Adekunle Gold & Olamide Reunite on Pop Single “Formation”

Adekunle Gold and Olamide reunite on the new pop single "Formation." Explore the track, the backstory of "Sade," and their YBNL history.

If you’ve been watching the Afrobeats scene over the last decade, you know few artists have evolved quite like Adekunle Gold. From his early days as the alternative-highlife “King of Photoshop” to a global pop star, AG Baby keeps reinventing himself.

His latest single, “Formation” featuring his former YBNL label boss Olamide, is a massive moment for Nigerian music—and it brings a lot of history with it.

Back to Where It Started: The “Sade” Era

To get why this reunion is such a big deal, you have to go back to the beginning. Adekunle Gold first caught everyone’s attention with “Sade.”

If you remember that drop, you’ll recall how clever it was: a love song that cleverly sampled the instrumentals of One Direction’s “Story of My Life.” It was catchy, soulful, and instantly connected with listeners.

The industry noticed immediately. Just two weeks after putting out “Sade,” Olamide signed him straight to YBNL Nation. That partnership kicked off a golden era for both artists and really set the stage for where AG Baby is today.

What “Formation” Sounds Like

Now, years later, the original YBNL duo is back together on “Formation”

It has that full-circle energy fans have been hoping for. Produced by Chillz, the track blends bright Afropop vibes with traditional percussion and talking drums—keeping that organic feel Adekunle Gold is known for.

Olamide brings his trademark street-hop grit and punchy delivery, balancing out AG’s smooth, melodic chorus. It’s an easy standout that feels right at home on both club speakers and late-night playlists.

Why It’s Worth Listening To

  • The Reunion: Seeing AG Baby and Baddo back on the same track is a massive nostalgia trip for day-one YBNL fans.

  • The Sound: It doesn’t lean too heavily into generic pop trends; instead, it anchors itself with authentic percussion and rhythm.

  • The Stay Power: It’s an earworm that gets better with every spin.

If you haven’t spun “Formation” yet, go give it a listen. Where does this rank for you among AG Baby’s collabs with Olamide? Drop your thoughts below.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR