(If you're reading this and were at Tequila Ever After listening party, I've still not forgiven you. I missed out on that beautiful experience, and I feel betrayed.)
Everything about the new phase of Adekunle Gold is screaming intentionality. From his persona and image, visual identity, sonic branding, and features on his projects, down to his storytelling and fan engagement (his letters are therapeutic).
The artistic evolution of Adekunle Gold from a highlife fusion artiste to a fast-rising global pop star deserves to be studied. The evolution of his art and sound over the years is one of the most intentional brandings I have seen in the Nigerian music space so far. Particularly with the launch of this new project propelling him into a broader international art arena, the meticulous illustration of Adekunle Gold’s brand identity, distinctive sonic growth, detailed storytelling, and audience engagement will serve as a constant point of reference for me.
A key part of Tequila Ever After rollout that sticks includes his storytelling which creates an immersive experience that lingers in the minds of his audience. It’s as though you could see the world through his new persona’s lens thus creating the “Relatable Artistry” phenomenon. An artist’s relatable persona can enhance the audience’s engagement, making them more receptive to the artist’s work and message. It’s a powerful way to create a deep and lasting bond between the artist and their audience, as it taps into shared experiences and emotions.
I remember Anthony Andersen describing him as a Rockstar at the last Headies Awards. I mean, he carries himself like the royalty that he is, a Prince. He went from what one would call the local highlife man to a Popstar right before our eyes. What makes this process more beautiful is that we all could see it happening, like watching a flower bloom.
Grab your cup of Margarita and journey through Tequila Ever After with me.
The album portrays a predominant theme of celebration and evolution. Adekunle Gold showcases mastery and guides us through his journey to a new summit on this project.
The project opens with a thought-provoking and relatable line “My therapist don try, no remedy for my mind”. He emphasizes his need to find tranquility hence his pursuit of peace of mind. Despite the level of comfort he feels, he still aspires for a higher level of peace. He recruits the vocal prowess of Malian griot, Habib Koité, and South African songbird, Ami Faku on this track.
One shot and one smoke according to him sometimes are all you need to feel alright. Who knows? It’s also quite fascinating that this beautiful project came to life due to inspiration powered by a shot of Tequila.
Adekunle collaborates with Zinoleesky on the chart-topping hit, “Party no dey stop” which was released earlier this year in March. This track is indeed a party starter where he shares his desire to live a stress-free life at all times.
On “Soro”, he taps into a bit of his Yoruba demon sweet tongue to tickle the fancy of his lover asking her to come home with him as he’s got no time to waste any more as he isn’t for the streets. “They feeling my sound, dem dey call me Osadebe” he buttresses.
He raises his shot glass of Tequila and makes a toast on “Tio Baby”. A celebration of a good life and quality time with his lover while he brags about his success on the internet-breaking track, “Ogaranya”. Ogaranya which means big man describes the mental state of Adekunle Gold as he is in a better place, making money and living out his dreams.
Tio Tequila joins forces with Odumodu Blvck on “Wrong Person” delivered on dancehall-influenced production. He warns off his evil-wishers and those who think he is too soft. I don’t think I will ever see Adekunle Gold as a figure of Machismo in the context of this album to be precise. Forgive me, I’m just a Trench-bred. On second thought, I’d advise this, don’t underestimate a man because he looks nice. Olamide once posited “Oju ko, Okan ni giran” (bravery is a mindset and not how you look). He further taps into the dancehall genre in “Don’t be a Baby”, “Do you mind” and “Sisi Ganja”.
Coco Jones delivers beautifully on “Make it easy”, while Tio talks about an estranged relationship on “Not my problem”. Moreover, he addresses how the rollercoaster of emotions makes him tired and moving on is inevitable.
“Ahhh egbon talk your shiiii” I screamed immediately after this song came on. Adekunle Gold goes on a braggadocio spree on “Kere”.
“Look at me, I’m the captain now
Tio Tequila (Kere)
Right from Ṣade mo n gbona na
It’s a real thing, no be fictional.
I go blow my trumpet pa na na
If you like take it personal”
The above lyrics feel like something he would have said using a microphone on the balcony of his mansion facing a crowd of those who never believed the vision and are now locked outside his party.
In my fictional imagery, Tio Tequila enters his room after his brag into the warm embrace of his lover, Simi and they create a perfect love duet on “Look what you made me do”. It’s always great when they are on a song together.
“Omo Eko” is that song that elevates the mood in any Party. This is a reassertion of his status as a Lagos Prince.
He teams up with Khalid on “Come Back to Me” and the legends Pharrell Williams and Nile Rodgers on “Falling Up”, a track that highlights his journey to the top and his challenges. Labrinth displays his all-around excellence in the production and co-writing of “To My Own”.
“All my life” is a personal favorite of mine right now as well. I have a weird habit of listening to albums from the last song so it stuck from the first listen.
Concluding Notes on Adekunle Gold’s Tequila Ever After
As mentioned earlier, key part of Tequila Ever After rollout that sticks is the storytelling which heavily amplifies the Adekunle’s brand and transition to Tio Tequila.
This also spans into how he treated every track on his project. He drives a narrative with each song, tells a story with each track, attaching a bit of sentiment to each showing how important their creative process is.
“Ogranya” has the best influencer marketing strategy I have seen so far. This song birthed a beautiful series of videos from people from different walks of life contributing to Tio Tequila’s intentionality in his craft.
His international features on this project show how intentional he is with this new phase. He skillfully merges their distinct music styles to craft something truly unique and original.
I need a shot of whatever AG baby had that birthed this beautiful project.
Listen to Tequila Ever After Today: Adekunle Gold – Tequila Ever After (lnk.to)
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