Adekunle Gold reveals heartbreak after Beyoncé rejected him from The Lion King: The Gift album

Nigerian Afropop star Adekunle Gold has opened up about one of the most painful moments of his career: being rejected from Beyoncé’s 2019 soundtrack album The Lion King: The Gift.

The project, which featured global hits like “Brown Skin Girl” with Wizkid and “Ja Ara E” by Burna Boy, spotlighted African talent for Disney’s remake of the classic animation. But despite auditioning, Adekunle Gold said he was left out — an experience he described as crushing.

“I felt really bad,” he admitted. “It was like my chance to finally break out on the world stage, and not making it broke me. But it also pushed me to want to prove myself more.”

While artists such as Tiwa Savage, Yemi Alade, and Mr Eazi made the final cut, Adekunle Gold’s absence was glaring to many fans who believed his sound aligned with the album’s vision. His recent revelation now explains why: he tried, but was not chosen.

Music analysts say the setback became a turning point. From 2019 onwards, the singer sharpened his artistry, embraced international collaborations, and expanded his brand. By 2021, with chart-topping songs like Sinner and High featuring Davido, he had transformed into a global star in his own right.

Critics note that his honesty about rejection is rare in an industry where artists often only highlight their successes. “Adekunle Gold’s candour humanises him,” one commentator said. “It reminds fans that even the biggest stars face closed doors.”

Since sharing the story, fans have flooded social media with support. Some argued he would have “gone global faster” if featured, while others suggested the setback prepared him for his own spotlight.

Today, Adekunle Gold tours the world, dominates streaming platforms, and continues to reinvent his sound. For him, rejection became motivation. As he put it:

“It broke me, but it made me hungry.”

His revelation underlines a theme that runs through Nigeria’s music scene — resilience. Not every door opens at once, but for those who persevere, the global stage eventually follows.