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  • Over the weekend, social media was buzzing with conversations about the dispute between Afrobeats star Asake and his father, Fatai Odunsi. A video of his father struggling to walk, assisted by others, circulated online, sparking calls for  Asake to step in and help financially.

    Details about Asake’s relationship with his father have remained unclear, but online speculation suggests they might not have been close, with claims that Odunsi was not fully involved when Asake was growing up.

    Here’s a breakdown of everything that happened, from the initial allegations to their eventual reconciliation.

    March 13, 2025 – Asake’s Father Goes Public

    A video surfaced online featuring Fatai Odunsi, who identified himself as Asake’s father. In the emotional clip, Odunsi claimed that ever since he suffered a stroke in 2022, his son abandoned him, cutting off all financial support. 

    He appealed to the public to come to his aid, saying that Asake no longer answers his calls or acknowledges his struggles. This revelation immediately sparked online debates, with many questioning Asake’s silence.

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    ALSO READ: Asake’s 10 Best Songs Ranked

    March 14, 2025 – Asake Responds Through Music

    Asake broke his silence in the way he knows best — through music. He shared a snippet of an unreleased song on social media, addressing the situation in Yoruba. In the lyrics, he suggested that he had been financially supporting his father but felt unappreciated. 

    He implied that his father was trying to deceive him, yet he has chosen to remain unwavering. This response fueled the fire, with fans taking it as evidence that his relationship with his father had been strained for a long time.

    March 15, 2025 – The Family’s Demands and a New Accusation

    The situation escalated further when a video emerged featuring people who claimed to be members of Asake’s extended family. They called on him to purchase a ₦50 million house for his father to compensate for past neglect. 

    Additionally, they introduced another shocking allegation — Asake allegedly has an 11-year-old daughter named Zeenat. They demanded that he take full responsibility and suggested a DNA test to confirm paternity. 

    At this point, social media went into overdrive, with divided opinions on whether Asake should comply with the demands or if he was being unfairly targeted.

    March 16, 2025 – A Resolution?

    Amid all the public discourse, reports emerged that Asake and his father have reconciled. Sources close to the family confirm that Asake has instructed real estate agents to purchase a house for Odunsi and has also provided funds for his medical expenses. 

    In a new video, Odunsi expressed his gratitude, stating that the issues have now been resolved and that he is proud of his son. He also acknowledged that Asake has agreed to take responsibility for Zeenat.

    ALSO READ: Asake’s “Lungu Boy” is an Unsuccessful Experiment, Unlikely a Convincing Trifecta

    Social Media Reactions

    As expected, social media had plenty to say about the unfolding drama. Here are  some of the wildest reactions:

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  • First of all, Asake is one of African music’s superstars, and indeed one of the biggest that we’ve ever seen. In three years of his ascent, he has released three albums, though the first two are more critically acclaimed than the third. Nonetheless, he has remained a king of street anthems, making fans dance like nobody’s watching.

    With his unique blend of Fuji, Afrobeats, and Street-Pop, Asake has taken the Nigerian music scene by storm. And with a discography full of jams, it’s hard to pick just a few faves. So, I took on the task of diving into Asake’s catalogue, ranking the 10 best of his songs and exploring what makes each one special. From the chart-toppers, fan favourites, and the often-overlooked, I’ve crowned his undeniable bangers.

    10.

    “Mr. Money”

    In August 2020, at the peak of the COVID-19 lockdown, an Amapiano jam hit the streets with the popular catchphrase, “Mr. Money, can I be your only honey?” This Magicsticks-produced song was everywhere, playing in clubs and parties, though Asake remained an obscure artist. It wasn’t until after his signing to YBNL that many realised that this guy had one of the biggest hits of 2020 when he was unknown. Its success birthed the remix with Zlatan Ibile and Peruzzi. This is his humble beginning in the mainstream.

    9.

    “Omo Ope” featuring Olamide

    Asake kept at his Amapiano experiment and even began fusing with Afrobeats and Fuji. By 2022, Asake and his music had gained more clout and traction. He got the attention of Olamide, who featured on “Omo Ope” and eventually signed Asake to his record label, YBNL. That was the dawn of greatness for Asake.

    8.

    “Mogbe”

    Relationship issues had Asake in a chokehold, and he had no choice but to voice out his emotions. He’s only available for love matters, but the problems with his insecure lover have pushed him to vices. Still, he found a strong voice that’s yielding to love, and he can’t let go. He ends the song by stating that his woman is a wonderful one. Indeed, romance over everything.

    7.

    “Nzaza”

    This song, “Nzaza,” is the eighth track on Mr. Money With the Vibes, Asake’s debut album. It’s an Igbo word that means “God, please, hear my prayers.” By extension, he admonishes himself to help his prayers work, after all, even the Bible says there’s no food for the lazy. He also praises himself as an important personality— more or less a declaration or his prayer to fulfil his destiny to be great. His songwriting is as pristine as the heart he opens up in the song to the heavens.

    6.

    “Terminator”

    This song arrested many music listeners straight from its preview on social media. “Terminator” refers to someone who goes back on an agreement or promise. In this case, it’s a babe he planned a link-up with. The song is riddled with sweet-nothings, sex talks and romantic yearnings. He even draws a comparison between his profound, persistent readiness for coitus, like a popular logistics company: “Mo wa gbe e de bi Gokada, I dey deliver steady.”

    5.

    “Fuji Vibe”

    In five minutes and twenty-two seconds, Asake gives an eclectic performance of pure Fuji delivered with the urgency of the current times. He sings of enjoyment and women with hypnotic auras. Interestingly, Asake had this song for a long time, but he updated it with his producer, Magicsticks and additional production from himself and The Compozers. The second half of the song switches into the thunderous and rhythmic sounds of percussion; it sounds like chaos, yet so sweet and safe. He comes fully into his Fuji act here.

