Asake

Asake (born Ahmed Ololade, January 13, 1995) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer renowned for his innovative fusion of Afrobeats, Fuji, amapiano, and street-hop elements, often delivered in Yoruba and pidgin English.^[1] Rising from Lagos's vibrant music scene, he gained international prominence in 2022 with his breakout single "Sungba" and debut studio album Mr. Money With the Vibe, which achieved the largest opening weekend for an African album on Apple Music; Asake amassed 1.24 billion global streams that year.^[2] A graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University's theater arts program, Asake initially honed his craft through collaborations like Instagram skits with comedian Broda Shaggi before signing with Olamide's YBNL Nation label in February 2022.^[2] His musical style draws heavily from his Yoruba heritage, incorporating the talking-drum rhythms of Fuji legends like K1 De Ultimate and the spiritual chants of Cherubim and Seraphim church music, blended with modern electronic grooves to create infectious, storytelling tracks about aspiration, street life, and spirituality.^[2] Following his debut, Asake released the sophomore album Work of Art in June 2023, featuring the chart-topping single "Yoga" in Nigeria, and the third album Lungu Boy in August 2024, solidifying his status as a leading voice in contemporary African pop.^[3] In February 2025, he launched his independent label Giran Republic and debuted the single "Why Love," marking his departure from YBNL.^[4] Asake's rapid ascent has been marked by commercial dominance and critical acclaim, including becoming the most-streamed Nigerian artist on Spotify for two consecutive years (2023–2024) and reaching number one on the US Apple Music Top Songs chart in 2025 as the first Nigerian to do so.^[5] His accolades encompass two Grammy nominations for Best African Music Performance (2024 and 2025, the latter for "MMS" with Wizkid), a 2024 MOBO Award for Best African Music Act, two Headies Awards including Album of the Year in 2023, Song of the Year in 2025, and a nomination for Best International Act at the 2025 BRIT Awards as the sole African nominee.^[6][7][8] By late 2025, he had performed at high-profile events like NPR's Tiny Desk Concert and continued to sell out global tours, reflecting his influence on the worldwide Afrobeats movement.^[9]

Early life and education

Upbringing and family

Ahmed Ololade, professionally known as Asake, was born on January 13, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, into a Yoruba family of Muslim faith.^[10] He grew up in a middle-class household in the bustling city of Lagos, immersed in its dynamic street culture and vibrant local music scenes that characterized everyday life in neighborhoods like Isale Eko.^[10][11] Asake's biological father, Fatai Odunsi, who worked for the Lagos Island Local Government,^[12] and his mother separated when he was around three years old, after which his mother remarried Musibau Alani, a veteran Fuji musician, who exposed him to rhythmic traditions and performances from a young age that shaped his cultural appreciation for music.^[13][14] His mother worked as a teacher, contributing to a supportive home environment focused on education and stability.^[11] Details on Asake's siblings remain private, with limited public information available as of 2025; however, family dynamics during his childhood emphasized communal values and resilience amid Lagos's urban challenges, fostering his grounded perspective.^[10]

Academic background and early interests

Asake attended local primary and secondary schools in the city during his early education, where he developed an initial interest in performing arts, including drumming and dancing as part of school activities.^[10] His exposure to Yoruba musical traditions, such as Fuji music from artists like K1 De Ultimate and Ayinde Barrister—further influenced by his stepfather's profession—subtly shaped his creative inclinations from a young age, alongside church songs from the Cherubim and Seraphim tradition.^[2][15] Following the completion of secondary school, Asake enrolled at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where he pursued a bachelor's degree in Theater and Performing Arts, graduating in the mid-2010s.^[2][10][15] During his time at OAU, he immersed himself in the university's drama department, participating in theater productions and honing skills in acting, storytelling, and performance, which he later described as a pivotal part of his creative development—he even has a tattoo of Oduduwa, the mythical founder of the Yoruba people, symbolizing his connection to the institution.^[11][15] As a hobby, he taught dance classes on campus and began experimenting with music creation, initially aspiring to a career in dance before shifting focus toward singing.^[15][16] Upon graduation, Asake returned to Lagos, facing initial uncertainties but deciding to dedicate himself fully to music and performance, leveraging the foundational skills from his academic background to explore opportunities in the city's vibrant arts scene.^[2][10] This transition marked the end of his formal education and the beginning of his intentional pursuit of artistic endeavors outside structured academia.^[15]

