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Tag: Asake

  • Asake, Rema make Obama’s 2024 playlist 

    Asake, Rema make Obama’s 2024 playlist 

    Former US President Barack Obama has unveiled his much awaited annual playlist, featuring his top picks for 2024. 

    Shared on his verified X account, this year’s list boasts a diverse lineup of artists and genres, with Nigerian music stars Rema and Asake making a notable appearance.

    Rema’s hit single “Yayo” earned a spot on the playlist, solidifying his global appeal and the growing influence of Afrobeats. 

    Asake’s collaboration with American rapper Travis Scott, “Active,” also made the cut.

    Other standout tracks on Obama’s playlist include songs by international icons Billie Eilish (“Lunch”), Beyoncé (“Texas Hold ‘Em”), and Kendrick Lamar (“Squabble Up”). 

    The list also showcases Obama’s eclectic taste, with inclusions from emerging and established artists like Fontaines D.C., Moses Sumney, and Leon Bridges.

    Obama’s annual playlist, a tradition since 2015, offers a unique glimpse into his personal musical preferences while celebrating diverse talents from around the world.

  • Asake, Ayra Starr emerge most streamed artists in 2024 – Spotify 

    Asake, Ayra Starr emerge most streamed artists in 2024 – Spotify 

    Nigerian music stars Asake and Ayra Starr have emerged as the most streamed artists in Nigeria on Spotify in 2024.

    Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, who disclosed this in a statement, on Wednesday, said this is according to

    “Spotify Wrapped 2024”.

    Okumu said that the ten most streamed male artistes in Nigeria for the year included: Asake, Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy, Wizkid, Rema, Bnxn, ODUMODUBLVCK, Shallipopi, Davido and Young Jonn.

    According to her, the ten most streamed female artistes in Nigeria were: Ayra Starr, Tems, Qing Madi, Billie Eilish, SZA, Tiwa Savage, Bloody Civilian, Rihanna, Simi and Fave.

    She listed the ten most streamed tracks in Nigeria as: Dealer by Ayo Maff and Fireboy; Different Pattern by Seyi Vibez; Higher by Burna Boy; WOTO WOTO SEASONING by ODUMODUBLVCK and Black Sherif and Aquafina by Young Jonn.

    She said others were: Stronger by Young Jonn, Egwu by Chike and Mohbad; Instagram by Muyeez and Seyi Vibez; Cast by Shallipopi and ODUMODUBLVCK and POE by Ruger and Bnxn.

    “For the fourth year running, Nigerian artistes have dominated the top 10 most-streamed list, proving the nation’s unwavering love for its homegrown talent.

    “Asake takes the crown as the most-streamed artiste in Sub-Saharan Africa, specifically in Nigeria, Gambia, and Benin.

    “And it wasn’t just the Gen Z crowd who were hooked, Asake, alongside Burna Boy, Shallipopi, and Seyi Vibez, captivated listeners from 13 to 55+ years old, landing on the top 10 artists list for these age groups.

    “Rising stars, Ayo Maff and Muyeez, stormed the most-streamed tracks list with tracks “Dealer” and “Instagram,” proving the industry’s bright future.

    Read Also: I’m 50 times bigger than Asake – Blaqbonez claims 

    “Young Jonn’s hits, “Aquafina” and “Stronger”, showcased his staying power, while Burna Boy held his own with “Higher”. It’s a dynamic blend of old and new, driving the industry forward.”

    Okumu described Nigeria’s vibrant music scene as a global force to be reckoned with.

    “Spotify is always honoured to showcase the depth of Nigerian music and its incredible talents through ‘Wrapped’ each year.

    “The seamless blend of generations and genres showcases the unique power of Nigerian music to resonate both locally and globally.

    “It’s inspiring to see how our artistes are not just shaping culture at home but also making waves internationally,” she said.

