Adekunle Gold Opens Up on Heartbreak Behind 2019 Hit ‘Simile’

On August 28, 2026, Adekunle Gold used his official Instagram account to disclose the emotional back‑story of his 2019 smash “Simile”. The 31‑year‑old singer‑songwriter told followers that the love‑laden anthem was actually written in the wake of his father’s death. In the post he wrote, “I wrote Simile after my dad passed away. The song is my way of coping with the loss.”

The revelation adds a new layer to a song that topped charts across Africa and earned Gold a spot on the 2019 Billboard Afro‑Pop list. While the track’s lyrics speak of comparing a lover to the sun, moon, and stars, the artist now confirms that the underlying emotion was grief, not romance. Music critics have previously noted the raw vocal timbre on the chorus, attributing it to Gold’s “deep feeling”. This latest disclosure validates those analyses.

Fans reacted instantly, flooding the comment section with messages of support and empathy. Many praised Gold for his honesty, noting that sharing personal loss can help destigmatise mourning in the Nigerian entertainment space. One follower wrote, “Your honesty heals us, brother.”

Industry insiders say the confession could spark a wave of re‑interpretations of older hits, encouraging other artists to speak openly about personal trauma. “When big names like Adekunle talk about loss, it opens doors for conversation about mental health,” said music journalist Chinedu Okeke of The Sun.

The singer’s father, a respected elder in their hometown of Oyo, passed away in early 2019, a fact that was kept private at the time. Gold’s decision to link the loss to “Simile” now provides closure for fans who have long wondered about the song’s deeper meaning. The track, produced by Jay P, was recorded at Mavin Studios and released under the “Gold” label, quickly becoming a staple on radio playlists and streaming platforms.

While the revelation does not alter the commercial success of the record, it does enrich its narrative. The emotional weight behind the lyrics now resonates with a broader audience, especially those who have experienced bereavement. As the Nigerian music scene continues to evolve, moments like these remind us that behind every hit there is often an untold personal story.

Adekunle Gold concluded his post by thanking his fans for standing by him during the difficult period, promising more authentic music in the future. The singer’s candidness is expected to influence upcoming projects, potentially steering his sound towards more introspective themes.

Overall, the Instagram disclosure serves as a timely reminder of how personal tragedy can fuel artistic creation, and it cements “Simile” as not just a love song, but a tribute to a father’s memory.