By Omotayo Olutekunbi

Asake is a singer-songwriter who has quickly risen to stardom with his unique blend of Afrobeats, fújì, and amapiano. His debut album, “Mr. Money with the Vibe,” was a commercial success, and his follow-up album, “Work of Art,” is sure to be just as popular.

“Work of Art” is a celebration of Asake’s success, but it is also a reflection on his journey to get there. The album contains catchy melodies, infectious beats, and Asake’s trademark vocal swagger. However, there are also moments of introspection as Asake reflects on the challenges he has faced and the lessons he has learned.

“Work of Art” is a stunning album that showcases Asake’s talent as a singer, songwriter, and producer. It will surely be a hit with fans of Afrobeats, fújì, and amapiano.

Olorun

“Olorun” is a song that conveys gratitude to God for his guidance and protection through difficult times. The title “Olorun” translates to “God” in Yoruba. The song is predominantly sung in Yoruba with a blend of English.

Asake sings about the challenges he faced in 2020 and acknowledges that God uplifted him and brought him success. The lyrics express a deep faith and reliance on God’s providence.

The pre-chorus emphasizes that no one can question or challenge the authority of God. It suggests that those who try to oppose or go against God’s will ultimately face the consequences. The chorus repeats the phrase “Emi kọ ọlọrun ma ni,” which means “It is God, not me” It emphasizes the artist’s acknowledgment of God’s presence and influence in his life.

The song ends with an outro that expresses gratitude to God and highlights a positive transformation, stating, “Alhamdulillah, I am a brand new man.” 

“Olorun” by Asake is a song that expresses gratitude, faith, and reliance on God, highlighting the artist’s journey and the transformative power of God in his life. It was a perfect song to open the album.

Awodi

“Awodi” combines elements of afrobeats and contemporary sounds. The song starts with a repetitive and infectious chorus that emphasizes the concept of wonder and amazement. Asake references iconic Nigerian musician Pasuma, adding a touch of nostalgia.

Asake delivers rapid-fire lyrics with a confident and charismatic flow. He touches on various topics, including his rise from humble beginnings, the fickleness of fame, and the need to stay focused amidst distractions. The lyrics contain wordplay and clever references, showcasing Asake’s lyrical prowess.

The production of “Awodi” features a lively and vibrant beat that complements the energetic delivery of Asake’s vocals. The song’s catchy hooks and repetitive nature make it easy to sing along, adding to its appeal.

“Awodi” by Asake is an enjoyable and catchy track that showcases the artist’s lyrical ability and energetic style. The song’s upbeat production and infectious chorus make it a potential crowd-pleaser, particularly in live performances. 

2:30

“2:30” is an energetic track that showcases Asake’s confident and charismatic delivery. The lyrics blend catchy phrases, wordplay, and self-assured statements. The song’s title refers to a time, adding to its sense of urgency and excitement.

The verses touch on various themes, including success, financial prosperity, self-expression, and the pursuit of stability. Asake expresses his determination to achieve greatness and rise above limitations. 

The chorus, with its repetitive hook, “2:30 fẹlu, Oya ka turn up, kilẹ to mọ,” encourages listeners to have a good time and enjoy life. It adds to the party vibe of the song and creates a catchy element that can easily be remembered.

The production of “2:30” is vibrant, featuring a fusion of Afrobeat and contemporary sounds. The song’s energetic beats and melodic elements complement Asake’s confident delivery, creating an engaging listening experience.

“2:30” by Asake is a song that exudes energy, self-assurance, and a celebration of life. Its catchy hooks, and lively production make it a suitable track for parties and social gatherings.

Mogbe

“Mogbe” is an upbeat track with a catchy chorus. The song combines elements of Afrobeat, pop, and contemporary sounds. The lyrics revolve around themes of love, attraction, and desire.

The chorus of the song repeats phrases like “Loud kan,” “Shayo kan,” and “Colorado kan,” which can be interpreted as references to partying, having a good time, and indulging in substances. The lyrics also touch on emotions, insecurities, and the desire to avoid unnecessary drama or relationship conflicts.

The verses highlight Asake’s smooth and playful delivery. He expresses his love and admiration for a woman, emphasizing their connection and the desire to create lasting memories together. The lyrics are infused with romantic gestures and imagery, creating a sense of affection and intimacy.

The overall production of “Mogbe” is vibrant, featuring infectious beats and a catchy melody. The lively rhythm and playful lyrics create an enjoyable and danceable track.

“Mogbe” by Asake is a song that blends romantic themes with a party atmosphere. 

Basquiat

“Basquiat” is a lyrically dense track that showcases Asake’s confidence and artistry. 