    (NAN)

  • 2025 MOBO Awards: Ayra Starr, Odumodublvck, Asake, others shine with multiple nominations 

    2025 MOBO Awards: Ayra Starr, Odumodublvck, Asake, others shine with multiple nominations 

    The nominees for the 2025 Music of Black Origin (MOBO) Awards have been unveiled, showcasing impressive representation from Nigerian artistes.

    Asake and Ayra Starr earned spots in the prestigious Best International Act category, competing alongside global icons such as Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar, and Nicki Minaj.

    In the Best African Music Act category, seven Nigerian stars made the list: Asake, Ayra Starr, Odumodublvck, Rema, Shallipopi, Bnxn, Ruger, and Tems.

    This strong showing highlights the growing influence of Nigerian music on the global stage.

    South African singer Tyla, who won the Best New Artist award at the 2024 BET Awards, is also nominated in both categories.

    Other notable nominees include Central Cee, who could become the first musician to win the Best Male Artist award three times, and West London rapper, who is tied with Stormzy for the most wins in the category.

    See the full list of nominations below:

    Best international act

    Asake

    Ayra Starr

    Beyonce

    Glorilla

    Kendrick Lamar

    Latto

    Megan Thee Stallion

    Nicki Minaj

    Tems

    Tyla

    Best African music act

    Asake (Nigeria)

    Ayra Starr (Nigeria)

    Bnxn & Ruger (Nigeria)

    King Promise (Ghana)

    Odumodublvck (Nigeria)

    Rema (Nigeria)

    Shallipopi (Nigeria)

    Tems (Nigeria)

    Tyla (South Africa)

    Uncle Waffles (South Africa)

    Best male act

    Bashy

    Central Cee

    D-Block Europe

    Ghetts

    Nemzzz

    Sampha

    Best female act

    Cleo Sol

    Darkoo

    Jorja Smith

    Little Simz

    Nia Archives

    Raye

    Album of the year

    Bashy – Being Poor Is Expensive

    Cleo Sol – Gold

    Ghetts – On Purpose, With Purpose

    Jorja Smith – Falling Or Flying

    Sampha – Lahai

    Skrapz – Reflection

    Song of the Year

    Central Cee Feat. Lil Baby – Band4band

    Chase & Status, Stormzy – Backbone

    Darkoo Feat. Dess Dior – Favourite Girl

    Jordan Adetunji – Kehlani

    Leostaytrill – Pink Lemonade

    Odeal – Soh-Soh

    Best newcomer

    Chy Cartier

    Elmiene

    Fimiguerrero

    Flowerovlove

    Jordan Adetunji

    Len

    Leostaytrill

    Myles Smith

    Odeal

    Pozer

    Video of the year

    Meekz – Mini Me’s

    Mnelia – My Man

    Raye – Genesis

    Sampha – Only

    Skepta – Gas Me Up (Diligent)

