Posted by Chinenye on Fri 28th Aug, 2026 - tori.ng
Adekunle Gold has opened up about the heartbreaking moment that inspired one of his most beloved songs.
(Adekunle Gold. Photo by Nation News)
Afrobeats singer Adekunle Gold has revealed the real tale behind his 2019 hit song Simile, describing it as a song formed out of sadness and doubt.
The artist stated that he created the song immediately after losing his father, when he felt lost and was looking for strength to deal with his feelings.
He stated, "When I wrote "Simile" in 2019, I had just lost my father, and I was lost in a way that is impossible to describe.
I composed this song from that place, seeking for something to depend on when I didn't know how to handle all of my emotions."
He stated that singing the same song years later with an orchestra reminded him of who he was when he composed it.
According to him, the younger version of himself could not have anticipated that he would still be doing music seven years later, realizing dreams that seemed distant at the time.
"Performing that same song with an orchestra years later brought back memories of who I was when I created it.
He could not have anticipated this moment.
He could not have anticipated that 7 years later, he would still be here, making music, dreaming, and living some of the dreams that seemed so far away."
He also stated that the song should be a source of hope for anyone going through a terrible situation, emphasizing that tough times do not stay forever.
"Simile reminds me that while you are in the midst of the darkest phase of your life, you cannot see how it will change.
So, whatever you're going through, Simile will remind you that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
He concluded, "Your darkest moments will not last forever."
Simile, released in 2019, is still one of the singer's most popular songs, and it is often recognized as a reflection on love, grief, and resilience.