By Sam George Mac

Adekunle Gold's first attempt at transitioning attracted loads of heartrending remarks from critics who could not bring themselves to familiarize with the looming metamorphosis at the release of Call On Me in 2017.

The attempt assumed a major significance two years later on a collaborative effort titled Jore alongside compatriot, Kizz Daniel. Adekunle Gold's transition was a process that arrived with a total rebrand with the release of the Afro Pop Volume 1 album in 2020.

Henceforth, the YBNL signee of yesteryears whose forte comfortably sat around the Highlife specifics ceased to embody the àdìre-lover that delivered traditional/folkloric pieces like Orente, Ready, Pick Up and Ire.

There was more to Gold than meets the eye henceforth. With a change of epithet buoyantly announced through the Jamaican-influenced effort with Nailah Blackman, Kosoko took the title "AG Baby".

That era of braggadocios soon waned into oblivion to birth the AG Baby on the move — Catch Me If You Can, the sequel to the Afro Pop project, foreshadowed what became the outcome sung on Tequila Ever After — AG Baby is mobile; improving, breaking boundaries and walking into the realm of immortality in matters of African music.

Every AG project subconsciously celebrates a milestone; a sort of assessment complemented by fulfillment; Gold celebrated his breakout, About 30 marked a moment, Afro Pop birthed a full rebrand, Catch Me If You foreshadowed a future as Tequila Ever After hyperactively celebrates a peak newly reached.

The track that unbridles Tequila Ever After, Chasing Peace Of Mind, strongly draws attention back to It Is What It Is, off CMIYC. The fugitive property of happiness and peace is upheld. This reality contrasts the mood of celebration the entire project basks in.

After that first moment of meditation, the entire project settles into busier activities with Dancehall taking the centre stage. Adekunle Gold goes on to show balance and control over his delivery.

Tracks like Soro, Tio Baby, Party No Dey Stop, Wrong Person, Make It Easy, Falling Up and Omo Eko fight for dominance as AG transcends into Tio Tequila.

A Simi collab grabs attention amongst the solemnity of the other alluring masterpieces gathered on TEA; of course, that's the couple's eight collaboration.

In the search for the purpose of the album, before you would assume TEA is some pre-planned piece targeted at some tequila brands, you should realize Adekunle Gold tried a shot of Tequila and it birthed a banger.

Artistically, Tequila Ever After speaks of staying airborne for eternity; an infinite inflation faithfully believed not to puncture ever after.

Though some Caribbean sounds characterize this beautiful collection of music, a wise artiste always knows not to completely eradicate his default; AG still consciously perseveres with Highlife at some points on TEA.

Think of AG's rise with Sade in 2015; the singer attributes his pursuit of music to a 2013 tweet from Pharrell Williams. Now, think of Tequila Ever After and the presence of the legend on it. It's an unexpected destination playing out, and it's worth the hyperactive celebration.

Ratings: 8/10