How Adekunle Gold’s Music Evolution Changed His Style

The world woke up to the surprising evolution of Adekunle Gold’s music in 2019 following the release of his album “Afro Pop Vol. 1”. The change of his highlife sound also came with his looks.

It would be out of place to say Adekunle Gold was not a fashionista before he eventually changed his sound, but he was not into streetwear, a style that resonates more with younger people.

His iconic Adire prints and Afrocentric style defined his style at the beginning of his career. It made sense because he represented Yoruba culture with his music and videos. During this period, stylists and designers like Toyin Lawani worked with him.

“The sound that I was making then was and will always be beautiful, but I just wanted to do something else because I get bored easily,” he said in an interview with Pan African Music.

Adekunle’s style went through different stages. The first stage was in his Highlife days when he released “Pick Up” and “Ire” the second phase was the beginning of his pop era with an infusion of highlife; this started with the release of his album “About 30”. He still wore African prints, but he put more emphasis on his accessories. We’re currently in the third phase.

With his artistic direction changing, his style has to evolve. The artiste, whose style leans towards streetwear, has still not left his admiration for African brands. His style always reflects culture and heritage.

“Adekunle Gold is very particular about his brand and tends to appear grand at all times, be it on a stage or for his music videos. I just try to make good designs that I feel would look grand on him and get matching accessories to complete the look I envisaged. Most times, I work with other designers whom I feel can make what I want,” his stylist Donald Onugba mentioned in an interview in 2017.

He is not afraid to play with colours and wears unconventional outfits. His accessory collections are also very drool-worthy, and his footwear choices are timeless.

AG is usually styled by African stylists who put him in clothes with African designers. He styles himself in these African-designed outfits as well.

One brand and name constantly recurring when talking about Adekunle’s style is Kemakaonline, a clothing brand owned by Gold’s longtime stylist Donald Kemakolam.

Donald Kemakolam has been styling Adekunle Gold since 2015. He is a designer, celebrity stylist, and movie costumier. Several celebrities have worn his designs since he founded KemaKolamonline in 2017. Personalities like Pheelz, Simi, The Pamilerin, etc., have been spotted wearing his brand.

Recently, Adekunle Gold has drifted towards Ramario Chevoy’s styling. Chevoy is a London-based Jamaican stylist, choreographer, and the founder of ‘Island Bwoys,’ a project focused on Caribbean creatives in the arts industry.’

AG and Chevoy appear to be in sync, as the stylist had mentioned in an interview with ATIKA London that incorporating roots and culture is vital in styling.

“I try & represent myself through all my work, of course. Especially with the artistes I work closely alongside, I like to push them & take risks. I feel like it’s 2021 & people are still playing things safe, which is boring. We should be trying to elevate our craft. Also saying this, I think it’s vital to incorporate roots & culture where possible as well,” He said.

Regardless of whichever stylist he chooses, one thing is always evident, his love for culture, his openness to experimenting, and the goal to keep it as vintage as possible.