Considering the very healthy run of indigenous pop hits on radio so far in 2017, we’re willing to bet that Adekunle Gold’s chances of continuing the trend are very high. His debut with Gold saw him become a fan favorite with his close attention to home friendly themes. And thought his latest release, “Money” stays true to his native Juju sound, Pheelz—“Mr Producer”—add elements of European house harmonies; fusing the traditional with international.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bag2tGDg0-j/?hl=en&taken-by=adekunlegold

Opening with drum and guitar riffs lifted from Robin Schultz remix of Mr Probz’s “Waves”, “Money” seemed destined for recycle bins where covers go to die. But The 79th Element, Adekunle Gold’s band quickly morph and expunge most of the foreign samples for more native driven guitar riffs. And while there are still traces of foreign elements in the beats that listen like they belong somewhere on a Major Lazer tape, Adekunle Gold’s spiritual narrative in a mixture of Yoruba and pidgin English emphasizes his indigenous aesthetic.

His prayerful lyrics—“Oluwa Visit Me, I Dey Wait Oh”—are reminiscent of his 2015 hit single, “Pick Up”. While it was popular in Nigeria, it wasn’t among the recent slew of hits that made rounds around the globe. The blend of international sounds on “Money” suggests that his coming album, About 30 may have a more global outlook. But we’ll have to wait and see.

You can stream “Money” below.

Featured Image Credits: Instagram/adekunlegold

You are meeting Debola at a strange time in his life. He wandered into a dream and lost his way back. Tweet at him @debola_abimbolu

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