Career

2017–2021: Early career and initial breakthroughs

Following his graduation from Obafemi Awolowo University in the mid-2010s with a degree in theater arts, Asake, born Ahmed Ololade, relocated to Lagos to pursue opportunities in the entertainment industry.^[2] Initially lacking stable housing, he immersed himself in creative pursuits, including creating Instagram skits alongside comedian Broda Shaggi, while experimenting with music production that blended Fuji elements with emerging street pop sounds.^[2] This period marked the beginning of his independent efforts around 2018–2020, during which he released early singles and self-produced tracks under his real name, such as "Ayeeza" and "Kanipe."^[17] Asake adopted his stage name from his mother's given name, inspired by childhood nicknames like "Omo Asake" (meaning "child of Asake" in Yoruba), which his friends used playfully during his time in a cultural group; the moniker stuck as a tribute to her influence and added an element of surprise in performances.^[18] He faced significant financial hardships, often feeling adrift in Lagos without a clear path, which he later described as "paying dues" to grasp the industry's realities, including squatting and modest job attempts before gaining traction.^[2] Experimenting with multiple aliases like "Mr. Money" early on, he settled on "Asake" to build a distinct identity, performing at intimate Lagos venues and collaborating with up-and-coming talents to cultivate a grassroots following through word-of-mouth and social media shares.^[19] His breakthrough arrived in 2020 with the release of the debut single "Lady" on January 25, an upbeat track that captured sunny Afrobeat vibes and quickly went viral on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, amplified by endorsements from influencers such as Broda Shaggi and Tunde Ednut.^[4][17] The song's infectious energy led to heavy rotation on local radio stations and contributed to his rising profile, earning him nominations in three categories at the 2020 City People Music Awards for his overall output that year, where he won two, including Most Popular Song of the Year for "Mr. Money."^[20] These early independent releases and low-key gigs, drawing from his theater background for dynamic stage presence, laid the foundation for a dedicated fanbase in Nigeria's underground scene.^[2]

2022–2023: Rise with Mr. Money with the Vibe and Work of Art

In early 2022, Asake signed a recording deal with YBNL Nation, the label founded by Nigerian rapper Olamide, who took on a mentorship role in guiding his career.^[21] Later that year, in July, he secured a distribution partnership with Empire, enabling wider global reach for his music.^[22] This affiliation marked a pivotal shift from independent releases to label-supported production, amplifying his visibility in the Nigerian music scene. Asake released his debut studio album, Mr. Money with the Vibe, on September 8, 2022, through YBNL Nation and Empire.^[23] The 12-track project, produced entirely by Magicsticks, featured standout singles like the remix of "Sungba" with Burna Boy—originally released in February 2022 and boosted by the collaboration—and the introspective track "Nzaza."^[24] The album debuted at number one on the TurnTable Top Albums Chart, becoming the first to top Nigeria's aggregated albums chart and marking Asake's breakthrough into mainstream stardom.^[24] Building on this momentum, Asake issued follow-up singles in 2023, including "Omo Ope" featuring Olamide (initially teased in 2022 but gaining renewed traction) and "Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)," which had premiered in June 2022 but continued to chart prominently. On June 16, 2023, he dropped his second studio album, Work of Art, a 14-track effort also produced by Magicsticks and featuring Olamide on "Amapiano." Key tracks like "Yoga" and "Amapiano" blended Afrobeats with amapiano influences, showcasing his evolving sound and contributing to sustained chart dominance.^[25] The commercial impact of Mr. Money with the Vibe was immediate and substantial, amassing over 330 million streams on Audiomack within two months of release.^[26] Asake was named Audiomack's Artiste of the Year for 2022, recognizing his role in redefining Afrobeats accessibility.^[27] These milestones underscored his rapid ascent, with the album's blend of fuji, amapiano, and street pop resonating widely in Nigeria. Initial international exposure came through high-profile features, such as the "Sungba" remix with Burna Boy, which propelled the track onto global platforms like Spotify's Afrobeats charts.^[28] Social media virality, particularly on TikTok where "Sungba" inspired over 250,000 user videos, further amplified his reach beyond Africa, introducing his music to international audiences.^[29]

