David Ochayi
(Adekunle Gold. Photo by Nation News)
Afrobeats sensation Adekunle Gold has opened up about the emotional inspiration behind his 2019 chart-topping single “Simile,” sharing that it was birthed from a place of deep sorrow and uncertainty.
The award-winning artist disclosed that he penned the heartfelt track shortly after the passing of his father, during a period when he struggled to navigate overwhelming grief and emotional turmoil.
“Writing ‘Simile’ in 2019 came at my lowest point—right after losing my dad. I was drowning in emotions I couldn’t process,” Gold revealed.
“The song became my anchor, a way to find strength when I felt completely broken.”
Reflecting on a recent orchestral performance of the song, the musician confessed it transported him back to his vulnerable state during its creation.
He marveled at how his past self could never have imagined the success and growth he would achieve in subsequent years.
“Standing there with a full orchestra, singing those same lyrics years later—it hit differently. That struggling young man who wrote this couldn’t foresee he’d still be here, not just surviving but thriving, turning distant dreams into reality.”
Gold emphasized that “Simile” carries a universal message of endurance, urging listeners facing hardships to hold onto hope during their darkest hours.
“This song proves you can’t see the light when you’re deep in the storm, but the storm always passes. However heavy your heart feels today, ‘Simile’ is proof that pain isn’t permanent.”
Since its release, “Simile” has remained a fan favorite, widely celebrated for its raw portrayal of love, loss, and the human capacity to persevere through adversity.
