If we considered Afrobeats inherently spiritual – which it may be to some of us – the YBNL label remains one of the genre’s most revered temples. Olamide has led his empire well and introduced quite a number of superstars over the years. This year, 2022, it is time for Asake.
Man of the moment – Asake really came through! He blends Yoruba gospel and fuji influences over bouncy beats throughout his debut EP “Ololade Asake” to dwell on his unfolding path and express divine appreciation.
No surprises here, for an act with a name rooted in Oriki (Yoruba praises & poetry). The self-titled EP “Ololade Asake” is living up to the hype.
Let’s take a trip through this project as we review the EP – Ololade Asake.
Asake takes on the role of worship leader on “Trabaye“. The soulful record features a brief sermon from label boss Olamide, who introduces his mentee to the world and – oh yeah – the ladies too.
The second track “Sungba” proves to be a massive hit as it sits on the Number 1 spot on Apple Music Nigeria. Some critics believe this climb may be a result of a Remix that features Grammy award winner – Burna Boy. Just a 30 seconds snippet – boom!!! The song’s climbing charts.
Nonetheless, Sungba is a very lit tune with a bouncy addictive beat and rhythm laced with Asake’s elite vocals.
“Omo Ope ft. Olamide” is a certified tune and the biggest song on the EP so far. The song which is the lead-up single to the EP went viral and topped the charts for quite a while too.
While Omo Ope is an exuberant and joyous tune with faint undertones of vibes of success, it also hints at someone who isn’t living that reality yet though. Asake really did that magical musical thing on this tune, and Olamide went on and did the needed lyrical delivery on it too. Absolute magic!
“Baba God”, this song is not the loud one but it resonates with this street gospel’s vibe over a low tempo and seasoned vocals and melody. This is one soothing tune to round up the project.
Critic Review
Regardless of his deep-rooted identity, Asake and his music have a hitmaker written all over them. Remarkably, this is an awesome debut EP to showcase himself in the industry today.
His biggest skill is his ability to use space well on any beat and rhythm. Most people wouldn’t have even imagined that chorus on “Omo Ope” but he did, and it elevated the entire song.
Asake‘s project delivered and proved that Nigeria‘s current love for Ampiano mashed with Afrobeats musical blueprint is really here to stay.
The sound Asake is bringing on isn’t wholly new, but it’s a shift from what we’ve been hearing for the past two years. It will apparently sound like something you’ve heard before you understand it really isn’t – it’s just like a fusion.
Asake came really prepared for this and he has shown this on the EP “Ololade Asake”. The EP is absolutely fantastic. I believe he’s here to stay and might as well be one of the names that will get cemented in the industry.
Listen to Ololade Asake by Asake here