2024: Lungu Boy and expanding recognition

In 2024, Asake released his third studio album, Lungu Boy, on August 9, serving as a follow-up to his 2023 project Work of Art and highlighting his maturation in blending Afrobeats with global influences. The album was led by the single "Only Me," dropped on February 29, which became a commercial success and earned platinum certification from TurnTable Charts in Nigeria for surpassing 100,000 units. Another promotional track, "Worldwide," was shared via visualizer on August 8, building anticipation for the full release. Lungu Boy features high-profile collaborations, including Wizkid on the Yoruba- and Pidgin-infused "MMS," Travis Scott on the hip-house track "Active," Central Cee on "Wave," as well as appearances from Stormzy and Ludmilla, demonstrating Asake's growing cross-cultural alliances under his YBNL Nation imprint. The album achieved immediate dominance on Nigerian charts, debuting at number one on TurnTable Top 50 Albums and holding the position for 15 weeks, the longest reign by any Asake project to date. Internationally, Lungu Boy entered Spotify's global album charts with a historic debut as the highest-charting release by an African artist at the time, while climbing to number two on US Apple Music charts shortly after launch. These milestones underscored Asake's expanding footprint beyond Africa, with the project amassing over 400 million streams on Spotify by late 2024. To promote Lungu Boy, Asake launched the Lungu Boy World Tour in mid-2024, spanning multiple dates in Europe and North America, including performances at major venues like Madison Square Garden in New York. A standout event was his headline concert at London's O2 Arena on September 21, drawing thousands and solidifying his appeal to international audiences. The tour emphasized high-energy sets blending album cuts with earlier hits, further elevating his live reputation. Asake's 2024 output, particularly the international features on Lungu Boy, amplified his role in propelling Afrobeats onto worldwide stages, with remixes and guest spots enhancing genre visibility through platforms like streaming services and radio. Media outlets recognized this shift, with Rolling Stone profiling the album as Asake's most diverse effort yet, praising its exploration of new rhythms while rooting in Nigerian heritage.

2025–present: Giran Republic launch and global milestones

In February 2025, Asake announced his departure from YBNL Nation in an amicable split, marking the end of a fruitful three-year partnership that had propelled his rise in Afrobeats.^[30] He subsequently launched his independent record label, Giran Republic, as a platform for greater creative control and artistic evolution.^[31] The label's debut release came shortly after with the single "Why Love," which showcased Asake's signature blend of Afrobeats and Fuji influences while signaling his intent to build a multifaceted brand encompassing music and fashion ventures.^[32] In August 2025, following the end of his distribution partnership with Empire, Asake signed a global distribution deal with Gamma to support Giran Republic's releases.^[33] Building on this independence, Asake signed a new management deal in September 2025 with Double Eleven, a creative agency led by Alexa Perkins, aimed at accelerating his global footprint through enhanced touring, branding, and international collaborations.^[34] This partnership aligned with his expanding international presence, including the August 2025 release of "Satisfaction," a collaboration with American rapper Gunna from the latter's album The Last Wun. The track debuted at number one on the US Apple Music chart, making Asake the first Nigerian artist to achieve this milestone, and it simultaneously dominated Nigerian streaming charts, underscoring his sustained domestic influence.^[35][36] Asake's 2025 achievements extended to prestigious accolades and performances, earning his first Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category for "MMS" featuring Wizkid, announced in late 2024 for the 2025 ceremony.^[37] He performed at NPR's Tiny Desk Concert in October 2025, delivering intimate renditions of tracks like "Why Love" and "Lonely at the Top" that highlighted his vocal range and band dynamics.^[38] In November 2025, Asake made his Red Bull Symphonic debut at Brooklyn's Kings Theatre, reinterpreting his hits with a full orchestra conducted by Glenn Alexander, blending Afrobeats with classical elements for a sold-out audience.^[16] Throughout the year, Asake underwent a notable physical transformation, including face tattoos and a bolder aesthetic, which he attributed to personal growth and renewed confidence in red carpet interviews at the 2025 Grammy Awards.^[39] Under Giran Republic, he has teased ongoing projects, including the anticipated album Money as his first full-length release via the label, promising further exploration of his evolving sound and global ambitions.^[40]

Personal life

Family relations

Asake's relationship with his father, Fatai Odunsi, gained public attention in March 2025 following a viral video in which Odunsi, who had suffered a stroke in 2022, accused his son of limited contact and abandonment since achieving fame, while appealing for financial assistance.^[41][12] In response, Asake addressed the claims through a Yoruba-language freestyle and social media post, asserting that he had provided his father with substantial financial support on multiple occasions, including gifting him a car and house in 2023, and emphasized his commitment to handling family matters privately while focusing on his faith.^[42][12] The dispute, which drew widespread media scrutiny and involvement from extended family members like Odunsi's sister Iyabo, who attributed the rift partly to past parental separation, was resolved shortly after, with reports confirming reconciliation and Asake taking over his father's medical treatment. In January 2026, a photo of Asake with Odunsi appeared on social media, further confirming their ongoing reconciliation and sparking discussions among fans.^[43][44][45] In contrast to the tensions with his father, Asake has spoken positively about his mother, whose name he adopted as his stage moniker, crediting her and his family's artistic heritage— including her involvement in dance—for fostering his early interest in performance, which provided foundational support during his nascent career stages as noted in pre-fame interviews.^[46] Asake's siblings have maintained low public profiles, with no prominent involvement in his music events or career, even amid the 2025 family controversy where extended relatives voiced opinions but siblings remained out of the spotlight.^[47] Asake has commented on the challenges of fame straining family dynamics, stating in his response to the viral video that despite years of personal struggle, external pressures including family expectations can exhaust one's resolve, underscoring his preference for privacy to protect personal relations from public interference without confirming unsubstantiated rumors.^[41] This approach highlights a shift from his childhood family environment, marked by artistic encouragement, to more guarded adult interactions post-stardom.^[46]

