Asake is Here for a Good Time and a Long Time
What more is there to say about Ahmed Ololade Asake that his music hasn’t already echoed at full volume? In just a few short years, he’s delivered a rare hat-trick with Mr. Money With the Vibe, Work of Art, and Lungu Boy, each album marking a new chapter, not just in his career but in the broader soundscape of modern Afrobeats. And yet, his latest moves suggest that Asake isn’t just focused on longevity; he’s reimagining what that looks like and introducing new facets.
His latest single, “Badman Gangsta”, a collaboration with French-Congolese artist Tiakola, is another glimpse into that evolution. From the visuals and styling to the collaboration itself, everything signals that Asake is in a new phase, one that is more global in intention, yet still rooted in the essence that brought him here.
Built around a nostalgic sample of Amerie’s 1 Thing, Badman Gangsta combines the acoustic guitar and saxophone riffs with Asake’s now-signature layered vocals. Produced by P.Priime, the sound is smooth yet textured, confident yet introspective, creating a sonic balance that reflects his growth as an artist.
On the track, both artists trade verses in Yoruba, English, and French, creating a multilingual soundscape that reflects their realities. “It’s a page from my real life,” says Asake. “It’s about owning your space, your struggles, your blessings, all at once.” Tiakola echoes the sentiment, noting their chemistry despite cultural differences: “There are a lot of similarities in our musicality and in the way we create. Above our different languages and cultures, the message in our music is universal, and our chemistry is natural.”
This isn’t the same Asake we were introduced to in 2022. The tattoos, the fashion, the settings, and his presence at high-profile events like Paris Fashion Week all suggest a shift in his positioning. It’s not necessarily a reinvention, but rather a quiet redefinition. He’s broadening the perspective without losing focus.
Of course, he still sings in Yoruba and pidgin. “I be omo Naija oh,” he says plainly on Badman Gangsta, a reminder that even as he experiments with sound, visuals, and collaboration, his identity remains central to the music. The melodies may travel, but the core remains homegrown.
Some fans were sceptical when he changed management, but in hindsight, it looks more like a strategic decision than a gamble. Asake is building something bigger than a moment. He’s shaping a career with staying power by carefully evolving his brand, sound, and audience.
His upcoming album, Money, is expected to bring another layer to this journey. Whether it’s commercial success or critical acclaim, Asake seems more focused on the process than the applause. He’s playing the long game, but not without reminding us that he’s still the life of the party.
So yes, Asake is here for a good time, but he’s building carefully and steadily, the kind of long time that makes it all count.