Asake: The Best Run of Any Afrobeats Debut Star
Word on the street has it that nostaglia once again would not allow you breathe. but Numbers dont lie, lets have this conversation, shall we?
In the whirlwind of Afrobeats’ global ascent, Today's article is about a member of the Big 4:
Ololade mi Asake, Mr. Money with the Vibes.
Asake was born on January 13, 1994.
Asake is most popular for his distinct place in Nigerian music, blending Afrobeat and Fuji to create a unique genre often referred to as “Afrofuji”.
Which can be argued to be the predecessor for another style of afrobeat, “AfroAladura”.
Mr. Money is not just an artist but a phenomenon, he outpaces all of Nigeria’s most celebrated musicians, in their Debut year.
The Path to Stardom
Asake’s story is one of preparedness meeting opportunity—a tale cherished by any Afrobeats fan.
Mr Money released music as early as 2019, but his major break came in 2022 when Olamide, a street-hop legend who Asake later goes on to talk about as one of his biggest music inspirations, jumped on Asake’s single "Omo Ope."
This moment changed the course of Asake’s career, leading to a signing with YBNL Nation and setting off a relentless streak that has made him the undisputed leader of the new Afrobeats wave.
His debut project with YBNL, an EP titled Ololade Asake
He made the remix for “Sungba.” The single’s remix featured Nigerian superstar Burna Boy and was placed on his first album, Mr money with the Vibes.
This is the body of work that catapulted Asake into the mainstream.
Then "PALAZZO" with DJ Spinall dropped.
It was like wildfire. There was a takeover of social media.
The Top 5 songs on the Nigerian Music chart that year were all reserved for Mr Money with the vibe.
A Record-Breaking Debut
In September 2022, Asake released his debut album featuring only two other artists, Burna Boy on the Sungba remix and Russ.
Setting records for the biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music.
The album debuted at #66 on the Billboard 200, marking the highest-charting debut for a Nigerian artist at the time.
Critics lauded his unique fusion of street hop, Fuji, and Amapiano.
Rolling Stone ranked the album among the Best 100 Albums of the Year 2022.
In September 2022, Asake announced the Mr. Money with the Vibe United Kingdom tour, selling out 3 dates at the O2 Academy Brixton in London.
Asake debuted at the age of 27. Most superstars debut much younger.
A Style All His Own
Asake's rise isn’t just about his music but his entire persona.
His visual style, crafted with the help of renowned director TG Omori, is maddening.
Each video pushes the boundaries of Afrobeat visuals, combining vibrant storytelling, a combination of very bright colours and a lot of people plus Asake’s unmistakable swagger.
His fashion choices, often featuring oversized high-fashion pieces from Balenciaga and Dior, have created a signature look that amplifies his star power and has even gone viral for its boldness.
International Success and Accolades
Asake’s momentum didn’t stop after the debut album or in 2022.
He embarked on a North American tour, performing sold-out shows in major cities and drawing fans to his energy-filled performances.
In a historic move, his first show at London’s 02 Academy Brixton arena sold out within minutes, leading to two more dates that also sold out, underscoring his global reach.
Asake has sold out London O2 twice the second time being this year, 2024.
Going through his Discography, this superstar has made music with the giants of Afrobeats, From Tiwa Savage to Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Fireboy, and Ayra Starr. Not just him featuring them on his songs but him on theirs.
He debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200 with his sophomore album -Work of Art.
In 2023, Spotify’s Wrapped report named Asake as Nigeria’s most-streamed artist, reaffirming his dominance and widespread appeal.
This year, Asake's song makes the NBA 2K25 soundtrack album.
Since he got into the limelight, Asake has released a body of art. This year, he released Lungu Boy, where we see him get into his fuji area, as compared to the previous pounds where he dominated the amapaino scene in the Nigerian music industry.
With his new album, Asake has made and solidified himself in the UK charts.
In summary,….
With his blend of Afrobeat and Fuji, resonant storytelling, and daring fashion sense, Asake’s impact on Nigerian music cannot be overstated.
From humble beginnings to record-breaking achievements, he’s reshaping the Afrobeats landscape and setting a thrilling standard for artists to come.
In an industry filled with talent, Asake has claimed his throne, proving that “Mr. Money” truly has the vibe.
Asake has the biggest debut in the history of Afrobeats, there, I said it. Outpassing that of Wizkid, Davido and Lil Kesh.
What is your favourite Asake Song?
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