Romantic relationships and privacy

Asake has maintained a low profile regarding his romantic life, with public speculation often arising from social media sightings and interactions rather than confirmed relationships. In February 2025, rumors surfaced linking him to American model and influencer India Love after they were spotted together in Los Angeles, where reports claimed he had flown her out for a visit.^[48] India Love quickly denied any romantic involvement, clarifying that the photos were taken for a music video shoot.^[49] Asake did not publicly address the speculation, aligning with his general approach of not confirming or discussing personal matters. Similar rumors emerged in March 2025 involving Ugandan-born, London-based model Eva Apio, fueled by their public appearances together in Paris and her use of Asake's music on social media.^[50] The speculation persisted through May, but Apio firmly denied any romantic connection, stating, "I was never his girlfriend," and emphasizing their interactions were platonic.^[51] Asake remained silent on the matter, consistent with his pattern of avoiding engagement on such topics. Asake has shared insights into prioritizing his career over romantic entanglements during his rise to fame. In a 2024 interview, he recounted receiving his first major music paycheck and planning to gift 2 million naira to his then-girlfriend, only for mentor Olamide to advise against it, urging him to end the relationship and send the money to his mother instead to protect his focus and family.^[52] He later expressed relief at following the advice, noting it helped him avoid distractions amid his burgeoning success. This anecdote underscores his choice to keep personal relationships private and secondary to professional growth, echoing a family ethos of shielding intimate matters from public scrutiny. The pressures of fame have increasingly tested Asake's privacy, particularly through encounters with paparazzi. In September 2025, he faced a frenzy of photographers outside the Tam-Tam Club in Paris, where flashing lights and crowds highlighted the invasive side of celebrity life abroad.^[53] Similar intrusions have occurred in Lagos, where his high profile has led to uninvited pursuits during everyday outings, amplifying the challenges of maintaining boundaries in both local and international settings.^[54]

Artistry

Musical style and genres

Asake's music is characterized by a fusion of Afrobeats, Fuji, amapiano, and street pop, creating a vibrant, dance-oriented sound rooted in Nigerian urban culture.^[55][15][56] His tracks prominently feature rhythmic percussion, including heavy log drums from amapiano and talking-drum bounces inspired by Fuji traditions, which drive the upbeat, infectious energy typical of his releases.^[57][2] Asake predominantly incorporates Yoruba lyrics, delivered in a style that emphasizes cultural authenticity while appealing to global audiences.^[15][2] His vocal approach blends melodic rapping with soulful singing, often enhanced by auto-tune to add a polished, modern sheen to his deliveries.^[58][59] Drawing from Fuji's heritage, Asake employs call-and-response patterns in choral backing vocals, fostering an interactive, communal feel that echoes traditional Yoruba music structures.^[59] This technique, combined with hip-hop slang and rhythmic cadences, allows him to navigate between introspective verses and high-energy hooks seamlessly.^[59][2] In production, Asake frequently collaborates with Magicsticks, whose beats emphasize danceable rhythms through layered percussion and synth elements that merge Fuji percussion with amapiano grooves.^[60][61] This partnership results in tracks that prioritize groove and vibe, incorporating soft deep house synths and rich harmonies to heighten the sonic texture.^[59] Over time, his sound has evolved from raw, freestyle-based experiments to more refined album constructions, gradually integrating global influences such as hip-hop and R&B for broader accessibility, and in 2025, by incorporating orchestral and classical elements in live performances such as the Red Bull Symphonic.^{[2][15][62][16]}

