Nigerian singer Adekunle Gold shares the story of how Beyoncé rejected his song submission for The Lion King The Gift He opens up about grief the death of his father the creation of Simile his relief at the rejection and how the track later found a place on his album Fuji .
Adekunle Gold also known as Adekunle Kosoko recently opened up about one of the most difficult moments in his career The Nigerian Afrobeats star revealed how Beyoncé rejected a song he submitted for her 2019 album The Lion King The Gift For him it was more than a professional setback It came during one of the darkest periods of his life when he was mourning the death of his father That moment of loss mixed with music rejection eventually shaped his journey of healing and creativity .
Background Personal Grief Amid Opportunity
In 2019 Adekunle Gold lost his father The grief was overwhelming and he admitted that he was too consumed by sorrow to focus on music Still he pushed himself into the studio trying to find some light in the middle of darkness Around this time an opportunity arrived that could have changed his career Beyoncé’s team reached out to invite African artists to contribute songs to The Lion King The Gift project For Adekunle Gold it felt like both a blessing and a heavy weight .
Also Read : Olubadan Coronation Tinubu Atiku Kwankwaso and Top Leaders to Attend Ladojas Historic Installation
The Creation of Simile
During this period of mourning he wrote a song called Simile The title which means rest on me in Yoruba reflected his emotional state He poured all his feelings of grief the pain of losing his father and the collapse of his emotional world into the song Simile was not just another track it was a deeply personal diary of loss expressed through music It carried raw emotions that only he could truly understand at the time .
Submission and Rejection
Adekunle Gold submitted Simile to Beyoncé’s team with the hope that it might be selected for the soundtrack Yet even as he sent it in he carried a silent wish that it would not be picked Deep down he felt the song was too raw too intimate and perhaps not meant for the global stage When the news came that Simile had not been chosen he experienced mixed emotions There was pain because the chance to appear on such a massive project had slipped away but there was also relief He believed the song was meant to stay with him for a while longer Beyoncé’s album eventually featured other Nigerian stars including Wizkid Burna Boy Tiwa Savage Mr Eazi Yemi Alade and Tekno .
Emotional Impact Relief Pain and Anticipation
The rejection at first looked like a setback For Adekunle Gold it was both professionally painful and personally comforting Simile was so close to his heart that giving it away might have been too much For some time the track remained hidden unreleased and only known to him It became a private piece of art that carried his grief silently in the background of his career .
Rediscovery and Release
Years later in 2024 his longtime collaborator revisited the song during a studio session That moment reignited Adekunle Gold’s connection with Simile and encouraged him to share it with the world Finally in 2025 he included the track on his album Fuji He explained that the song was not just for him anymore He wanted it to reach listeners who have gone through grief whether from losing a loved one a friendship a dream or even a part of themselves His message through Simile was simple but powerful you do not have to carry that burden alone .
The Broader Significance Art Vulnerability and Resilience
Adekunle Gold’s experience shows how grief can become a source of creativity It also highlights the vulnerability that comes with sharing deeply personal art His story reminds us that not all opportunities are meant to work out and sometimes rejection serves a hidden purpose What seemed like a missed chance with Beyoncé turned into a personal victory as he reclaimed ownership of his most intimate work Over time his career continued to grow and his honesty about this moment has won him admiration Fans have praised him for being open about rejection and for showing that healing and resilience can come from even the darkest times .
Conclusion
Though his submission for The Lion King The Gift was rejected Adekunle Gold transformed that painful memory into one of strength and healing Simile now stands as more than just a song It is a story of grief turned into music of rejection turned into relief and of private pain turned into public healing His journey proves that even when doors close the art created in those moments can still find its way to touch lives and bring comfort .