Asake Reigns Supreme in 2022 as His Hit Songs Dominate Nigerian Music Charts

In a music industry renowned for its competitiveness and talent-rich atmosphere, very few artists make an entrance as electrifying and unforgettable as Asake did in 2022. Born Ahmed Ololade, the YBNL Nation signee took the Nigerian and African music scenes by storm with a relentless stream of chart-dominating singles. From club bangers to street anthems, Asake’s unmistakable sound—an energetic blend of Afrobeats, Fuji, Amapiano, and Yoruba lyricism—brought a fresh and irresistible flavor that captured the hearts of millions.

With hit after hit consistently topping digital charts, radio airwaves, and streaming platforms throughout the year, 2022 belonged to Asake. His success story wasn’t just about popular songs—it was about the cultural impact, the shift in sound, and the birth of a new sonic identity in Nigerian pop.

Breakthrough with “Omo Ope” and the Start of a Hot Streak

Asake’s defining moment came early in 2022 with the release of “Omo Ope”, featuring Olamide, the founder of YBNL Records. The song instantly resonated with listeners, not only because of its infectious beat but also due to its celebratory lyrics and spiritual undertones. The track captured the essence of Nigerian street-hop culture—gritty, hopeful, and defiant.

“Omo Ope” did more than just climb the charts; it introduced a new music force to the industry. The success of the single led to a record deal with YBNL and a distribution partnership with Empire, a major U.S.-based music distribution company. With those pieces in place, Asake launched into an unrelenting streak of releases that would define the sound of Nigerian music for the year.

“Sungba,” “Peace Be Unto You,” and the Rise of the Street King

Following the momentum of “Omo Ope,” Asake quickly dropped “Sungba”, a song that turned into a nationwide phenomenon. The track, which combined spiritual invocations with pulsating Amapiano influences, became an instant hit. Its remix, featuring Afrobeats superstar Burna Boy, only amplified its reach and longevity.

Soon after, Asake dropped “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)”, an anthem that fused Islamic prayers, Yoruba chants, and social commentary over a throbbing beat. The song was praised for its bold spiritual imagery and genre-bending structure. Like his earlier works, “PBUY” quickly surged to the top of the TurnTable charts, Boomplay rankings, Apple Music Nigeria Top 100, and major playlists on Spotify and Audiomack.

By mid-2022, it had become clear that Asake wasn’t just enjoying momentary hype—he was orchestrating a cultural takeover.

“Mr. Money With The Vibe” — A Debut Album That Shattered Records

In September 2022, Asake released his debut album, “Mr. Money With The Vibe” (MMWTV), and the project lived up to its name. The 12-track album set streaming records on Apple Music Nigeria, becoming the most streamed Nigerian debut album within its first 24 hours. It also made an impressive showing on global streaming charts, including Apple Music Global and Spotify’s Viral charts.

The album featured fan favorites like “Terminator,” “Dupe,” “Nzaza,” “Organise,” and “Joha,” each of which charted individually. In fact, Asake made history when every single song from the album entered the Nigerian Apple Music Top 20 simultaneously—an unprecedented achievement in the country’s digital music history.

Critics praised the album for its consistency, originality, and production quality, mostly helmed by long-time collaborator Magicsticks, whose Amapiano-infused beats became a signature part of Asake’s sound.

A Unique Sound That Resonates Across Social Classes

One of the most compelling aspects of Asake’s music is its unapologetic embrace of street culture, spirituality, and vernacular expressions. He speaks directly to everyday Nigerians—those hustling on the streets, those praying in mosques and churches, and those dancing away their stress in clubs and at weddings.

Asake’s music appeals to a wide demographic. Urban youth see him as a trendsetter, while market women, bike riders, and university students chant his lyrics as daily affirmations. Whether he’s referencing hardship, gratitude, or spiritual warfare, Asake taps into universal human emotions, often wrapped in high-energy rhythms that make his songs club-ready and spiritually grounded all at once.

Dominance Across Streaming and Radio Platforms

Throughout 2022, Asake broke records across all major streaming and charting platforms in Nigeria:

• On Apple Music Nigeria, he consistently held the top five spots with different tracks, a feat no Nigerian artist had accomplished in such a short time.

• On Boomplay, he became one of the most streamed Nigerian artists, amassing over 200 million streams within the year.

• TurnTable Charts, Nigeria’s official chart aggregator, consistently ranked Asake at No. 1 for several weeks, surpassing heavyweights like Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Rema.

• On YouTube, his music videos trended at No. 1 repeatedly, racking up tens of millions of views in just days.

His dominance was not limited to Nigeria alone. Asake’s sound found enthusiastic audiences in Ghana, South Africa, the UK, and the U.S., especially among diasporic communities craving homegrown vibes.

A Visual Identity That Complements the Sound

Apart from his music, Asake’s visual branding also contributed significantly to his 2022 success. He’s known for his distinctive fashion style—featuring dreadlocks, vintage sunglasses, oversized outfits, and luxury streetwear. His visuals often reflect the spiritual undertones of his music, infused with symbols of tradition, prayer, and Lagos street culture.

Music videos like those for “Terminator” and “Joha” showcased Lagos in all its chaotic, colorful glory. His visual language is Afrocentric yet modern, blending traditional elements with cinematic flair.

Awards, Nominations, and Industry Validation

Asake’s dominance didn’t go unnoticed by the industry. By the end of 2022, he had secured multiple nominations across The Headies, AFRIMMA, and Soundcity MVP Awards. While some fans criticized award shows for not giving him more top prizes, his commercial success and cultural impact were undeniable.

He also received nods from international music publications like Rolling Stone, Billboard, and The FADER, all of which described him as one of the “must-watch” African artists poised for global breakout.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Asake?

After such an incredible year, fans and industry observers are eager to see what 2023 and beyond holds for Asake. Rumors of international collaborations continue to swirl, and given his signing with Empire, global touring opportunities are also expected.

There is speculation that Asake may work with international Afrobeats icons or even artists outside the genre, further expanding his sound. With his consistent delivery, distinct voice, and relentless work ethic, there’s no doubt that Asake has the potential to become a global Afrobeats icon like Wizkid or Burna Boy.

Final Thoughts: Asake’s Cultural Legacy in 2022

Asake didn’t just top charts in 2022—he changed the game. He brought street music into the mainstream with style, authenticity, and spiritual depth. He created a space where traditional Yoruba chants could coexist with club-ready Amapiano beats. And in doing so, he gave a voice to millions of Nigerians who saw themselves in his music.

His rise is a case study in talent meeting preparation, supported by a strategic label, and amplified by the hunger of a nation ready for new soundscapes. Asake’s 2022 dominance was more than a musical achievement—it was a cultural movement.