Influences and creative process

Asake's musical influences are deeply rooted in Nigerian traditions and contemporary Afrobeats, drawing from the rhythmic and vocal styles of Fuji pioneers such as Sikiru Ayinde Barrister and Wasiu Ayinde (K1 De Ultimate), whose soulful deliveries he has cited as formative during his upbringing.^[2] He also acknowledges Fela Kuti's impact as an Afrobeat legend.^[15] Among modern Afrobeats artists, Asake has been shaped by peers like Olamide, his mentor who signed him to YBNL Nation and whose street-oriented lyricism resonates in Asake's early hustle narratives, and Burna Boy, whose global fusion of genres encourages Asake's experimental edge.^[63] His cultural roots further ground his artistry in Yoruba heritage and the vibrancy of Lagos street life, where he incorporates local slang, idioms, and proverbs to evoke everyday resilience and communal spirit.^[64] Lyrics often reflect the hustle of Lagos neighborhoods like Ojuelegba, capturing the chaos and ambition of urban survival, as seen in tracks that narrate personal journeys from modest beginnings to fame.^[11] Spirituality permeates his work, influenced by childhood exposure to Cherubim and Seraphim church hymns with their bell and conga rhythms, alongside daily prayers and gospel listening that infuse his music with themes of inner peace and divine guidance.^[2] Asake's creative process emphasizes authenticity and iteration, beginning with freestyles in the studio where he experiments with beats before refining lyrics in a mix of Yoruba, English, and pidgin to convey raw emotion across linguistic barriers.^[15] He draws directly from personal experiences—such as the grind of Lagos streets, the isolation of success, and moments of spiritual reflection—to craft songs that evolve through multiple revisions, prioritizing soulful expression over commercial formulas.^[2] Thematically, Asake's music centers on aspirations for wealth and stability, exemplified by anthems like those on his debut album Mr. Money With the Vibe, which celebrate financial triumph amid adversity without delving into overt political discourse.^[15] Love features prominently as a source of struggle and introspection, often intertwined with fame's emotional toll, while party tracks serve as escapist celebrations of joy and communal bonding, maintaining a focus on personal and cultural narratives over broader activism.^[32]

Live performances

Concert tours and residencies

Asake embarked on his first major international tour in 2022 to promote his debut album Mr. Money with the Vibe, beginning with a series of Nigerian arena performances that showcased his rising popularity at home before expanding to early UK dates.^[65] In September 2022, he announced the Mr. Money with the Vibe United Kingdom tour, which sold out three consecutive nights at London's O2 Academy Brixton, drawing thousands of fans and marking his breakthrough in the European market, though the third night was cancelled following a crowd crush incident that injured several fans.^[66][67] These shows featured high-energy setlists heavy on tracks from the album, such as "Sungba" and "Nzaza," supported by a live band that blended Afrobeats rhythms with traditional Fuji elements, and incorporated dynamic lighting to enhance the vibrant stage atmosphere.^[67] In 2023, Asake continued building momentum with additional headline arena shows in Nigeria, including a sold-out performance at Lagos' Eko Convention Centre during the Detty December festival series, where he engaged crowds through interactive chants and call-and-response segments that became signature elements of his live shows.^[68] This period solidified his domestic fanbase, with production emphasizing immersive visuals and a consistent band setup of drummers, keyboardists, and backup vocalists to replicate his studio sound onstage. The 2024 Lungu Boy World Tour represented Asake's most ambitious outing to date, a 14-date global run announced in June to support his third album Lungu Boy, spanning North America and Europe with a focus on major arenas.^[69] Kicking off on June 26 at Afro Nation Portugal, the tour included festival slots at Wireless Festival in London and Afro Nation Detroit before hitting U.S. venues like Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. (August 16), State Farm Arena in Atlanta (August 21), Toyota Center in Houston (August 24), YouTube Theater in Los Angeles (August 27), and Madison Square Garden in New York (August 30).^[70] The European leg followed in September, featuring a sold-out headline at London's O2 Arena on September 21, accommodating 20,000 fans and highlighting his evolution with elaborate production including pyrotechnics, LED screens for thematic visuals, and fan engagement tactics like inviting audience members onstage during "Palazzo."^[71][72][73] Regarding residencies, Asake has not undertaken formal multi-night residencies but has delivered extended performance series in Lagos that function similarly, such as his New Year's Day concert at SOL Beach, Oniru in 2024, blending hits with local cultural elements and crowd-hyping interludes.^[74] These events underscore his commitment to home audiences, often featuring customized lighting rigs and a core band to maintain high production values across longer sets.

