American singer and songwriter Jordan Adetunji has opened up about the deeply personal reason he chose to keep his last name as his stage name, despite early career advice to change it for marketability.
In a candid conversation on The Dotty Show, the “Kehlani” hitmaker revealed that his decision is rooted in a strong desire to honour his Nigerian heritage and challenge industry norms that often pressure artists to adapt their identities for broader appeal.
“When I first came into the game, everyone was telling me, ‘You need to change your surname, it doesn’t sound like an artist’s name,’” Adetunji recalled. “And I was like, why can Justin Bieber keep his? I’m a big fan of Justin Bieber.”
Refusing to Conform to Industry Pressures
The 20-something rising star shared that he faced persistent suggestions to adopt a more “stage-friendly” name during his early days in music. Industry insiders warned him that “Adetunji” might be hard for international audiences to pronounce or remember, and that it could limit his commercial reach.
But for Adetunji, the surname carried far more weight than a branding decision. “I keep the name for a reason,” he said firmly. “I am proud to be Nigerian — why am I going to hide it?”
He went on to challenge fans and the wider public to embrace the uniqueness of African names. “You’ve got to learn how to pronounce it,” he said, stressing that his identity is non-negotiable.
A Tribute to His Nigerian Roots
Adetunji’s refusal to alter his name is not just an act of personal defiance but also a tribute to his cultural background. Born to Nigerian parents, he grew up immersed in a blend of Nigerian traditions and American influences.
While he now lives and works in the United States, Adetunji credits his Nigerian upbringing for shaping his resilience, creativity, and sense of self. Keeping his surname, he explained, is a way of carrying his heritage with him into every performance, interview, and album release.
“In this industry, it’s easy to get lost or to become what people think you should be,” he said. “But my name tells my story before I even open my mouth. It reminds me who I am and where I come from.”
Standing Out in a Crowded Industry
In an era where many artists adopt stage names that are short, catchy, or completely invented, Adetunji’s choice to use his real surname makes him stand out. Music industry analysts say this decision could actually work in his favour, giving him a distinctive identity in a competitive market.
“Fans today value authenticity,” noted one music journalist. “In a landscape filled with heavily manufactured personas, keeping a name that reflects your heritage can build a deeper connection with audiences.”
The conversation around names in the music industry is not new. While some artists have made global names from their birth names — such as Beyoncé Knowles, Adele Adkins, and Ed Sheeran — others have adopted stage names for simplicity or branding, including Lady Gaga (Stefani Germanotta) and The Weeknd (Abel Tesfaye). Adetunji’s point is that the choice should be the artist’s alone, free from cultural bias.
Breaking Barriers for African Names in Global Music
Adetunji’s insistence on keeping “Adetunji” is also part of a broader cultural shift. African names, once seen as “too difficult” for mainstream Western audiences, are increasingly appearing on global charts thanks to the rise of Afrobeats and African artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems.
These artists, like Adetunji, have chosen to present themselves to the world without modifying or hiding their African identity. The success of these stars suggests that audiences are not only capable of learning unfamiliar names but are also eager to engage with diverse cultures.
“Names carry history,” Adetunji said. “They carry the weight of our ancestors, our families, and our stories. Changing mine would feel like erasing a part of me.”
A Career on the Rise
Jordan Adetunji’s music career has been steadily gaining momentum. Known for his soulful voice and genre-blending style, he rose to prominence with hits like “Kehlani,” which earned him critical praise and a growing fanbase. His sound mixes R&B, Afrobeats, and pop influences, reflecting both his Nigerian heritage and his American upbringing.
He has performed at major venues and festivals, collaborating with producers and artists across genres. Industry insiders predict that his insistence on staying true to himself — from his music to his name — will continue to set him apart in an increasingly globalised music scene.
Inspiring Fans to Embrace Their Heritage
Beyond the music, Adetunji’s message resonates strongly with fans from immigrant and multicultural backgrounds who often face similar pressures to adapt their identities. Social media reactions to his interview have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising him for his pride in his roots and his refusal to conform.
“Jordan Adetunji just gave me the courage to stop shortening my name for people,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “If he can make the world learn ‘Adetunji,’ I can make them learn mine.”
Others have shared stories of reclaiming traditional names after years of using nicknames or anglicised versions to fit in at school or work. Adetunji’s stance, they say, serves as a reminder that names are more than labels — they are declarations of identity.
Looking Ahead
As Adetunji’s profile grows, so does the platform for his message. With new music in the works and upcoming tour dates, the artist is determined to use his voice — and his name — to inspire pride in heritage among his fans.
“My goal isn’t just to make hits,” he said. “It’s to make a difference. If even one person hears my story and decides to own their identity fully, then I’ve done something worthwhile.”
For Jordan Adetunji, the decision to keep his surname is far from a trivial detail in his career. It is a deliberate, powerful act of self-definition — one that he hopes will encourage others to embrace their own names, cultures, and histories, no matter the pressures to conform.
