The Nigerian music scene has long been a hotbed of talent, producing numerous stars each year. In 2022, one artist emerged as a true force to be reckoned with — Asake. Collaborating with industry heavyweight Olamide on the hit track “Omo Ope,” Asake quickly solidified his position as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene. Since then, he has continued to amass musical successes, captivating audiences with his unique sound and charismatic presence.
In this article, we will explore Asake’s journey to success, his musical influences, and the impact he has had on the Nigerian music industry.
Let’s get started!
Early Days and Musical Ambitions
Born into a modest family, Asake, originally known as Ahmed Ololade, entered the vibrant Afrobeats music scene with a unique style that defies a single category. His musical journey is a captivating blend of influences from street-pop storytelling and the lively rhythms of Fuji music, a genre deeply cherished by Nigeria’s Yoruba community.
In his formative years, Asake drew inspiration from Fuji legends like K1 De Ultimate and Ayinde Barrister. Additionally, he developed a fondness for the music of the Cherubim and Seraphim church, celebrated for its distinctive use of bells, conga drums, and the white robes worn by its members. Asake has a profound appreciation for spiritual experiences and music that sparks his soul.
This captivating blend of influences and sounds, prominently showcased in his 2022 debut album, “Mr. Money With the Vibe,” propelled Asake into the global music spotlight. Though primarily singing in Yoruba and pidgin, two of Nigeria’s most widely spoken languages, his music transcends language barriers, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Before joining forces with the King of Sounds and Blues, Asake’s musical journey commenced at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife. During this time, his passion for music began to take root as he nurtured his ambitions and laid the foundation for his future career.
Asake’s university days were marked by creative exploration, venturing into various roles within the entertainment industry, including collaborations with popular comedian Broda Shaggi on Instagram skits.
This experience provided valuable insights into the entertainment world and further fueled his determination to achieve success.
Presently, Asake’s musical style is a unique fusion of genres and influences, reflecting his diverse musical upbringing. His sound combines elements of Nigerian street pop with South Africa’s amapiano, creating a blend that is both familiar and refreshing to listeners.
“Is Asake Owing the Mob? The Burning Question Behind His Rapid Success”
Asake’s music career has had fans and enthusiasts , wondering if there’s more to his rapid content releases. Picture this: you are chilling on a hot afternoon and suddenly, there’s a teaser for his new track on Wednesday. By Friday, we have a new song and video, lyrics to enjoy! And it’s a recurring theme with “Mr Money’’ so, we can’t help but ask, “Is Asake owing the mob?” Or maybe, is rent due?
P.S this is all in good banter. Asake’s journey to stardom has been nothing short of extraordinary. The real magic behind his success? his unwavering dedication and relentless hard work.
In the fast-paced world of music, Asake’s team understands the need to be quick and on your feet, He is currently signed to Olamide’s (BaddoSneh) record label YBNL, he can’t be unfresh, We believe his team recognizes his hunger and passion, and the undeniable truth is that Asake’s success is firmly anchored in his unwavering commitment to his craft. From teasing us with his tunes to releasing hit after hit, Asake’s journey is nothing short of remarkable.
Asake’s Musical Timeline: A Journey of Rapid Success.
2017–2022: The Early Years and Breakthrough
Asake’s musical journey began in 2017 when he released his first songs. While he may not have immediately taken the spotlight, he was determined to make a name for himself in the music industry. The turning point came in 2022 when he released the single “Mr. Money.” This catchy track quickly gained popularity and marked the start of his rise to fame.
A pivotal moment in Asake’s career was the remix of “Mr. Money,” featuring the talents of Zlatan and Peruzzi. This collaboration sent shockwaves through the Nigerian music scene and set the stage for the artist’s remarkable ascent.
February 2022: A Game-Changing Move
In February 2022, Asake received a significant career boost when renowned Nigerian artist Olamide signed him to his YBNL Records imprint. This move provided Asake with access to a broader audience and a more prominent platform from which to showcase his musical prowess.
The same month witnessed the release of his debut extended play (EP), “Ololade.” This EP introduced listeners to the infectious “Omo Ope,” a collaboration with Olamide, and the irresistible single “Sungba,” which further solidified Asake’s status as a rising star.
July 2022: Expanding Horizons
By July 2022, Asake was making substantial strides in his career. He signed a distribution deal with Empire, a crucial step for artists looking to broaden their international reach. This partnership allowed his music to be shared with a more extensive global audience, establishing him as an artist to watch on an international scale.
September 2022: “Mr. Money with the Vibe” and International Recognition
The pinnacle of Asake’s career arrived with the release of his debut studio album, “Mr. Money with the Vibe.” This album was a milestone in his career, supported by hit singles like “Terminator,” “Peace Be Unto You,” and a remix of “Sungba,” which featured Burna Boy. It received acclaim both in Nigeria and around the world, breaking records and making an impressive debut at number 66 on the Billboard 200.
Breakthrough and Global Recognition
In 2022, Asake’s career skyrocketed with the release of his debut album, “Mr. Money With the Vibe.” The album received critical acclaim and made history as the African album with the biggest opening weekend on Apple Music. Asake’s popularity transcended borders, garnering a global fan base that resonated with his energetic and uplifting music. His commanding stage presence and magnetic personality further solidified his status as a rising star in the music industry.
Asake’s Unique Brand Identity
In addition to cultivating a unique, distinctive sound — an aspiration shared by every artist — the next pivotal step is forging an unmistakable pattern of identification. In the past, this pattern often manifested through the voice of the artist, the opening notes of their songs, the style of their music videos, or other such elements that set them apart.
However, contemporary artists are evolving this identity, moving towards the physical experience. That’s why you might catch Ruger sporting an eye patch,or Burna Boy’s representation as a Odogwu and Ayra wardrobe, the intersection of Y2K and Nigeria’s Alté music scene. While these physical identifiers undoubtedly serve branding purposes, they also transcend the concept of a brand to define who these artists are at their core.
As for Asake, his distinctive identity lies in his unique style of dress.
Much like his conscious efforts to make his sound familiar to audiences, Asake applies the same intentionality to his sense of style, which has now become synonymous with uniqueness. From his choice of hairstyles to his selection of boots, whether it’s the short chunky locs in “remember”, or the multicolored hair in “Peace Be Unto You,” amongst many other looks he has sported since his rise.
Much like his conscious efforts to make his sound familiar to audiences, Asake applies the same intentionality to his sense of style, which has now become synonymous with uniqueness. From his choice of hairstyles to his selection of boots, whether it’s the short chunky locs in “remember”, or the multicolored hair in “Peace Be Unto You,” or the twisted locs in “Lonely at The Top,” Asake meticulously curates how he presents himself on stage and in music videos. His goal is clear: to stand out and be one-of-a-kind.
Asake carefully curates how he presents himself on stage and in music videos. His goal is clear: to stand out.
His fashion style serves as a metaphor for his music — it’s unconventional. At times, it may seem eccentric like wearing an oversized shirt with slim trousers or a slim shirt with baggy jeans.
But that’s precisely the essence of Asake. Initially, it may not strike the eye, but with continued exposure, it reveals hidden messages and several layers.
In a BETNetworks interview, Asake described his fashion style as a source of confidence. Although he might offer insights into how to emulate his style today, it’s important to keep in mind that there’s no fixed “Asake style” because everything about him defies convention. The difference is inherently dynamic, and Asake personifies this dynamism.
Even though he imparts guidance on how to dress like him today, he might share a different approach tomorrow because everything about him challenges the norm — from his sound to his unwavering commitment to Yoruba, to his fashion choices. He constantly evolves in distinctive ways, and he’s incredibly deliberate about each facet of his identity. He knows that being unique is not the norm, but he uses it as a key part of his brand, a part that we never saw coming
Challenges and Growth
With success comes challenges, and Asake has faced his fair share. The tragic crowd crush incident at one of his shows in South London served as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities that come with fame. Despite the setbacks, Asake remained resilient, using his music as a means of healing and reflection. His song “Yoga” was a testament to his journey towards finding inner peace amidst the chaos, resonating with fans and topping the charts in Nigeria.
Maintaining Groundedness
Despite his newfound fame and success, Asake remains grounded and connected to his roots. His team diligently ensures he stays true to himself and his values, even as his lifestyle changes. He continues to cherish life’s simple pleasures, endearing him to fans and reinforcing his authenticity as an artist.
Second Album and Artistic Growth
Asake’s second album, “Work of Art,” was released in June 2023. This highly anticipated project showcases his evolution as an artist and his commitment to creating meaningful and immersive musical experiences. The album delves deeper into Asake’s personal journey, exploring themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the challenges of navigating fame. It is a departure from his signature catchy hooks, instead emphasizing storytelling and soulful vocals.
The Future is Bright
Asake has firmly established his status among the Afrobeats genre’s elite, evident in the rapid sell-out of his highly anticipated show at the O2 Arena in London on the 20th August 2023.
The evening began with a video tribute, honoring the tragic incident that occurred at an Asake concert at O2 Academy Brixton last year. This unfortunate event resulted in the loss of two concertgoers due to the chaotic situation caused by ticketless attendees. The tribute served as a necessary recognition, casting a somber shadow over what should have been a celebratory moment.
The show kicked off with Asake’s dramatic entrance, descending onto the stage from a helicopter. Accompanied by dancers dressed in all-black attire, they set the stage on fire with their performance of ‘Organise.’ The crowd responded with enthusiasm, and fireworks and the light from phone torches lit up the O2 Arena.
To mark this special headline show at the O2, a lineup of special guests joined Asake on stage. The first guest was Fireboy DML, and together, they delivered a rendition of their hit collaboration, ‘Bandana.’ Fireboy DML, already a prominent figure with the viral hit ‘Peru,’ sharing the stage with Asake underscored the significance of this event.
Overall, Asake’s performance at the O2 received mixed reviews. Regardless, the year 2023 has ushered in significant changes for the Afrobeats scene in the U.K. Both Burna Boy and Wizkid headlined major stadiums this summer. While Asake may still be a few years away from attaining such heights, if he maintains his remarkable upward trajectory, marked by his infectious energy and innovative approach, he’s well on his way to gracing these monumental stages in the near future.
Final thoughts
Asake’s rise to prominence in the Nigerian pop music scene is a testament to his talent, dedication, and unique sound. From his humble beginnings at Obafemi Awolowo University to his global recognition and critically acclaimed albums, he has captured the hearts of music lovers worldwide. Asake’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists, showcasing the power of perseverance and the ability to create music that transcends borders.
With his unwavering passion and commitment to his craft, it seems Asake is indeed overwise, and he is poised to make an indelible mark on the music industry for years to come.