Notable appearances and collaborations

In February 2025, Asake made his debut appearance on the Grammy Awards red carpet, marking a significant moment in his rising international profile following his nomination for Best African Music Performance for the track "MMS" featuring Wizkid.^[39][37] During an interview with Billboard, he discussed his artistic evolution and hinted at upcoming performances that would showcase his blend of Afrobeats and global influences, generating buzz among fans and industry observers.^[39] On October 24, 2025, Asake delivered a captivating NPR Tiny Desk Concert, backed by a live band that highlighted his signature fusion of Afrobeats, amapiano, and Fuji music in an intimate setting.^[9] The performance, featuring tracks like "Why Love," emphasized his vocal prowess and rhythmic energy, drawing praise for its authentic representation of Nigerian sounds adapted to a stripped-down format.^[9] Asake's Red Bull Symphonic debut took place on November 8, 2025, at Brooklyn's Kings Theatre, where he collaborated with maestro Glenn Alexander II and a full symphonic orchestra to reimagine his hit songs in a genre-blending spectacle.^[75] The event fused Afrobeats with orchestral elements, creating a novel auditory experience that underscored his versatility and appeal to diverse audiences.^[76] Throughout 2025, Asake secured high-profile festival slots, including a dynamic set at the AfroFuture Festival in Detroit on August 16, where he debuted a bold new look and energized the crowd with fan-favorite tracks.^[77] He was also announced as a headliner for Afro Nation Portugal 2026 alongside Wizkid and Tyla, signaling continued expansion in global festival circuits.^[78] Rumors circulated about a potential Coachella 2025 appearance, though it remained unconfirmed amid his busy schedule of African and European dates.^[79] A standout live collaboration occurred at the inaugural Afro+ Fest in Washington, D.C., on August 31, 2025, where Asake joined forces with Gunna as co-headliners, performing tracks from their joint single "Satisfaction" and thrilling attendees with an on-stage synergy that bridged Afrobeats and hip-hop.^[80] This appearance during the song's promotional push highlighted Asake's ability to forge cross-cultural connections in live settings.^[80]

Discography

Studio albums

Asake's debut studio album, Mr. Money with the Vibe, was released on September 8, 2022, through YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution.^[23] The 12-track project, produced entirely by Magicsticks, features infectious Afrobeats rhythms and Yoruba-infused lyrics centered on themes of success and street life. The tracklist includes:

1. Dull
2. Terminator
3. Organise
4. Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)
5. Dupe
6. Muse
7. Joha
8. Nzaza
9. Ototo
10. Reason (featuring Russ)
11. Sunmomi
12. Sungba (Remix) (featuring Burna Boy)

The album debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200, marking the highest-charting debut for a Nigerian album at the time, and topped the TurnTable Top 50 Album chart in Nigeria.^[81][24] It has amassed over 763 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025.^[82] Critically, it was lauded for its catchy hooks and vibrant energy, with reviewers highlighting its role in establishing Asake as a breakout Afrobeats star through feel-good anthems like "Sungba" and "Terminator."^[83][84] His second studio album, Work of Art, arrived on June 16, 2023, also via YBNL Nation and Empire, expanding on his signature sound with 14 tracks blending traditional Yoruba elements and contemporary pop.^[25] Notable collaborations include Olamide on "Amapiano." The tracklist is:

1. Olorun
2. Awodi
3. 2:30
4. Sunshine
5. Mogbe
6. Basquiat
7. Amapiano (featuring Olamide)
8. What's Up My G
9. I Believe
10. Introduction
11. Remember
12. Lonely at the Top
13. Great Guy
14. Yoga

It debuted at number 4 on the Billboard World Albums chart and number 12 on the UK Albums Chart, while dominating Nigerian streaming platforms and surpassing 1.2 billion combined streams across major services as of early 2025.^[85][86][87] Critics praised its artistic evolution and hit potential, with every track noted for its single-worthy appeal and innovative fusion of African sounds, earning scores like 7.8/10 from Pitchfork for its celebratory vibe.^[88][89][90] Asake's third studio album, Lungu Boy, was released on August 9, 2024, through the same labels, featuring 13 tracks that showcase global collaborations and a more mature introspection.^[91] Highlights include appearances from Wizkid, Travis Scott, Stormzy, Central Cee, and Ludmilla, reflecting a broader diasporic influence. The tracklist comprises:

1. Start
2. MMS (featuring Wizkid)
3. Mood
4. My Heart
5. Worldwide
6. Active (featuring Travis Scott)
7. Suru (featuring Stormzy)
8. Skating
9. Wave (featuring Central Cee)
10. Mentally
11. Hummingbird
12. Omo Ope (featuring Ludmilla)
13. Load

The album topped the TurnTable Top 50 Album chart in Nigeria for 15 consecutive weeks and entered global charts, including the UK Albums Chart, while exceeding 400 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025.^[92][82] Reception was generally positive for its rhythmic diversity and international appeal, though some noted uneven experimentation; Pitchfork described it as a "victory lap" covering familiar ground, and Rolling Stone commended its emotional range. As of January 2026, Asake's studio albums continue to chart strongly in Nigeria, with Work of Art at #4, Mr. Money with the Vibe at #5, and Lungu Boy at #9 on the Spotify Top Albums chart.^[93][94]

