“I Wasn’t Thinking About Women Then” – Adekunle Gold’s Jaw-Dropping Throwback Sparks Online Frenzy

In a turn of events that has both amused and inspired many fans, Nigerian singer and songwriter Adekunle Gold shook the internet with a jaw-dropping throwback photo that ignited a storm of reactions on social media. The photo, which appeared modest and rugged, harks back to the days when the now-polished superstar was still navigating the harsh realities of life in Ikorodu, Lagos. Shared on X (formerly Twitter), the picture sent shockwaves across the platform, prompting both laughter and reflection as fans reminisced about their own humble beginnings while praising Adekunle’s transformation.

The conversation began when a Twitter user, @flygodT, commented humorously on Adekunle Gold’s appearance in the photo with a now-viral quote: “Which one be LAPO baby again?” referencing a colloquial term often used to describe someone struggling financially or appearing less fashionable. In response, Adekunle Gold, fondly referred to as “BIG FISHO” on the platform, posted a candid reply: “2005. IKORODU NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT. TIPPER-GARAGE. LASLNWON.” The singer’s raw honesty and precise naming of the location only added to the authenticity and emotional weight of the photo.

What stood out even more than the image was the backdrop of hardship that accompanied it. Another user, @salammtijani, marvelled at how someone suffering from sickle cell anemia — a condition Adekunle Gold has openly battled with — could have endured such difficult times. “Person still suffer this kind suffer with sickle cell. Omoooo,” they wrote. Adekunle, who rarely dwells on the topic in public, responded with a simple but powerful affirmation: “That part.” That brief reply echoed volumes, reminding fans and followers that behind the glitz and glam of stardom lies a tale of strength, resilience, and survival.

As if that wasn’t moving enough, another Twitter user, @blckkman, attempted to lighten the mood with a playful question: “Have you met your wife here then?” referring to Simi, Adekunle Gold’s superstar wife and fellow singer. But Adekunle’s response was as grounded as it was hilarious. “You think say na woman dey my head this time? Lol,” he wrote, sending fans into fits of laughter while simultaneously highlighting just how focused he was during those formative years. For Adekunle, those times weren’t about romance or relationships — they were about survival, grit, and holding on to dreams that seemed so far away.

The tweet exchange not only humanized the artist but also deepened the public’s respect for his journey. For many, it was a reminder that even the biggest stars often come from the humblest of beginnings. Adekunle Gold didn’t just appear on the scene as a polished performer with sleek visuals and chart-topping hits. He came from a place where electricity was unstable, where the streets of Ikorodu told stories of struggle, where dreams were fragile, and where even affording studio time felt like a luxury.

In 2005, there was no spotlight shining on the lanky boy navigating his way through Tipper-Garage. There were no record labels waiting in line to sign him, no screaming fans chanting his name, no social media presence to boost his image. It was just him, a body weathered by a chronic illness, a town soaked in dust and hustle, and a dream too stubborn to die. And now, that same boy, once dismissed and overlooked, is one of Nigeria’s most beloved artists — a testament to what relentless perseverance and faith can produce.

The public reaction to the photo and the ensuing conversation was overwhelming. Fans flooded Adekunle Gold’s mentions with both memes and messages of admiration, with many calling his transformation one of the most remarkable glow-ups in the Nigerian music industry. While the humor was abundant, so was the inspiration. Young people across the country, especially those battling personal and economic hardships, found solace in Adekunle’s story — proof that one’s beginning does not define their future.

Adekunle Gold’s ability to wear his past with pride and vulnerability is one of the reasons fans connect so deeply with him. In an age where social media often encourages carefully curated images and overly filtered perfection, he chose to share a moment of raw reality. He didn’t shy away from the dust-stained background, the unfashionable clothes, or the pain behind his eyes. Instead, he embraced it, acknowledged it, and added humor and humility to the mix — making the story all the more powerful.

Interestingly, Adekunle Gold’s entire musical brand has always been rooted in authenticity. From his early days of “Sade” and “Orente” to his more recent hit albums, the singer has consistently blended highlife, Afrobeats, and personal storytelling into songs that resonate with millions. He has never pretended to be what he is not, and this latest tweet only cements that reputation further. Whether he’s sharing tales of his upbringing or giving fans a glimpse into his marriage with Simi, he remains disarmingly relatable.

As the throwback photo continues to make the rounds online, it serves as more than just internet banter. It is a visual diary entry — a snapshot of a life once lived in hardship, now transformed by sheer will and talent. Adekunle Gold’s fans are not just celebrating a glow-up; they are celebrating hope. The kind of hope that reminds every young person in Nigeria that dreams do come true, even if they start from the streets of Ikorodu North Local Government.

In a time when celebrity culture often thrives on illusion, Adekunle Gold’s throwback photo has become a symbol of truth. It tells the story of a boy who didn’t have it all figured out, who didn’t have fashion or fame, who didn’t even have the time to think about love — but who held on to a dream regardless. Today, that dream has become a reality, and his story continues to inspire. And while fans continue to joke about the “LAPO baby” era, they do so with immense respect, knowing fully well that the man now known as BIG FISHO earned every bit of his shine.