Adekunle Gold has been building something significant with his FUJI project, and ‘FUJI XTRA,’ out now on all streaming platforms, deepens that world with 5 new tracks and a collaboration that’s been years in the making. More than a deluxe edition, it’s a genuine extension of a creative chapter still very much in motion. Listen here.
The centerpiece is “Formation,” the first-ever collaboration between Adekunle Gold and Olamide, 2 artists whose paths have been intertwined since Olamide signed Gold to YBNL Nation after hearing his viral 2016 debut single “Sade.” That origin story gives the track real weight. Gold describes it plainly: “This song means a lot to me because it’s the first time Olamide and I have collaborated. We always said the moment had to be right. Formation felt like that moment. It represents the future of Fuji music.”
The remaining 4 tracks each bring their own dimension to the project. “Shake Shake” features TML Vibez, injecting new-generation energy into the mix. “Blue Fire” reunites Gold with Simi, one of his most trusted creative partnerships, adding melodic warmth and familiar synergy. Solo standouts “Life of the Faaji” and “I Got Wiser On My Own” round out the set, each reinforcing the project’s cultural grounding and forward momentum.
With FUJI, Gold reconnected with the percussive intensity, rich storytelling, and dynamic structure of Fuji music, weaving in Afrobeats and global influences without diluting its cultural identity. Fuji, as Gold defines it, is also an acronym: Finding Uncharted Journeys Inside. “I grew up on fuji,” he says. “It’s at every party, every event. It’s ingrained in me.” OKAYAFRICA called the original album “a sleek effort that reimagines the groovy, Yoruba folk-heavy rhythms of fuji music.” Rolling Stone praised its “bright energy and joyous urgency.”
Gold’s catalog runs deep: ‘Gold’ debuted at number 7 on the Billboard World Albums Chart in 2016, ‘About 30’ earned a Grammy nomination for Best World Album, and subsequent releases have produced global hits and consistent critical recognition. ‘FUJI XTRA’ arrives alongside the announcement of an Orchestra Series bringing the FUJI sound to North America through a live symphonic experience. Tickets are available now.
‘FUJI XTRA’ Tracklist:
- Formation (featuring Olamide)
- Shake Shake (with TML Vibez)
- Blue Fire (featuring Simi)
- Life of the Faaji
- I Got Wiser On My Own