a relief and a painful reminder: a missed chance at global spotlight, but also a reflection of his inner turmoil at the time.

From Rejection to Rediscovery

For years, Simile remained unreleased, tucked away as a private relic of grief. That changed in 2024, when Adekunle’s longtime collaborator Michael stumbled upon the track during a studio session and encouraged him to revisit it.

Encouraged by the rediscovery, Adekunle decided to include the song in his 2025 album, Fuji. This time, it carried new meaning — not rejection, but healing.

A Song for Healing

Adekunle hopes Simile will resonate with anyone facing loss, heartbreak, or disappointment.

“It reminded me that even in my most profound loss, I was not alone. I had God to lean on,” he said. “Grief isn’t just about losing a parent. It can be the loss of a person, a friendship, a dream, or even a version of yourself. Whatever it is, you don’t have to carry it alone.”

Finding Light in the Dark

The singer’s candid revelation highlights how even career setbacks can become sources of strength and connection. For Adekunle, what once symbolized rejection has transformed into a message of comfort and resilience for his.