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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

My ancestor was king of Lagos, fought the British - Adekunle Gold

From The Punch · (2h ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold revealed his royal lineage as a descendant of King Kosoko of Lagos.
  • King Kosoko resisted British colonial forces in the 19th century, was exiled, and returned victorious.
  • Gold also shared how he received his stage name from God through a church sermon.

In a revelation that connects contemporary Nigerian music to the nation's pre-colonial history, popular singer Adekunle Gold has shared a fascinating detail about his ancestry. Speaking on the morning show "Great Day Houston" in Texas, Gold disclosed that he is a descendant of King Kosoko, a prominent 19th-century monarch of Lagos.

My progenitor used to be king of Lagos. His name is King Kosoko. He fought the British when they first came to Nigeria through Lagos to try to take our things, then he fought, went to exile, and came back, and then still won.

— Adekunle GoldAdekunle Gold explaining his royal lineage and his ancestor's resistance to British colonialism.

This lineage is significant as King Kosoko famously resisted the initial British colonial incursions into Nigeria. Gold recounted how his ancestor fought fiercely against the British forces attempting to seize control and resources in Lagos. The struggle led to Kosoko's exile, but he eventually returned and reclaimed his position, a testament to his resilience and the will of his people.

I told God, I need a name.

— Adekunle GoldAdekunle Gold describing his prayer for a stage name.

Beyond his royal roots, Gold also offered insight into the divine origin of his stage name. He explained that the name "Adekunle Gold" was bestowed upon him by God during a church sermon. After a period of seeking a suitable name, a preacher's repeated phrase during a sermon struck him as a divine sign, leading him to adopt the name immediately.

Something just told me it must have been God. God told me at that point that that’s your name.

— Adekunle GoldAdekunle Gold explaining how he received his stage name during a church sermon.

This dual revelation offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Nigerian heritage, blending historical significance with personal spiritual experiences. It highlights how artists like Adekunle Gold draw inspiration from their roots, weaving ancestral narratives and personal journeys into their public personas, resonating deeply with audiences who connect with such authentic storytelling.

I said, okay, you know what, just make it Adekunle Gold, and it’s very befitting of me.

— Adekunle GoldAdekunle Gold on deciding to use his stage name.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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