Most people would take a breather if they had the kind of riotously successful year Asake had in 2022. But not Asake who got right to work this year, releasing the singles Yoga and 2:30, both of which would top the TurnTable Top 100. The 28-year-old has returned with a jam, Amapiano, in which he features his record label boss Olamide. The last time both artists collaborated on a song was in Asake’s Omo Ope, a hit last year.
The title of the new song seems to be a homage of sorts, ostentatiously to the music genre in which Asake found renown. With the record producer Magicsticks producing all twelve songs in Asake’s Mr Money With the Vibe, the debut album blends elements of South African house music, most prominently Amapiano, with Nigerian pop and Fuji.
It would seem Asake’s creative partnership with Magicsticks won’t be letting up anytime soon. The record producer is also behind Amapiano. Against a boppy beat, Asake vaunts, his theme self-aggrandisement. He sings, “Overseas dem won chop me like suya,” hinting at the international success he enjoyed with his debut album and even pointing at the ones to come. This August, Asake will be performing at the O2 Arena in London.
But the more interesting detail about the song is the news that came with it. Asake has revealed that his second studio album, Work of Art, will be released on June 15. With the album he will be hoping to replicate or surpass his debut’s success.
Amapiano comes with a music video directed by Jyde Ajala, which you can watch here: