Discover Asake's Phenomenal Sound that is Revolutionizing the Afrobeats Landscape

Asake, a Nigerian singer and songwriter, is revolutionizing the Afrobeats genre with his authentically African yet universally appealing sound.

Having started his artistic journey as a dancer, Asake ventured into music production in 2018. In a remarkably short span of time, his track "Mr. Money" skyrocketed to success, becoming a sensation in nightclubs throughout Lagos and Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

In 2022, he made a breakthrough as he secured a record deal with YBNL Nation and achieved the highest-charting Nigerian debut album in the history of Billboard with "Mr. Money with the Vibe." Since then, he has been successfully selling out tour dates around the world, including a groundbreaking show at the Barclays Center in New York earlier this month, which marked the first time an African artist has performed at that venue.

Recently, the singer had an interview with Larry Madowo, the host of CNN's African Voices Changemakers, after his Afro Nation performance in Miami earlier this summer. The conversation revolved around his rapid rise to fame and the factors that have influenced his unique style.

This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Madowo: Do you feel that the fame just came all of a sudden?

Asake expressed surprise at the timing of the situation and acknowledged that everything had changed for them. They noted that even in Dubai, people who do not comprehend it are singing it, and from there to London, everyone is shouting it without understanding the meaning. Asake expresses gratitude to God for granting them the knowledge and confidence to be in their current position, as they are uncertain about what the future holds.

Madowo inquired about the factors that contribute to the greatness of Afrobeats music and why it has gained immense popularity globally.

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Asake: Personally, I believe it's the spirit that drives individuals from Nigeria and Africa to actively participate in and build upon what someone like Fela Kuti had established. We aspire to make it even grander, as it is a common desire in Nigeria to elevate things on a larger scale.

Madowo: Your music incorporates a significant amount of Fuji sound. How would you characterize your unique sound?

Asake: Growing up, I was exposed to Fuji music, which originated from Nigeria's Yoruba community. However, personally, I find myself drawn to various genres like Amapiano, Afrobeat, Fuji, R&B, and hip hop. I believe this unique combination defines who I am as an artist.

Madowo: Can you recall the moment when you first realized that you had a desire to become a performer? When did you start envisioning yourself as someone who entertains and puts on a captivating show?

Asake: I am absolutely smitten with it. Music runs in my family - my father was a talented singer, and my mother had a knack for dancing. It feels like a hereditary passion that flows within me... although they never pursued it as a profession. They simply embraced their passion for culture and took joy in the vibrant world surrounding them.

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Madowo: What led you to choose your mother's name as your stage name?

Asake: I feel a sense of connection and admiration towards my mother, which is why I decided to adopt her name for my stage persona. I am aware of the immense strength and power she possesses. While my legal name is Ahmed Ololade, I now identify strongly with this new, empowering name.

Madowo: Prior to becoming a professional singer, you were a dancer; how did you transition from dance to becoming a full-fledged musician?

Asake: The primary reason I switched from dance to music is my desire for financial stability. I want to be upfront about this. Dance is something I'm passionate about and cannot imagine my life without, but I doubt it can offer me the level of financial success I aspire to achieve. I believe that music and dance complement each other, as a video without a dancer can be perceived as dull. Even if you're aiming for a more intense or edgy vibe, incorporating dancers is crucial. While they work in harmony, for the sake of financial gain, I'd rather focus on singing (laughs).

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Madowo: If the dance had more financial support, would you pursue a career as a commercially successful dancer?

Asake: No, I would combine music and dance to increase my earnings (laughs).

Madowo: You had the opportunity to meet Olamide, and that encounter had a significant impact on your career. In what ways has Olamide influenced Asake?

Asake: It's hard to put it into words. You know when you're faced with the challenge of descending without a lift or stairs? How do you reach your destination then? I believe the best analogy is that Olamide is like both the lift and stairs that have propelled me to the top.

Madowo: How do you prepare for a performance and get into the right mindset to entertain a large audience?

Asake: I approach my performances as if they were movies. Each song has its own unique essence and I strive to bring a distinct mood and interpretation to every stage. It's a harmonious combination of audio, my personal presence, and the visual representation that comes together seamlessly.

Madowo: What are the dreams you still have?

Asake: I want the songs everybody in the world will be singing. I dont know how Im going to do it, but the most important thing for me is to keep going.