A Conversation on Asake, A Conversation on Talent

 

On January 13, 1995, Asake, who has come to be known as an iconic Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter, was born. He quickly identified and mastered the art of music, a foundation on which he has built his empire.

Asake is often an amalgamation of traditional Yoruba artistry, which he merges with English, urban Colloquial slang, Nigerian Pidgin, and a pinch of Swahili.

The musical genius has ensured his roots have thrived and are deeply embedded in his craft. For instance, did you know that his stage name, “Asake,” is actually his mother’s name?

His musical journey has progressed steadily since 2018, with constant reminders that he is the best at embodying a series of genres, including Afrobeats, Fuji Music, Fuji Fusion, Street Pop/Street Hop, Afro-fusion, Afropop, and Nigerian Pop.

An impressive troika of studio albums, all released annually since 2022, has beautified Asake's catalogue. His fans have given the three bodies of work a remarkable reception.

His debut album, “Mr. Money with the Vibe,” released in September 2022, broke the record for the biggest opening day for an African Album on Apple Music at the time.

Asake’s sophomore album, “Work of Art,” released in June 2023, followed suit by equally debuting at number 66 on the Billboard 200 Chart, joining the former album as the highest-charting Nigerian albums in the chart's history.

On August 9, 2024, Asake released his third album, “Lungu Boy,” which portrayed his elevation in the industry, from explosive collaborations with Wizkid, Travis Scott, and Central Cee to an astonishing debut record of worldwide streams on major listening platforms.

The tension and anticipation before its release saw Asake peak at number 9 on Global Digital Artiste Ranking. Upon release, “Lungu Boy” charted highly on Global Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, Audiomack, TurnTable Top 100, and a dozen Nigerian Top Charts.

Considering “Lungu Boy’s” performance so far, the body of work is arguably Album Of The Year (AOTY) already.

Asake’s meticulously crafted career has earned him a series of Awards. Just to mention a few, in 2023, his debut album secured Album Of The Year at The Headies, the Male MVP at the Soundcity MVP Awards, and the Best African Act Category at the MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards.

Frankline Mwiti, a deep-rooted Asake fan, has applauded the whole Asake experience, attributing his respect to Asake’s unique Yoruba style. He says, “Since I knew Ahmed Ololade Asake in the late 2020s, my life has never been the same again. He has always graced my playlist with divergent and amicable tunes. Benevolent, wavy and “lit” in terms of production, artistry and performance.”

Mwiti has further cherished Asake as one of the most self-confident artists in the music industry, not only in Africa but also across the globe.

“I am specifically motivated by his drive to being a great African influence let alone a legend. I will always vouch for his Yoruba language which I lack knowledge on, but still vibe to. Asake is who he thinks he is and will forever be,” Mwiti concluded.