One-on-one with Adekunle Gold

Ahead of his three-day live music concert, which starts on Thursday December 13, through Saturday December 15, talented artiste Adekunle Gold spoke to Guardian Music on the concert and his exploits so far.

You recently released your sophomore album, About 30, which was one of the most anticipated albums of the year and received critical acclaim worldwide, what actually inspired the album?

The album loosely narrates all my experiences till date, the predominant theme being love. So, I guess you can say my love for my experiences and love itself was my inspiration.

About 30 was a very intimate album in which fans accompanied you through the last three decades of your life. Can your fans expect this type of intimacy with your three-day concert this December?

I’m really excited about how my concert is designed this year; I love how my fans will be within reach from me. I’ve never been too keen on tables before general admission, concerts should be a vibe and we should feed off each other’s energy.

Why did you decide to perform three consecutive days? And how are you preparing mentally, physically and vocally for this?

Grueling is an understatement, but when I wake up every morning, I remind God and myself that I want this, that’s half of the battle won.

The rest is preparation; I have been rehearsing, working out like crazy and getting toned and sculpted! I have worked very hard leading up to this and know for sure it is going to be one of my best performances.

What should the audience expect in those three days?

Each day is different with mashups with different acts.

I’m a huge fan of mashups and I’m excited that we get to blend thematic songs with other artists. Its going to be incredible.

There’s a big surprise I am not allowed to share, you’ll just have to wait till the shows to find out. Its even a surprise to me that this surprise chose to honour me. I can’t wait.

Last year, you thrilled fans with your performance at One Night Stand with Adekunle Gold concert with your band 79th element. What was in your opinion the highlight of your show last year? What can we expect this year?

Last year was so much fun for me, the highlight of it was performing on the secret B stage with Simi, what made me happier was everyone’s reaction, I felt I was making my fan base happy, that made me happier, to see their faces beaming with joy that we had brought another stage to the back.

Last year, there were surprise performances from Simi, Seyi Shay, Teni, Funbi and others. This year, who can guests expect on the stage with you?

Surprise Surprise Surprise! I am sworn to secrecy, but look at the album About 30 and feel free to guess.

The Balmoral convention Centre is a much bigger venue space than this year’s venue, Terra Kulture, why the change?

In practicality, Terra Kulture is almost the same capacity but just spread over three days.

There is a plethora of reasons, but I don’t want to give away all my secrets just yet. But on an important note, If I don’t challenge myself, I am not growing, I have prayers to be bigger than your known pop icons, how would I get there if I don’t challenge myself? They do it, why can’t I?