    4.

    “MMS”

    Here, Asake, on his third album, Lungu Boy, eased off his Amapiano fusions and worked with another producer, P.Priime. “MMS,” meaning “Mr. Money Song,” is a laid-back and reflective record that suggests that God is omnipresent, nothing happens without God, and all that’s in this life is vanity. Wizkid, in the second verse, expands the theme and plunges into his mom’s demise and his grief. The song feels like a deep cut.

    3.

    “Lonely at the Top”

    This song is on Asake’s second album, Work of Art. Here, Asake has found success. He already had the biggest Nigerian debut album ever out. He has performed at the famous O2 Arena in the UK. He was at a top level he hadn’t been before. Hence, the reason why a great height sometimes is a scary territory, as he sings here.

    2.

    “Sungba”

    Before the “Sungba” remix with Burna Boy, the original song dominated playlists and DJ sets. “Sungba” is a raunchy jam about laying pipe. He remembers his old flings and calls on new players willing to join him in bed. It’s apparent here that this guy has mastered how to make resonating songs that become smash hits.

    1.

    “Remember”

    This song calls back on the love that feels like it may slip away. He recalls all the lovely moments spent together and pleads for a continued, stress-free romance. In this romantic chase, Asake wants his love interest and the listener, by extension, to remember who he is: an undisputed show stopper, an undefeated champ, a committed lover and a big spender on his women. He makes a maverick record of “Remember.” His lyricism, vim and passion are earnest.

    In Case You Missed It, We Reviewed Asake’s “Lungu Boy” Album. Read Here.

  • When Asake went viral with his 2022 hit Omo Ope featuring Olamide, his arrival on the scene was welcomed by music heads, from the streets of Agege to the silent parties at only God knows where. It was clear that a new music star had entered the group chat. 

    Last year he sold out the 20,000-capacity London O2 Arena following the release of his sophomore album “Work of Art,” a feat only the biggest names in Afrobeats, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, and a few others have been able to accomplish. But Mr Money with the Vibe had only just started.

    On September 21, 2024, Asake sold out London’s O2 Arena for the second time. How did he do it?  We got busy deciphering the Asake blueprint for you to follow.

    Build a cult following

    It can’t be denied that the consistency of Asake’s music has kept his fans, both in Nigeria and abroad, loyal to him for years. Even before he became famous, he had a cult following in his days as an undergrad at Obafemi Awolowo University. Now, people don’t just love his music; they pay to listen and see him in concert.

    Go global

    We may argue from now till tomorrow that we shouldn’t depend on the white man’s Billboard chart. But its effect in propelling local acts to the global forefront can’t be underestimated. Asake’s first album, “Mr Money With the Vibes,” charted at number 66 on the Billboard US 200 chart and became the highest-charting Nigerian debut album of all time. His sophomore, “Work of Art,” also debuted at number 66 on that chart. In August 2024, nine songs from his latest album, “Lungu Boy,” appeared on the Billboard Afrobeats Chart. The world is listening.

    Snag a Grammy nomination

    A Grammy nomination definitely helps if you’re looking to sell out the O2 twice. Asake’s Amapiano song with label boss Olamide bagged a Grammy nomination when the African Music category debuted at the awards for the first time this year.

    Late-night show performance

    Performing at late-night shows has never hurt anybody before, certainly if O2 is in the future. Asake has performed his music at Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon’s shows. Going on famous late-night shows like The Late Night Show With Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show to talk about and perform his music is effective in global standing strategy. Millions of people watch TV and YouTube globally.

    Book the O2

    After you’ve built a reliable and paying large audience that’ll be up for your party at 2 AM, the O2 Arena isn’t a bad venue. After all, it’s currently Afrobeats’ biggest hall, so book it.

    Read Our Review of His “Lungu Boy” Album Here

  • Which Asake music video is this?

    Which Asake music video is this?

    Which Asake music video is this?

    Which Asake music video is this?

    Which Asake music video is this?

    Which Asake music video is this?

    Which Asake music video is this?

    Which Asake music video is this?

    Which Asake music video is this?

  • Every meeting place has a designated name. Where smokers and mostly closet drug-addled folks freely indulge in Southwest Nigeria is called Lungu. Another interpretation of Lungu is ghetto. It could also signify a corner, a personal space, a comfort zone, or a place of abode.

    This “razz Lungu” word has now found its way into pop culture and urban vocabulary and can be open to broader contexts. Your office space is your lungu. Your favourite hangout spot, your precious kitchen. This will be the Asake effect. “Lungu” is the adjective in his new album title. It modifies the noun Asake. It’s where the Nigerian singer finds a sense of belonging, his loyalty to his proletariat beginning, if not a specific nod to his Lagos Island origin. “Lungu Boy” is his third studio album, a speculated trilogy, just released after his modern classics, “Mr Money With the Vibes” (2022) and “Work of Art” (2023).

    Start opens the album. Forty seconds after the sample of Asa’s Eye Adaba, a morning reverie, Asake sets the album tone. He’s a party rider. He sings, “Mr. Money killing show / Anywhere I enter, it’s a big intro.” After the mellow post-Work-of-Art singles, Happiness and Only Me, nothing screams “We’re so back!” more than those opening lines. He pleads positivity, and disregards distractions. “Me I wan free mind, make I no yarn too much / Elevate my mind, make I not talk too much.” 

    Mr. Money Sound (MMS) comes in next. Reflection is written all over this. This therapeutic type of production requires acknowledging a higher power, going down memory lane, waxing philosophical about vanity, or getting deep into the pain points of desiderium, as Wizkid’s verse expresses. One hears this type of performance from Wiz and wonders, “This guy talks?” It builds an expectation that he likely has more to say on his forthcoming album than recycled smug brags, canal tales and frolicking gists of his lovers’ musings.

