Adekunle Gold moves album release date to July, May leave YBNL

Adekunle Gold has revealed he would be pushing his debut album release date until early July after the Ramadan season which is expected to last from June 6, 2016 to July 5, 2016. He made this known via a podcast hosted by Wole in an episode 1 tagged ‘Creatives and Criticism’ with Adekunle Gold.

According to the Orente singer, “I am pushing it forward a bit because of Ramadan. It was supposed to drop for June 1 before, but apparently it occurred to me that my Muslim friends don’t listen to music during Ramadan, so it makes sense to push it forward because of them as well, so by God’s grace in July after Ramadan, and all of us can enjoy it together.”

He talked about the album making process and dynamics, and dealing with criticisms in the industry from fans, and revealed who his music influences are and which international acts he would love to collaborate with, amongst other entertaining tidbits.

Weekend Beat gathered the singer may take the footsteps of Efejoku and Shoki singer, Lil Kesh’s, in exiting the Yahoo Boy No Laptop (YBNL) label after his album release in July, following the expiration of contract.

A source close to the singer confirmed the gist of the imminent departure, which may take place after the album release in June 2016. “After his album drops in June, Kunle may leave YBNL to focus on his own label too,” the source said.

The singer came into music limelight upon the release of his single Sade, which received massive airplays on radio. He has released a couple of singles in build up to the album which have all been well received, including Ready, Pick up amongst others that are expected to make it to the album.

Lil Kesh’s as gathered exited the label on mutual agreement, and it was learned that YBNL boss, Olamide Adedeji, also called Baddo, provide artistes on his YBNL label opportunity to leave when their two-year record deal expires.

The singer came into music limelight upon the release of his single Sade, which received massive air-plays on radio. His music quality has earned his recognition and reviews; more recently was the award for ‘Best Alternative Song’ at The Headies 2015.

Olamide had on his Instagram on the departure of Lil Kesh from YBNL last month said, “Good day guys, sorry we didn’t put guys in the loop. Maybe cause we see no point in bringing it up cause family is family, business or no business. I signed two years deal with Viktoh and Kesh, it ended weeks ago. But the bond is 007 leave it (James Bond level), don’t touch it.

“Kesh got his own record label now #YAGI but still works with YBNL management. Viktoh is still under YBNL management too. So worry not. The world is ours for the taking #YBNL #FamilyForEver.”

Corroborating Baddo’s post on Instagram, the Gbese Re crooner posted, “Ok so it’s true that my contract ended about two weeks ago. Like we all know, my contract with YBNL was for two years but that is the business side to it. And did I state that my contract included three videos and one album, but Baddo went out of his way to shoot about five videos for me.

“Business or no business, YBNL is family and will always be till I go 6ft under the ground. YAGI Records is real with the support of my big brother Olamide. YBNL remains my management for life; YBNL doesn’t just produce successful artistes, it produces artistes that will help produce other successful artistes. That’s the dream Baddo shared with me about a year ago.”