One early morning in 2023, more than 20,000 fans at the O2 Arena, London, screamed as a helicopter descended from the sky. Many in the screaming horde reached out their hands to touch the man in the helicopter—Asake, one of the world’s most significant musical talents at the time. But before the glittering lights of […]
5 months ago
One early morning in 2023, more than 20,000 fans at the O2 Arena, London, screamed as a helicopter descended from the sky. Many in the screaming horde reached out their hands to touch the man in the helicopter—Asake, one of the world’s most significant musical talents at the time. But before the glittering lights of the O2 Arena, there was Obafemi Awolowo University, where Asake kicked off his music career fourteen years ago, while simultaneously studying theater and performing arts. The thriving music culture in OAU, where artists like Fireboy DML, Blaqbonez, and Chinko Ekun finished, allowed Asake to hone his craft. He often performed in campus shows, a variation of his Joha was popular among the student population. After graduating from university in the mid-2010s, Asake would continue to look for a breakthrough in music, and, when it eluded him, he turned to acting, taking up minor roles in low-budget films and appearing in skits with Broda Shaggi.
In 2020, Asake had a taste of mainstream success with his hit song Mr. Money. The track became a club anthem across cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt. Capitalizing on its success, Asake released a remix featuring Peruzzi and Zlatan Ibile, propelling him to debut on Apple Music’s Top 100: Nigeria chart. But it wasn’t until 2022 that Asake achieved mainstream success with the Olamide-assisted Omo Ope, a lively and captivating hit that quickly changed his musical trajectory as a young artist. Within weeks of its release, the song soared to the top of the TurnTable Top 50 chart, and subsequently got Asake a record deal with Olamide’s star-minting YBNL (Yahoo Boy No Laptop) label, home to Fireboy DML, formerly home to Lil Kesh and Adekunle Gold.
Asake followed Omo Ope with his debut EP, Ololade Asake, showcasing four tracks highlighting his prowess as both a skilled songwriter and a hit-making sensation. The EP’s standout track, Sungba, further cemented Asake’s success as it topped the TurnTable Singles Chart. A remix of Sungba, featuring Burna Boy, was another crowning achievement to Asake’s fledgling career.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PnZf9U1HxQ?si=TLhIsJMpYXyWG8bp]
Asake’s breakthrough track Omo Ope leans heavily on Amapiano while infusing Fuji, using Yoruba and pidgin English to craft memorable stories. Asake lived in Lagos all his life, and so his stories are reflective of the society that nurtured him. Listening to the song evokes a refreshing sense of relatability. He and Olamide sing about indulging the luxuries of life: Mo s’are f’owo mi s’aye/gbomo mefa l’ole/emi omo ope o,” Asake sings, loosely translating to: “I used up my money on flexing/bringing home six women,” a reiteration of the theme that the song embodies.
Born Ahmed Ololade, Asake derives his moniker from a Yoruba name loosely translating to“One who is chosen to be pampered.” It’s a name traditionally reserved for females. Asake adopted the name as a tribute to his mother, who affectionately called him ‘Omo Asake’ (Child of Asake).
Asake burst onto the Afrobeats scene with a distinctive sound that defied easy categorization. Rooted in the storytelling traditions of street-pop predecessors, his music also incorporates the rhythmic bounce of Fuji music, a genre deeply embedded in Nigeria’s Yoruba culture. Influenced by iconic Fuji artists like K1 De Ultimate and Ayinde Barrister, Asake’s music resonates with Nigerians, evoking nostalgia for indigenous music forms like Fuji and Apala, which were staples in many households. He also taps into sounds unique to white garment churches, as heard in Yoga.
His masterful use of Yoruba language is both striking and evocative, stirring pleasant memories and emotions from listeners’ pasts. For fans who don’t understand Yoruba, it sets them on a groovy mode. Asake’s fusion of Fuji-esque melodies with contemporary pop elements appeals widely to urban audiences, evident in hits like Sungba and Palazzo, reminiscent of classics by Kwam 1 or Remi Aluko. However, Asake’s true brilliance lies in his seamless blend of street-pop aesthetics with Afropop sensibilities, establishing himself at the crossroads of these musical genres. Asake’s music invites listeners to appreciate his skill in arranging vocal elements and the deliberate craftsmanship behind his songs. His distinctive sound often incorporates live instruments like the violin, and the saxophone, adding depth to his songs.
He owes much of his rise to his artistic brilliance, but one cannot deny that this was complemented by Olamide’s influence on Nigerian pop culture. Olamide’s collaboration with Omo Ope played a role in introducing Asake to mainstream audiences. When Olamide announced Asake’s signing to YBNL alongside a teaser of Sungba, the reception was overwhelming. Some observers have drawn parallels between Asake’s trajectory and Olamide’s early career, suggesting that Olamide is passing the baton to a new generation.
Under Olamide’s mentorship, Asake has grown and thrived. His albums have made waves internationally, charting in the US, UK, and other Western countries. Tracks like Sungba and Lonely At The Top have become staples at parties in cities like London, reflecting his global appeal. The remix of Sungba featuring Burna Boy proved instrumental in expanding Asake’s reach into American and European markets, with the African superstar even performing the song at sold-out concerts around the world.
Critics have noted the striking artistic evolution between Asake’s first and second albums. His debut, Mr. Money With The Vibes, resonates with feel-good anthems that capture a wave of enthusiasm. In contrast, his sophomore project, Work of Art, shows Asake grappling with the transformative effects of money, fame, and success. Asake is keenly aware of this and the heightened anticipation following his Grammy nomination and his star power. However, he remains open to defying expectations in his third album, Lungu Boy, stating in a recent interview with GQ, “I’ll never limit myself to one thing. Tomorrow, I might wake up and decide to create an all-reggae album. Perhaps that’s where God leads me next.”