    The party finally picks up on Mood. It’s groovy, though not necessarily happy; it’s a mix of moods. Optimism is almost dimmed, and Asake contemplates with a resigned attitude. The fleeting emotions he sings about here is a universal phenomenon; it’s happening in every life. This song makes thoughts sober rather than turnt on a tipsy or drunk night. One may feel aligning chakras and white light on the forehead in more profound listening. The angelic “Oh, oh, oh, ohhh” between his verses shifts the song from a groove towards the realm of meditation. Asake repeats his first verse in the second but in broken Spanish. It’s hard to tell why he subjects us to español. Perhaps he’s learning a new language and testing his proficiency, or it’s the influence of Los Angeles living since his blow-up. Or maybe it’s an expansion move into Southern America, which makes sense considering the Bolero-styled bridge performed by French-Gabonese singer Anäis Cardot on the following track, My Heart. According to Asake, the song describes the kind of woman he wants. The song lyrics and love interest’s name, Marissa, further confirm his interest in the Latino experience, specifically a babe.

    Adding that up with his global breakthrough in the music space, Worldwide takes the follow-up spot. In a larger context, Asake wants to be more than a guy from Africa. The tempo almost dragged until he gets Active with US rapper Travis Scott on a funky urban-fuji inflected with log-drums and a sample of Jazzman Olofin and Adewale Ayuba’s Raise the Roof. They’re hyperactive, junking on adrenaline. This song’s the album’s zinger!

    Suru, the next song (meaning “Patience”), is admonishing, almost like Asake’s looking out for impatient people. The chorus bites Musiliu Ishola’s Ise Oluwa Ko Seni Toye. It features Stormzy, a UK rapper, to say that good comes to those who wait.

    Asake picked up a new hobby turned lifestyle this year. It’s skating. The outdoor sport that was once a rebellious underground subculture and became popular through the likes of Pharrell Williams (Skateboard P), Lil Wayne and Lupe Fiasco is very mainstream now. However, it’s a developing culture in Nigeria. Not to be classist, but a younger Asake who possibly made a fun ride from a motorcycle tyre and a stick would likely look at the version with a skateboard with yearning and envy. As regular as skateboarding may be, it’s a boujee sport for those with nothing to think about other than survival. This song is about the joy of finding fun (again) in adulthood. Also, it’s interesting that a Nigerian artist sings about a fun activity that isn’t a vice.

    Magicsticks, his go-to producer over the last two albums, finally sticks one production to us with Wave featuring Central Cee from the UK. It’s the twin to Active with Travis Scott, although it might as well be a Central Cee record. Far from peer pressure and insecurity cop-out, Mentally relates to nightlife spenders and hustle savviness impacted by street smart. He makes enough cash to disregard a lame. Uhh Yeahh comes up in the middle of a rave and possesses the party energy — Fuji, EDM and Jersey club music have become one spirit. This song gets the dancefloor going in the drench of sweat and deafening subwoofers. The beat is so hypnotic that Asake gets lost in the sauce. It’s a reminder that Sarz isn’t your mate. [ad][/ad]

    As a Nigerian, one word at the tip of one’s tongue from birth is I Swear. The slang means “I’m dead serious”, and it needs no serious conversation to slip in. Here, the listener moves to Asake’s message of self-importance and love for luxury. At this point, this album has become a slow burner. Three songs to the finish, totalled at 48 minutes, “Lungu Boy” feels longer than his previous 30-minute-long albums that play incredibly fast and beg for a repeat.

    Ligali is a term popularised by Fuji musician Pasuma Alabi over two decades ago. More than a reference to coitus stimulation, “ligali” encourages dancing and gyration. Asake continues to be influenced by Fuji music, a constant sonic element in his upbringing. Brazilian singer LUDMILLA joins Asake on Whine that melds Afrobeats groove and ragga-dancehall to advance Mr. Money’s quest into the Afro-Latin music market. He closes out with a live-performance version of Fuji Vibe, a long-time recorded song he played as an interlude during one of his shows. Its opening beat breaks share similarities to Olamide’s Wo, including their hyper-fast BPM. The thumps of gangan and omele drums, jazziness of modern drum set and trumpet, instrumental renditions of Adewale Ayuba’s Ijo Fuji, and Asake’s breakout single Mr Money, send the crowd into an àríyá (party) frenzy. Then it slowly descends into a Mara music vibe, carrying Gen-Z of the inner cities. This song will be as hard as any entry at the famous Oluyole West NG Carnival in Ibadan. Fuji Vibe will go down as one of the fans’ favourites.

    With P.Priime credited as producer on the first four songs (Start, MMS, Mood, My Heart) and three others (Suru, Skating, I Swear), it now goes without saying who the producer of the year is. Sarz, P.Priime’s sensei, did the production on Worldwide, Active, Mentally, Uhh Yeahh, Ligali. The three remaining production credits go to Haitian producer SAK-PASE on Whine, Magicsticks on Wave, alongside Asake and The Compozers on Fuji Vibe. The album’s production value is elite.

    Conclusion

    “Lungu Boy” is the repeat of stories he’s already told, laden on experimental Afropop, neo-fuji and urban-tungba. Rather than an autobiographical audio entry, this album is a party drilled in heavy, uptempo, ADHD-induced sounds, rigorous jolts, and dance moves. Although Asake remembers God and that he’s a vanity slave, there’s little reflection in the body of work, not what the title and portrait album art suggest. The music is hot on gaiety, ballers’ night out, house parties, counting cash and spending it on baddies with chop-life agendas. One wonders if these women are aware that he’s convinced that one drunk man is more intelligent than three women. 

