Adekunle Gold: “I Was Fired” – How Losing My Job Became My Breakthrough Moment

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 When Adekunle Gold says he was fired from his job, it wasn’t just a setback — it turned into a launch pad. In a recent interview, the “FUJI” star revealed how losing his graphic-design gig in 2014 forced him to make a bold leap into music. Just like when Burnaboy turned a bedroom studio session into a global hit, Adekunle Gold’s story shows how the lowest moment can become the greatest opportunity.

Lagos — It’s often said one door closes so another can open. For Adekunle Gold, that closing was abrupt and unplanned — he was fired. In his own words: “2014. I left my job. I was told to go. You know what? They fired me. That’s what happened.”
Going from graphic-designer status to full-time musician felt risky. He had been working under the radar—designing album covers, building brand identities—but the company restructure meant his job ended. Instead of hitting the panic button, Adekunle decided this was the push he needed.

He told the interviewer he could have gone looking for another “safe” job, but instead he said: “Before I go find another job, let me try. Let me give this music thing a shot.” And that shot turned into his breakout.
His first major moment came with a reimagined version of a well-known hit. He adapted a British pop song into Yoruba, infused with afro-juju and folk elements, and released it independently. The track didn’t just land—it exploded. And soon after, he was signed to a major Nigerian label.

From there, his first studio album dropped and even made waves on the Billboard World Music Chart. It wasn’t overnight fame, but it was built on a moment of forced change. Adekunle reflected on how losing a job felt scary, uncertain, and yet — freeing. Because it removed the comfort zone, dragging him into action.

His journey is reminiscent of countless creatives in Nigeria and beyond who turned “job loss” into “career launch”. For example, when actor Tiwa Savage nearly walked away from music to pursue something “safer”, she too said a decision point changed everything. In the African entertainment world, those turning points often carve legends.

Now, Adekunle Gold stands as one of Afrobeats’ sharpest storytellers, shifting from that 9-5 role into global stages, multiple albums, and international tours. The fired graphic designer became the Afro-pop star AG Baby, a name that resonates in Lagos, London, New York and beyond.

 Conclusion

Losing his job wasn’t the end — for Adekunle Gold, it was the beginning of everything. His story reminds us that sometimes the worst day of your life can become the day you change your life. The next time you hesitate at a crossroads, remember: your setback might just be your setup.