    Unknown T Feat. Loyle Carner – Hocus Pocus

    Best R&B/soul act

    Cleo Sol

    Elmiene

    Flo

    Jaz Karis

    Jorja Smith

    Nippa

    Odeal

    Sasha Keable

    Shae Universe

    Sinead Harnett

    Best grime act

    Chip

    D Double E

    Duppy

    Kruz Leone

    Manga Saint Hilare

    Scorcher

    Best hip-hop act

    Bashy

    Cristale

    Headie One

    Nines

    Potter Payper

    Skrapz

    Best drill act

    163Margs

    Central Cee

    Headie One

    Kairo Keyz

    K-Trap

    Pozer

    Best performance in a TV show/film

    Angela Wynter As Yolande Trueman In Eastenders

    Caroline Chikezie As Noma In Power Book Ii: Ghost

    Diane Parish As Denise Fox In Eastenders

    Dionne Brown As Queenie In Queenie

    Ghetts As Krazy In Supacell

    Jacob Anderson As Louis In Interview With The Vampire

    Jasmine Jobson As Jaq In Top Boy

    Josh Tedeku As Tazer In Supacell

    Kingsley Ben-Adir As Bob Marley In Bob Marley: One Love

    Tosin Cole As Michael In Supacell

    Best media personality

    90’s Baby Show

    AJ Odudu

    Chuckie Online

    Craig Mitch

    Henrie Kwushue

    Madame Joyce

    Micah Richards

    Specs Gonzalez

    The Receipts Podcast

    Zeze Millz

    Best Caribbean music act

    Popcaan

    Shenseea

    Skillibeng

    Spice

    Valiant

    Yg Marley

    Best Jazz act

    Amy Gadiaga

    Blue Lab Beats

    Ego Ella May

    Ezra Collective

    Kokoroko

    Yussef Dayes

    Best Alternative Music Act

    Alt Blk Era

    Bob Vylan

    Hak Baker

    Kid Bookie

    Native James

    Spider

    Best Electronic/Dance Act

    Eliza Rose

    Nia Archives

    Pinkpantheress

    Salute

    Shygirl

    Tsha

    Best Producer

    Ceebeaats

    Inflo

    Read Also: Asake beats South Africa’s Tyla to win Best African Artist at MOBO Awards

    Juls

    M1OnTheBeat

    P2J

    Sammy Soso

    Best Gospel Act

    Annatoria

    Imrhan

    Limoblaze

    Reblah

    Still Shadey

    Volney Morgan & New Ye

  • Rema, Omah Lay, Asake, others to headline Promise Land Festival

    Rema, Omah Lay, Asake, others to headline Promise Land Festival

    The anticipated Promise Land festival has unveiled its 2024 lineup, featuring a powerhouse of Nigerian talent, including Rema, Asake, and Omah Lay.

    The three-day festival, set to take place between October 4 and 6, 2024, at Doug Jennings Park in Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

    Read Also; Peter Obi, wife not arrested by DSS, says aide

    Rema, known for his chart-topping hits, will take the stage on the second day, sharing the spotlight with international acts Jorja Smith, Miguel, and Fiji.

    Asake and Omah Lay will close out the festival on the final day, performing alongside hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes.

    Joining the Nigerian headliners are a talented array of artists from the continent, including Compozers, Sarz, Seyi Vibez, Shallipopi, Tiwa Savage, Victony, Ruger, and BNXN.

    Ghana’s Black Sherif, King Promise, and South Africa’s DBN Gogo, Major League DJz, Young Stunna, and Uncle Waffles will also bring their unique sounds to the festival.

  • Asake surpasses Burna Boy on Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart

    Asake surpasses Burna Boy on Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart

    Singer Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has made history by surpassing his compatriot Burna Boy as the artist with the most songs on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats songs chart. 

    With the debut of nine songs from his new album “Lungu Boy” on this week’s chart, Asake’s total entries have risen to 50.

    The singer’s collaboration with American rapper Travis Scott, “Active,” is currently topping the chart, further solidifying Asake’s position as a leading force in the Afrobeats genre. 

    Since its launch in April 2022, the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart has been dominated by Nigerian artists, highlighting the country’s influence on the genre.

  • Asake’s EP tops streaming platform in 19 countries

    Asake’s EP tops streaming platform in 19 countries

    Asake’s current EP, ‘Lungu Boy,’ is currently the number one album in 19 different countries.

    This was made known by a streaming platform, Apple Music.

    According to the music streaming platform, ‘Lungu Boy’ ranks top in countries including Nigeria, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Kenya, Benin, Cameroun, Canada, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Uganda.

    Read Also: How bandits, terrorists dominate TikTok, flaunt ransom collected from victims

    ‘Lungu Boy’ is Asake’s second musical project since he got signed on Olamide’s YBNL and Empire Music Distribution. The music project was released on August 7, 2024.

    The musical project has a total of 11 songs and features three artists including Travis Scott, Stormzy, and Ludmilla.

  • Davido, Zlatan, Quavo attend Asake’s sold-out Atlanta concert

    Davido, Zlatan, Quavo attend Asake’s sold-out Atlanta concert

    Singer, Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has headlined the second date of his newly released album ‘Lungu Boy’ at a sold-out concert at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

    The ‘Sungba’ crooner performed his hit singles including songs from his newly released album, at the concert.

    Read Also: Davido is planning to arrest me, Dammy Krane alleges

    Notable celebrities were spotted at the concert including Grammy-nominee Davido, hitmaker Zlatan, and American rappers Russ and Quavo.

    Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ which features several superstars including Grammy-winning superstar Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, American superstar Travis Scott, and Brazilian singer Ludmilla, has set a new record for the biggest opening day global streams for a Nigerian album on Spotify with 9.2 million streams.

  • Ikenna Onyekwere, nine others get international visas for Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour

    Ikenna Onyekwere, nine others get international visas for Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour

    Popular choreographer, Ikenna Onyekwere, and nine other members of tmGreatness, his dance crew, have got International visas to perform during the 2024/2025 ‘Lungu Boy’ tour.

    The visas were secured by Afrobeats sensation, Ololade Ahmed, popularly known as Asake, ahead of his anticipated tour.

    This development seems to be a remarkable gesture by the popular artiste considering the difficulties Nigerians face in procuring International visas.

    The reality is sometimes even worse for dancers with money, eligibility, and risk factors being the biggest challenges.

    Read Also; Acquiescent National Assembly not helping democracy

    In a social media post, in July, Ikenna shared some of the challenges in procuring the Schengen visas for himself and his team members.

    “The last time an artiste carried local dancers from Nigeria on tour was the era of Psquare and Yemi Alade. They don’t even do that anymore.

    “Asake sorted everything for my team. Like, some were denied at the first attempt. He paid again to see it through. I can’t remember the last time an artiste truly wanted to see his dancers grow brand-wise,” he said.

    Ikenna, known by his moniker, Ikenna, further noted how Asake’s gesture was a big deal for him because of the stereotype that creatives like him always wanted to use the opportunity to escape Nigeria.

  • I had someone else in mind for ‘MMS’ not Wizkid – Asake 

    I had someone else in mind for ‘MMS’ not Wizkid – Asake 

    Singer Asake revealed that Wizkid reached out to him to feature on his song “MMS”, contrary to his initial plans.

    During an Instagram Q&A session, Asake explained that producer P. Prime most likely played the song for Wizkid, who loved it and asked to be featured.

    Asake said he had someone else in mind for the track, but Wizkid’s enthusiasm won him over.

    “I didn’t know I was going to put Wizkid on that song to be honest. I had someone else in mind for that song, but I think P.prime played the song to wiz, and wiz said “I f*ck with this song, I want to jump on it’,” he said.

    Read Also: Asake’s ‘MMS’ featuring Wizkid sets new Spotify record

    The song was released on Asake’s album “Lungu Boy”, which broke multiple streaming records, including the largest first-day streams for an African album on Spotify with 9.42 million streams.

    “MMS” also achieved the biggest first-day streams on Spotify Nigeria with 870,000 streams.

  • I’m comfortable singing in Yoruba – Asake

    I’m comfortable singing in Yoruba – Asake

    Afrobeat singer Asake has revealed why he prefers singing in Yoruba during an Instagram interactive session with fans.

    He stated that while he can sing in English, he feels more comfortable expressing himself in Yoruba.

    Asake emphasised that fans who don’t appreciate his music in Yoruba should stop listening altogether.

    Read Also: Asake’s ‘MMS’ featuring Wizkid sets new Spotify record

    He said: “I am more comfortable singing in Yoruba, it’s not that I can’t sing in English. If you fvck with me, fvck with me with my Yoruba. If not, then don’t”.

    All three of Asake’s albums, including “Mr Money With The Vibes”, “Work of Art”, and “Lungu Boy”, feature predominantly Yoruba lyrics.

    His hit song “Amapiano” was nominated for a Grammy Award, despite being sung mainly in Yoruba.