    Asake’s performance seems more relaxed, but the music is still shindig and restless.

    Compared to his debut album “Mr. Money With the Vibes (MMWTV)”, “Lungu Boy” is a slow-burner, just as his second album “Work of Art”. The difference is the latest album misses the preciseness of his self-written debut, and lacks the focus of the sophomore, his best. Perhaps the exclusion of Olamide, his label boss, in its songwriting is glaring. Or maybe this is a pushed work that fulfills and ends his YBNL contractual obligations. “Lungu Boy” seems to miss its intended message. It gives little to the ghetto kids. Nothing more than weak songwriting, surface music and steeze.

    Considering the album hype and Asake’s reputation as a hit-making machine, the listeners’ conversation would be torn into an emphatic “Asake delivered” and a puzzled “What’s this?” Lungu Boy is an unsuccessful experiment, a 7/10 at best. It doesn’t feel like a convincing trifecta—at least not yet.

    This is a premature evaluation anyways.

    People will still dance to his music.

    Speaking of Experimental Albums, We Reviewed Rema’s “HEIS” too.

  • The nomination list of the upcoming 2024 Grammy Awards dropped on November 10th, 2023, with a new category for African music called “Best African Music Performance.”

    Nigerian artists, Davido, Ayra Starr, Olamide, Asake, Bloody Civilian and Blessing Offor, all got their first Grammy nominations, joining the growing list of nominees that includes Femi Kuti, Seun Kuti and Tems.

    We bring you the list of categories and nominees you should care about.

    Record of the Year

    Worship – Jon Batiste

    Not Strong Enough – boygenius

    Flowers – Miley Cyrus

    What Was I Made For? (From Motion Picture Barbie) – Billie Eilish

    On My Mama – Victoria Monét

    Vampire – Olivia Rodrigo

    Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift

    Kill Bill – SZA

    Album of the Year

    World Music Radio – Jon Batiste

    the record – boygenius

    Endless Summer Vacation – Miley Cyrus

    Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd – Lana Del Rey

    The Age of Pleasure – Janelle Monáe

    GUTS – Olivia Rodrigo

    Midnights – Taylor Swift

    SOS – SZA

    Song of the Year

    A&W – Jack Antonoff, Lana Del Rey and Sam Drew

    Anti-Hero – Jack Antonoff and Taylor Swift

    Butterfly – Jon Batiste and Dan Wilson

    Dance the Night (From Barbie The Album) – Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt

    Flowers – Miley Cyrus, Gregory Aldae Hein and Michael Pollack

    Kill Bill – Rob Bisel, Carter Lang and Solána Rowe

    Vampire – Daniel Nigro, Olivia Rodrigo

    What Was I Made For? (From Motion Picture Barbie) – Billie Eilish O’Connell and Finneas O’Connell

    Best New Artist

    Gracie Abrams

    Fred again..

    Jelly Roll

    Coco Jones

    Noah Kanan

    Victoria Monét

    The War and Treaty

    Producer of the Year (Non-Classical)

    Jack Antonoff

    Dernst “D’Mile” Emile II

    Hit-Boy

    Metro Boomin

    Daniel Nigro

    Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical)

    Edgar Barrera

    Jessie Jo Dilion

    Shane McAnally

    Theron Thomas

    Justin Tranter

    Best Pop Solo Performance

    Flowers – Miley Cyrus

    Paint The Town Red – Doja Cat

    What Was I Made For? (From The Motion Picture Barbie)

    Vampire – Olivia Rodrigo

    Anti-Hero – Taylor Swift

    Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

    Thousand Miles – Miley Cyrus

    Candy Necklace – Lana Del Rey feat. Job Batiste

    Never Felt So Alone – Labrinth feat. Billie Eilish

    Karma – Taylor Swift feat. Ice Spice

    Ghost In The Machine – SZA feat. Phoebe Bridgers

    Best Pop Vocal Album

    Chemistry – Kelly Clarkson

    Endless Summer Vacation – Miley Cyrus

    GUTS – Olivia Rodrigo

    – (Subtract) – Ed Sheeran

    Midnights – Taylor Swift

    Best Dance/Electronic Recording

    Blackbox Life Recorder 21F – Aphex Twin

    Loading – James Blake

    Higher Than Ever Before – Disclosure

    Strong – Romy and Fred again..

    Rumble – Skrillex, Fred again.. and Flowdan

    Best Pop Dance Recording

    Baby Don’t Hurt Me – David Guetta, Anne-Marie and Coi Leray

    Miracle – Calvin Harris feat. Ellie Goulding

    Padam Padam – Kylie Minogue

    One In A Million – Bebe Rexha and David Guetta

    Rush – Troye Sivan

    Best Dance/Electronic Music Album

    Playing Robots Into Heaven – James Blake

    For That Beautiful Feeling – The Chemical Brothers

    Actual Life 3 (January 1 – September 9 2022) – Fred again..

    Kx5 – Kx5

    Quest For Fire – Skrillex

    Best Alternative Music Performance

    Belinda Says – Alvvays

    Body Paint – Arctic Monkeys

    Cool About It – boygenius

    A&W – Lana Del Rey

    This Is Why – Paramore

    Best Alternative Music Album

    The Car –Arctic Monkeys

    The Record – boygenius

    Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd – Lana Del Rey

    Cracker Island – Gorillaz

    I Inside The Old Year Dying – PJ Harvey

    Best R&B Performance

    Summer Too Hot – Chris Brown

    Back To Love – Robert Glasper feat. SiR and Alex Isley

    ICU – Coco Jones

    How Does It Make You Feel – Victoria Monét

    Kill Bill – SZA

    Best Traditional R&B Performance

    Simple – Babyface feat. Coco Jones

    Lucky – Kenyon Dixon

    Hollywood – Victoria Monét feat. Earth, Wind & Fire and Hazel Monét

    Good Morning – PJ Morton feat. Susan Carol

    Love Language – SZA

    Best R&B Song

    Angel – Halle Bailey, Theron Feemster and Coleridge Tillman

    Back To Love – Darryl Andrew Farris, Robert Glasper and Alexandra Isley

    ICU – Darhyl Camper Jr., Courtney Jones, Raymond Komba and Roy Keisha Rockette

    On My Mama – Dernst Emile II, Jeff Gitelman, Victoria Monét, Kyla Moscovich, Jamil Pierre and Charles Williams

    Snooze – Kenny B. Edmonds, Blair Ferguson, Khris Riddick-Tynes, Solána Rowe and Leon Thomas

    Best Progressive R&B Album

    Since I Have A Lover – 6LACK

    The Love Album Off The Grid – Diddy

    Nova – Terrace Martin and James Fauntleroy

    The Age Of Pleasure – Janelle Monáe

    SOS – SZA

    Best R&B Album

    Girls Night Out – Babyface

    What I Didn’t Tell You (Deluxe) – Coco Jones

    Special Occasion – Emily King

    JAGUAR II – Victoria Monét

    CLEAR 2: SOFT LIFE EP – Summer Walker

    Best Rap Performance

    The Hillbillies – Baby Keem feat. Kendrick Lamar

    Love Letter – Black Thought

    Rich Flex – Drake & 21 Savage

    SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS – Killer Mike feat. André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane

    Players – Coi Leray

    Best Melodic Rap Performance

    Sittin’ On Top Of The World – Burna Boy feat. 21 Savage

    Attention – Doja Cat

    Spin Bout U – Drake & 21 Savage

    All My Life – Lil Durk feat. J. Cole

    Low – SZA

    Best Rap Song

    Attention – Rogét Chahayed and Amala 

    Barbie World (From Barbie The Album – Isis Naija Gaston, Ephrem Louis Lopez Jr. & Onika Maraj, songwriters (Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice Featuring Aqua)

    Just Wanna Rock – Mohamad Camara, Symere Woods & Javier Mercado, songwriters (Lil Uzi Vert)

    Rich Flex – Brytavious Chambers, Isaac “Zac” De Boni, Aubrey Graham, J. Gwin, Anderson Hernandez, Michael “Finatik” Mule & Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, songwriters (Drake & 21 Savage)

    SCIENTISTS & ENGINEERS – Andre Benjamin, Paul Beauregard, James Blake, Michael Render, Tim Moore & Dion Wilson, songwriters (Killer Mike Featuring André 3000, Future And Eryn Allen Kane)

    Best Rap Album

    Her Loss – Drake & 21 Savage

    MICHAEL – Killer Mike

    HEROES & VILLIANS – Metro Boomin

    King’s Disease III – Nas

    UTOPIA – Travis Scott

    Best Spoken Word Poetry Album

    A-You’re Not Wrong B-They’re Not Either: The Fukc-It Pill Revisited – Queen Sheba

    For Your Consideration’24 -The Album – Prentice Powell and Shawn William

    Grocery Shopping With My Mother – Kevin Powell

    The Light Inside – J. Ivy

    When The Poems Do What They Do – Aja Monet

    Gospel and Contemporary Christian Music

    God Is Good – Stanley Brown Featuring Hezekiah Walker, Kierra Sheard & Karen Clark Sheard; Stanley Brown, Karen V Clark Sheard, Kaylah Jiavanni Harvey, Rodney Jerkins, Elyse Victoria Johnson, J Drew Sheard II, Kierra Valencia Sheard & Hezekiah Walker, songwriters

    Feel Alright (Blessed) – Erica Campbell; Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell, William Weatherspoon, Juan Winans & Marvin L. Winans, songwriters

    Lord Do It For Me (Live) – Zacardi Cortez; Marcus Calyen, Zacardi Cortez & Kerry Douglas, songwriters

    God Is – Melvin Crispell III

    All Things – Kirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter

    Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

    Believe – Blessing Offor; Hank Bentley & Blessing Offor, songwriters

    Firm Foundation (He Won’t) [Live] – Cody Carnes

    Thank God I Do – Lauren Daigle; Lauren Daigle & Jason Ingram, songwriters

    Love Me Like I Am – for KING & COUNTRY feat. Jordin Sparks

    Your Power – Lecrae & Tasha Cobbs Leonard

    God Problems – Maverick City Music, Chandler Moore & Naomi Raine; Daniel Bashta, Chris Davenport, Ryan Ellis & Naomi Raine, songwriters

    Best Gospel Album

    I Love You – Erica Campbell

    Hymns (Live) – Tasha Cobbs Leonard

    The Maverick Way – Maverick City Music

    My Truth – Jonathan McReynolds

    All Things New: Live In Orlando – Tye Tribbett

    Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

    My Tribe – Blessing Offor

    Emanuel – Da’ T.R.U.T.H.

    Lauren Daigle – Lauren Daigle

    Church Clothes 4 – Lecrae

    I Believe – Phil Wickham

    Best Roots Gospel Album

    Tribute To The King – The Blackwood Brothers Quartet

    Echoes Of The South – Blind Boys Of Alabama

    Songs That Pulled Me Through The Tough Times – Becky Isaacs Bowman

    Meet Me At The Cross – Brian Free & Assurance

    Shine: The Darker The Night The Brighter The Light – Gaither Vocal Band

    Best Global Music Performance

    Shadow Forces – Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer & Shahzad Ismaily

    Alone – Burna Boy

    FEEL – Davido

    Milagro Y Disastre -Silvana Estrada

    Abundance In Millets – Falu & Gaurav Shah (Featuring PM Narendra Modi)

    Pashto – Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer & Zakir Hussain Featuring Rakesh Chaurasia

    Todo Colores – Ibrahim Maalouf Featuring Cimafunk & Tank And The Bangas

    Best African Music Performance

    Amapiano – Asake & Olamide

    City Boys – Burna Boy

    UNAVAILABLE — Davido feat. Musa Keys

    Rush – Ayra Starr

    Water – Tyla

    Best Global Music Album

    Epifanías – Susana Baca

    History – Bokanté

    I Told Them… – Burna Boy

    Timeless – Davido

    This Moment – Shakti

    Best Reggae Album

    Born For Greatness – Buju Banton

    Simma – Beenie Man

    Cali Roots Riddim 2023 – Collie Buddz

    No Destroyer – Burning Spear

    Colors Of Royal – Julian Marley & Antaeus

    Best Compilation Soundtrack For Visual Media

    AURORA – (Daisy Jones & The Six)

    Barbie The Album – (Various Artists)

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From And Inspired By – (Various Artists)

    Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol. 3: Awesome Mix, Vol. 3 – (Various Artists)

    Weird: The Al Yankovic Story – Weird Al Yankovic

    Best Score Soundtrack For Visual Media (Includes Film And Television)

    Barbie – Mark Ronson & Andrew Wyatt (composers)

    Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Ludwig Göransson (composer)

    The Fabelmans – John Williams, (composer)

    Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
    – John Williams (composer)

    Oppenheimer – Ludwig Göransson, (composer)

    Best Song Written For Visual Media

    Barbie World (From Barbie The Album) – Naija Gaston, Ephrem Louis Lopez Jr. and Onika Maraj, songwriters (Nicki Minaj and Ice Spice feat. Aqua)

    Dance The Night (From Barbie The Album) – Caroline Ailin, Dua Lipa, Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Dua Lipa)

    I’m Just Ken (From Barbie The Album) – Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, songwriters (Ryan Gosling)

    Lift Me Up [From Black Panther: Wakanda Forever – Music From And Inspired By) – Ryan Coogler, Ludwig Göransson, Robyn Fenty and Temilade Openiyi, songwriters (Rihanna)

    What Was I Made For? (From Barbie The Album) – Billie Eilish O’Connell & Finneas O’Connell, songwriters (Billie Eilish)

    Best Music Video

    I’m Only Sleeping – The Beatles 

    (Em Cooper, video director; Jonathan Clyde, Sophie Hilton, Sue Loughlin & Laura Thomas, video producers)

    In Your Love – Tyler Childers
    (Bryan Schlam, video director; Kacie Barton, Silas House, Nicholas Robespierre, Ian Thornton & Whitney Wolanin, video producers)

    What Was I Made For? – Billie Eilish
    (Billie Eilish, video director; Michelle An, Chelsea Dodson & David Moore, video producers)

    Count Me Out – Kendrick Lamar
    (Dave Free & Kendrick Lamar, video directors; Jason Baum & Jamie Rabineau, video producers)

    Rush – Troye Sivan
    (Gordon Von Steiner, video director; Kelly McGee, video producer)

    Find the full list here.

  • On August 21, 2023, Asake sold out the O2 Arena and filled it with his fans of afrobeats listeners screaming his lyrics.

    From his iconic entrance to flexing vocals with Fireboy DML and an almost-there show performance, Ololade Mr Money etched his name into the timeline of afrobeats artists who’ve had the iconic arena’s doors open up in their names.

    Asake’s dramatic entry

    Asake arrived on stage in a yellow and black helicopter with the YBNL logo sitting pretty on its side. We don’t call this guy Ololade Mr. Money for nothing. He has raised the bar for anyone who touches the O2 next.

    He paid tribute to the victims of his last concert

    A tribute video honoured Rebecca Ikumelo and Gabrielle who lost their lives at Asake’s O2 Academy (not to be confused with the O2 Arena) concert in 2022.

    Asake brought out Tunde Baiyewu

    It was a wholesome moment seeing Tunde Baiyewu, one of our veteran musicians, on stage to sing Ocean Drive — a song Asake sampled on Sunshine.

    He paid homage to Davido

    OBO had a show at the Afronation Fest in Detroit, U.S.A., on the same day, but Asake still paid respect to the old cat with his version of Davido’s No Competition. 

    He brought out other OGs

    Asake’s label boss, Olamide, came to perform Omo Ope and Amapiano with him. Tiwa Savage also sang some of her hits. Fireboy DML and Lil Kesh weren’t left behind either.

    Tribute to Wizkid’s mum

    Poco Lee and DJ Enimoney played some Wizkid songs, in honour of his mother’s passing on August 18, 2023.

    He performed his OG hit 

    Asake owned December 2020 with Mr. Money before people even knew him. He brought the jam back on the O2 stage.

    If Asake was this dramatic at his o2 concert, we wonder what actions his upcoming show at the Barclays Centre (New York) will unpack in September.

  • About nine months ago, Asake solidified his fresh and unique sound with his debut album Mr. Money With the Vibes — an album that went on to influence the current soundscape of the industry with log drums and choral backups. Back with a taste for paintings, Asake is set to take us on artistic vibrations with his new album, Work of Art.

    Prior to his debut album, Asake first made a colourful splash on the scene with his EP Ololade Asake, which took Nigerians straight to the dance floors. Carefully fusing Afropop with styles that slowly creep into Fuji and Apala, Asake sang about having money, a good time and being streetwise. With MMWTV, Asake became the biggest breakout star Nigeria has ever seen with the biggest album of the year and the most streams for an artist, culminating in a recent BET award nomination. It’s Asake’s world and the rest of us are just paying rent and agency fees.  

    In the buildup to his latest, Work of Art, Asake released three songs, Yoga, 2:30 and Amapiano, and they were all number one singles on Official Nigeria Top 100. In all this, Asake hasn’t strayed from the fast life narrative. But while we enjoy the omo jaiye jaiye persona, the important question is: will it keep fans to their feet like it did nearly ten months ago?

    The Breakdown

    Asake opens the album with a mouth full of gratitude to God who translates to Olorun (the opening track title) in Yoruba. On this record, he recalls his life’s journey, the hard times and his meteoric rise. The introspective track is followed by the indulgent Awodi in which he continues the story of his successes and turns Pasuma’s name into wordplay. Early single, 2:30 comes after and it fits in seamlessly, picking up the pace of his Amapiano-inspired direction. Asake asks what the probability of anyone catching up to him is, or if they have the agility to even move. 

    On Sunshine, Ololade Asake becomes more flexible. The song is a shift from his usual pattern (stripped down beat, minimal horns, whistle and choral backups), but still manages to deliver a light-hearted message of motivation. 

    Maintaining a similar direction to Sunshine production-wise, Asake shifts gears to Mogbe which finds Olamide’s protégé in top form, with infectious lyrics about having a good time. Basquiat, the sixth track named after the famous American painter, Jean Micheal-Basquiat finds Asake in his artistic bag, comparing himself to a priceless work of art. After the year that was 2022, Asake’s worth on the music scene fully reflects his position on this track. The Olamide-assisted Amapiano enters next to subtly remind us of their exotic lifestyles and the overall sound the album sets to achieve.

    The party continues with What’s Up My G and I Believe, songs complete with log drums, drawn out storytelling and braggadocious lyrics meant to assert his dominance. At this point, it’s clear the plan is to keep us dancing— he reminded us again on Introduction that he’s Mr. Money with a sprinkle of no food for a lazy man.

    Asake admonishes his lover to “give it to him” while flexing his big vocabulary muscles on Remember. Lonely At the Top follows and switches up the ambience, now in a more solemn but groovy mood; Asake shows some vulnerability and preaches self-love. We’re with him on this.

    Before you proceed, take our survey here.

    Mr. Money’s fun isn’t stopping anytime. He flexes on Great Guy about catching flights, wearing the finest satin, and being in his woman’s bosom. The song ends with a popular Michel Legris’ Mo Capitane sample, ushering us into the trance-like closing track, Yoga, where he accepts the burdens of success, warns detractors and vibe killers.

    Final thoughts

    Asake has never shied away from being heavy on vibes and melodies. He heavily taps in feel-good grooves and since Amapiano is still a darling out here, it works in his favour.

    Though the hooks and choruses are infectious, the album sounds like he’s using the same beat for the 100th time sometimes. Asake paces himself on Work of Art and triumphantly soaks in the momentum.

  • Late at night, when we were about to put our phones on DND and head to bed, Asake drew us back with the release of his new single “Amapiano” featuring his label boss, Olamide. The audio launched with its video, without prior announcement from him or his team. Though four hours before then, fans were already excited about his sophomore title, its release date and album art that’s been floating around on socials .

    Fans are excited.

    Asake is not anybody’s mate!

    https://twitter.com/TheAjibolaGrey/status/1661059794113888256?t=ITOIdFuCGktkDsOBdsJ3KQ&s=19

    Mr. Money is back, and these are the things we know about his forthcoming album:

    It’s titled Work of Art

    Literally that’s what an album is. And it’s not hard to tell when you see his new album cover.

    Asake

    With a classic debut “Mr Money With the Vibes” already in the bag, Asake, who has served us hits back-to-back, isn’t taking his foot off our necks. He’s set to deliver his second body of work barely nine months after his first one. He’s loaded! Here are a few facts about the upcoming album:

    Ololade to Basquiat.

    Asake is in his Basquiat Era. Everything about the album cover artwork screams “inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat.” This also shows where his head is, and we know he’ll prove it on the iconic level he’s hinting at.

    But these are not Basquiat’s works.

    Asake shows his deep appreciation for art and even more lovely, we discovered Nigerian artist Ayanfe, is behind the paintings displayed on his Work of Art album cover. Ayanfe, who had her debut solo exhibition in London a month ago, has been receiving well-deserved “congratulations.”

    Okay Africa

    “Yoga”

    Asake has decided to remove the sample at the beginning of “Yoga”. Catch the new version on the album.

    Instagram

    “Amapiano” is the second single on “Work Of Art”.

    But “Amapiano” will join “2:30” as the only released singles  to be on the album. On the Olamide-assisted “Amapiano”, you can hear the distinct approach the song production imbibed; the logs and break snares played as the drums, giving the sound a lush, bouncy feel.

    Zikoko Memes

    “Work of Art” is 14-tracks long

    His new album will be two songs longer than his debut, “Mr Money With the Vibes”, which had only twelve tracks.  Asake heard us when we said “MMWTV” was too short. We feast.

    Zikoko Memes

    The Album will be out two months before O2 Concert

    You can see the intentionality that goes into this project. It’s tactical because he’d have enough material to perform to the raving behest of his fans at the O2 show. We’re sure he’ll sell multiple show dates this time also. We just hope the unfortunate events of his last London show don’t happen again. Let’s all maintain orderliness.

    Zikoko Memes

    ICYMI: We’re calling on all hot babes with the vibes to be live at HERtitude 23. Don’t miss it. Buy a ticket here.

    READ: How Will A Nigerian Mum React to Asake’s Mr Money With the Vibe Album?