Extended plays

Asake's extended plays represent key transitional releases in his discography, bridging his early breakthrough with subsequent full-length albums and allowing for experimentation with remixes and collaborations. His debut EP, Ololade, marked his introduction under YBNL Nation and showcased his fusion of Afrobeats with Fuji influences, while the later Lonely at the Top EP extended a major single from his second album through varied reinterpretations. These projects, each comprising four tracks, emphasized concise storytelling and viral potential, contributing to his rapid rise in streaming platforms.^[95] Released on February 17, 2022, via YBNL Nation and Empire, Ololade (also stylized as Ololade Asake) served as Asake's inaugural EP following his signing to Olamide's label. The four-track project, produced primarily by Magicsticks, featured the label head Olamide on two songs and highlighted Asake's streetwise lyricism over infectious rhythms. Key tracks included "Sungba," which became an early viral hit blending Amapiano elements and propelled the EP to over 92 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025, and "Trabaye" (featuring Olamide), emphasizing themes of hustle and ambition. "Omo Ope" (also featuring Olamide) added a celebratory vibe, while the closing "Baba God" reflected gratitude in a more introspective tone. This EP acted as a launchpad, setting the stage for his debut album Mr. Money with the Vibe later that year by establishing his signature sound.^[95][82] Asake's second EP, Lonely at the Top, arrived on November 17, 2023, also through YBNL Nation and Empire, as a post-album release tied to the title track from Work of Art. Spanning four versions of the introspective single about fame's isolation, the EP explored genre variations to extend the song's reach, amassing over 177 million streams on Spotify as of November 2025. The remix featuring American singer H.E.R. introduced R&B harmonies, broadening its international appeal, while the acoustic rendition stripped it to piano and vocals for emotional depth. The dancehall remix infused reggae influences, and the original closed the set. This project functioned as an experimental bridge, testing remix formats ahead of his third album Lungu Boy and reinforcing Asake's versatility in global Afrobeats.^[96][97][82]

Singles

Asake's singles career began with independent releases that built his early fanbase, transitioning to major hits under YBNL Nation that blended Afrobeats, Fuji, and amapiano influences. His lead and promotional singles often serve as album precursors or standalone tracks, achieving significant commercial success in Nigeria and internationally. Notably, his 2025 independent single "Why Love", released on February 12, 2025, demonstrated remarkable longevity by re-entering the Apple Music Nigeria Top Songs chart at No. 2 nearly 11 months after release, outperforming newer songs like "Galorizzy" and "Money Constant," and was named the No. 1 most-streamed song of 2025 on the platform.^[98]

Pre-fame singles

"Lady", released on January 24, 2020, marked Asake's breakthrough as an independent artist, gaining viral traction on social media platforms in Nigeria due to its upbeat Fuji-Afrobeats fusion.^[99] The track did not chart prominently at the time but helped establish his signature sound before signing with a label. "Omo Ope" featuring Olamide, released on January 19, 2022, was Asake's first major hit, debuting as a promotional single ahead of his debut EP Ololade. It topped the Turntable Top 100 chart in Nigeria for one week and became the first song to spend 52 consecutive weeks on the chart, accumulating over 10 million streams in its peak period.^[100] The single was certified 3× Platinum in Nigeria by Turntable Charts on January 5, 2025, denoting 300,000 equivalent units.^[101]

Album lead singles

"Sungba", originally released on February 15, 2022, as part of the Ololade EP, gained renewed prominence with its remix featuring Burna Boy on March 27, 2022, which acted as the lead single for his debut studio album Mr. Money with the Vibe. The remix topped the Turntable Top 100 in Nigeria, driven by 5.2 million on-demand streams in its debut week.^[102] It earned 4× Platinum certification in Nigeria (400,000 units) on January 5, 2025, and Silver certification in the United Kingdom (200,000 units) in January 2025.^[101][103] "Amapiano" featuring Olamide, released on May 23, 2023, served as the lead single for Asake's second album Work of Art. It debuted at number one on the Turntable Top 100, tallying 4.95 million streams and marking Asake's tenth chart-topping single.^[104] The track was certified 3× Platinum in Nigeria (300,000 units) on January 5, 2025.^[101] "Only Me", a standalone birthday single released on January 12, 2024, via YBNL Nation and EMPIRE, later included on his third album Lungu Boy. It peaked at number 18 on the Turntable Top 100 and received Platinum certification in Nigeria (100,000 units) on January 5, 2025.^{[105][101][106]}

