More than a decade after their journey began under YBNL Nation, Adekunle Gold and Olamide are set to release their first official collaboration, “Formation,” arriving April 9.
The announcement lands with a striking visual, a cinematic, 70s-inspired portrait that feels as intentional as the music itself. Set in a garage layered with vintage hubcaps and washed in warm, golden light, the image leans into nostalgia while signaling something more reflective.
Stylistically, both artists step into character. Adekunle Gold delivers a composed, almost understated authority in an oversized brown blazer, while Olamide contrasts in mustard tones and flared trousers — a visual interplay that feels both retro and self-assured. A classic Mercedes fitted with a custom “YBNL” plate anchors the scene, reinforcing the narrative of legacy and arrival.
But beyond the aesthetic, the moment carries weight. In sharing the announcement, Adekunle Gold reflected on his early days, crediting Olamide for giving him his first major opportunity back in 2014, a turning point that set his career in motion. It’s a reminder of how foundational that mentorship has been, not just to his journey, but to the broader YBNL story.
“Formation” is described as a record centered on legacy and brotherhood, themes that feel particularly resonant given their history.
With this release, Adekunle Gold and Olamide aren’t just revisiting the past; they’re reframing it, bringing their shared foundation into a new era.