  • There’s something incredibly attractive about a man who knows how to put a look together. While we’ve dragged AMVCA and low-budget Bridgerton looks in the past, today, we’d like to hand out flowers to ten Nigerian men who constantly give us hope when it comes to fashion. 

    Source: Twitter

    No, not him. 

    Here are our picks for the most stylish male stars in Nigeria right now

    Ladipoe

    Source: Instagram/Ladipoe

    Yes, we all know Ladipoe’s bars have made him a rap icon, but can we, as a community, also get into his looks? The Mavin star has consistently served us fashion moments, from his music videos to the Grammy red carpet. The most exciting part of Ladipoe’s style is his decision to never show up in a boring suit. From leather pieces from Maxivive to denim fits from TJ Who, Ladipoe is definitely a man with great taste. 

    Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

    Source:Instagram/Ebuka

    It’s hard to see a Best Dressed list that doesn’t have Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. From red carpet events to that infamous agbada from Banky W and Adesua’s wedding, Ebuka never disappoints, even on his off days. 

    Adekunle Gold 

    Source: Instagram/AdekunleGold 

    Remember when Adekunle Gold’s style was very cool, choir lead singer chic? No other style transformation in the entertainment industry has been able to top his evolution into AG Baby. The Party No Dey Stop singer successfully ditched the fade for some braids and switched out his basic T-shirts for colourful statement pieces from brands like Orange Culture and Kemakolam. We’re here for the new, more adventurous Adekunle. 

    Ebuka Nwobu 

    Source: Instagram/KingEbuka

    Ebuka Nwobu may spend a lot of time behind the scenes creating killer music videos for style stars like Tems, Ckay and Cruel Santino. But don’t get it twisted; this producer is a fashion baby boy all on his own. Ebuka has that “I just rolled out of bed and threw this on” style that can be deceptive to the point where you think it’s easy to pull it off. But the truth is, looks like these are often the hardest to execute. The crazy part is, just like Rihanna, there’s a high chance he probably just rolled out of bed in this fit for real. 

    Asake 

    Source: Instagram/AsakeMusic

    Ololade mi might be music’s biggest breakout from 2022, but like we said last year, the singer is also a breakout style star in our books. While it has taken several artistes in the game years to figure out their style and push the fashion envelope, Asake has done that and more in just a year. Oversized suits, bright colours, skirts repurposed as shirts and those baggy denim pants from the Joha teaser; is there any look Asake hasn’t pulled off yet? 

    Denola Grey

    Source: Instagram/DenolaGrey

    Love it or hate it, the truth is Denola Grey has changed the Nigerian fashion scene and raised the bar for how men show on the red carpet. Before his arrival, the most we could get from male celebrities were burgundy blazers and floral suits. However, in the years that have followed Denola’s entry into the entertainment scene, we’ve watched other men attempt to step outside of the rule book of conventional men’s fashion. Denola’s spot on this list is as much about his style as it is about the influence it has had on other men on this list. 

    RECOMMENDED: How to Dress Like a Sabi Girl, According to Ayra Starr’s Stylist

    Rema 

    Source: Instagram/HeIsRema 

    Gen Zs in the building, stand up! Rema’s y2k style has made him one of the most exciting stars of the moment. Never taking himself too seriously, Rema’s looks are as fun and sometimes as chaotic as the man behind them. 

    Mai Atafo 

    Source: Instagram/MaiAtafo

    Mai Atafo embodies the classic man Jidenna sang of in 2015. The designer is known for putting men like Denola Grey and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu in some of the coolest suits we’ve seen, so it makes sense that his closet is filled with looks that’d make both James Bond and Christian Grey jealous AF. Let’s not even get into his best accessories: those glasses and his salt-and-pepper beard. 

    Wizkid 

    Source: The Guardian

    Just like his music, Wizkid’s style is very stress-free. The Essence singer is known to focus more on what the TikTok girls call “quiet luxury”. So instead of throwing on a waistcoat, jacket and 50 Cuban links, Wizkid will most likely pull up in a monochromatic sweater, trousers and sunglasses that cost exactly the same thing but with none of the heat or heaviness involved. While most musicians dress like they just came into funds, Wizkid dresses like a black character on Succession would dress — he’s the rich uncle with old money. 

    Adebayo Oke Lawal 

    Source: Instagram/TheOrangeNerd

    Not a lot of men can boast of evolving with the times while simultaneously maintaining a sense of style that is distinctively theirs. Taking fashion risks and being unapologetically experimental with his looks, Adebayo Oke Lawal of Orange Culture is way ahead of the curve; most of the outfits he wears don’t make sense now. But guess what? There’s a high chance you’ll be trying out one of his looks this time next year. If that isn’t an icon move, I don’t know what is. 

    Burna Boy 

    Source: Instagram/BurnaBoyGram

    We all know Burna Boy is a risk taker when it comes to his music — which other Nigerian act would think of sampling Toni Braxton or featuring Lily Allen? But we believe it’s time the African Giant gets some well-deserved flowers for his risky fashion choices. It doesn’t matter whether he’s making history on a stage at Madison Square Garden or posing for a magazine cover, Burna and his stylist/sister Ronami Ogulu consistently balance a healthy mix of hip-hop-influenced street style with interesting proportions from some of the biggest names in fashion. 

    Wale Lawal 

    Source: Instagram/WalleLawal

    Wale Lawal’s style’s ease and simplicity make us think he’s on a permanent holiday or chilling in the South of France while attending Sofia Richie’s wedding. The writer’s clean-cut blazers, adire fits, and signature hat are almost as famous as his work at The Republic. Wale is the ultimate minimalist style star who understands the importance of building a distinct look around fashion items that’ll remain relevant 20 years from now. 

    ALSO READ: Nigerian Fashion Is in Its Ashawo Era and We’re Here For It