2025 releases

In 2025, Asake expanded his international reach with features and independent singles following his departure from YBNL. "Satisfaction" featuring Gunna, released August 7, 2025, as part of Gunna's album The Last Wun, debuted at number one on the US Apple Music Top 100 Songs chart, marking Asake's first chart-topper in the United States and accumulating over 5 million global streams in its first week.^[107][108] "Why Love", his first independent single after leaving YBNL, released February 12, 2025, debuted at number three on the Turntable Top 100 and emphasized his amapiano-infused style. It has garnered over 20 million streams in Nigeria alone within months of release.^[109] "BADMAN GANGSTA" featuring Tiakola, released July 25, 2025, as a collaborative single, debuted at and peaked at number one on the Turntable Top 100 for two weeks, blending Afrobeats with French rap elements for cross-cultural appeal.^[110][111] Additional 2025 standalone singles include "Gold" (released mid-2025), "99" (featuring Daecolm, released late 2025), and featured appearance on "Che Che" (released 2025), further showcasing his evolving sound post-YBNL.^[3]

Awards and nominations

Awards won

Asake has garnered several prestigious awards that underscore his rapid ascent in the Afrobeats genre, with a total of six major wins across international and African music ceremonies as of November 2025. These honors recognize his innovative blend of fuji, amapiano, and Afrobeats, establishing him as a leading figure in contemporary African music and contributing to the global mainstreaming of the genre.^[112] In 2022, Asake was named Audiomack's Artist of the Year, celebrating his breakout success with hits like "Sungba" and the EP Ololade, which amassed millions of streams on the platform.^[27] At the 16th Headies Awards in 2023, Asake secured two victories: Next Rated for his promising talent and Album of the Year for Mr. Money with the Vibe, which highlighted his commercial dominance and artistic innovation in the Nigerian music scene.^[113] He also won Best Artist Africa (Anglophone) at the Trace Awards 2023, affirming his influence across English-speaking African markets.^[114] The following year, at the 26th MOBO Awards in 2024, Asake claimed Best African Act, beating competitors like Davido and Rema, and marking a key international milestone for Afrobeats representation in the UK.^[115] In 2025, Asake added to his accolades by winning Song of the Year at the 17th Headies for "Lonely at the Top," a track from his album Work of Art that captured widespread acclaim for its infectious energy and cultural resonance.^[112] These awards collectively signify Asake's pivotal role in elevating Afrobeats, with his wins spanning streaming platforms, regional honors, and global stages, fostering greater visibility for Nigerian artists worldwide.^[116]

Nominations received

Asake has garnered significant recognition through nominations at major international and African music awards, highlighting his rising influence in the Afrobeats genre and beyond. These nominations span categories celebrating artistic excellence, songwriting, and global impact, often for collaborative tracks that blend traditional Afrobeats with contemporary elements.^[37][117] At the Grammy Awards, Asake received his first nomination in 2024 for Best African Music Performance for the track "Amapiano," a collaboration with Olamide that showcased his innovative fusion of amapiano and Afrobeats rhythms.^[118] He followed this with a second nomination in 2025 in the same category for "MMS," featuring Wizkid, further solidifying his presence in the category introduced to honor African musical contributions.^[37][119] In 2024, Asake was nominated for Best International Act at the BET Awards, acknowledging his breakout as a leading African artist on the global stage.^[117] The following year, at the 2025 American Music Awards, he earned a nomination for Favorite Afrobeats Artist, competing alongside peers like Rema, Tems, Wizkid, and Tyla in a category that underscores the genre's mainstream ascent.^[120] At the 2025 BRIT Awards, Asake received a nomination for Best International Act as the sole African nominee.^[121] He also secured two nominations at the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards for Best Afrobeats for "Active" featuring Travis Scott and "Get It Right" featuring Tems.^[122] Additionally, at the 2025 MOBO Awards, Asake was nominated for Best International Act and Best African Music Act.^[123] Domestically, Asake has been a prominent nominee at the Headies Awards. For the 16th edition in 2023, he secured eight nominations, including for Best Male Artist and Album of the Year for Mr. Money with the Vibe.^[124] At the 17th Headies in 2025, he received six nominations, such as Artist of the Year for his album Work of Art and Song of the Year for "Active" featuring Travis Scott.^[116][112] Additionally, at the 2025 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA), Asake was nominated in the regional category for Best Male Artist in Western Africa, reflecting his dominance within the continent's music scene.^[125]