The song starts with a catchy refrain referencing numbers 23 and 24, emphasizing a sense of self-assuredness and accomplishment. Asake mentions several iconic figures throughout the verses, including El Chapo, Ebenezer Obey, and Capone, comparing himself to them and expressing his greatness.

The lyrics are filled with wordplay, cultural references, and metaphors. Asake’s flow is dynamic and engaging, effortlessly navigating the beat and precisely delivering his lines. He boasts about his style, confidence, and impact on others.

The chorus repeats the phrase “Walking poetry, I am greater, I am the work of art, Basquiat” with a confident and melodic delivery. It reinforces Asake’s self-belief and highlights his artistic prowess.

The production of “Basquiat” features a vibrant blend of afrobeats and contemporary sounds, creating an energetic and catchy backdrop for Asake’s lyrics. The song’s infectious rhythm and dynamic instrumentation contribute to its overall appeal.

“Basquiat” by Asake is a high-energy track that showcases the artist’s confidence and lyrical prowess. It pays homage to iconic figures while asserting Asake’s greatness and artistry. 

Amapiano

The song “Amapiano” uses Amapiano elements, such as the distinctive piano melodies and groovy beats, immediately creating an infectious and danceable vibe.

Asake and Olamide deliver their verses with charisma and flow, showcasing their lyrical abilities. The lyrics touch on various themes, including success, confidence, and the ability to dominate the music scene. The wordplay and clever lines add an extra layer of enjoyment to the song, keeping listeners engaged.

The production of “Amapiano” is top-notch, with a seamless blend of Amapiano and afrobeats elements. The driving beats, infectious melodies, and energetic instrumentals create a captivating and dynamic sound. The song’s production effectively captures the essence of Amapiano while infusing it with Nigerian musical influences.

The repetitive chorus invites listeners to join and get into the groove. The song’s upbeat tempo and lively atmosphere make it a perfect track for parties, clubs, or any occasion for a high-energy vibe.

Overall, “Amapiano” by Asake featuring Olamide is an exciting collaboration that brings together the best of Amapiano and Nigerian afrobeats. The song’s infectious melodies, energetic delivery, and engaging lyrics make it an enjoyable listen for fans of both genres. It is a testament to the artists’ ability to create a fusion of sounds that appeal to a broad audience while keeping the party spirit alive.

What’s Up My G

The song starts with an attention-grabbing intro, immediately setting a lively and upbeat tone. Asake’s charismatic and engaging delivery draws listeners in with his captivating flow. The production features infectious afrobeats rhythms, catchy melodies, and a blend of contemporary and traditional elements, creating a dynamic and enjoyable sound.

The lyrics of “What’s Up My G” revolve around themes of wealth, status, and enjoying the good life. Asake confidently expresses his success and the lavish lifestyle he leads. 

The chorus is catchy and easy to sing along to, with memorable lines and melodic delivery.

The post-chorus section enhances the song’s energy and serves as a transition between the chorus and the next verse. It maintains the high-tempo groove and encourages listeners to keep dancing and vibing to the music.

The second verse continues the playful and confident vibe of the song, with Asake’s delivery remaining consistent and engaging. The lyrics maintain a light-hearted tone and revolve around enjoying life to the fullest.

Overall, “What’s Up My G” by Asake is a lively and entertaining afrobeats track that showcases the artist’s charisma and talent. The catchy melodies, infectious beats, and confident lyrics make it an enjoyable song that will get people moving and grooving. 

Remember

“Remember” opens with a lively intro, immediately capturing the listener’s attention. Asake’s energetic and rhythmic delivery sets the tone for the rest of the track. The production features a fusion of vibrant instrumentals and catchy melodies, creating an enjoyable and danceable atmosphere.

The lyrics of “Remember” revolve around themes of love, attraction, and reminiscing about past experiences. Asake displays his playful and charismatic lyricism throughout the song. The verses are delivered with confidence and flair, showcasing the artist’s versatility.

The chorus is catchy and easy to sing along to, with repetitive phrases that stick in your head. It is a memorable hook that adds to the song’s appeal and makes it suitable for radio play and club environments.

The post-chorus section enhances the song’s energy and serves as a transition between the chorus and the next verse. It maintains the high-tempo groove and encourages listeners to keep moving and dancing.

The second verse continues the playful vibe of the song, with Asake showcasing his versatility and flow. The lyrics are light-hearted and relatable, making it easy for listeners to connect with the song’s message.

Overall, “Remember” by Asake is an enjoyable and vibrant afrobeats track. The combination of catchy melodies, lively production, and infectious energy makes it a perfect choice for a feel-good and danceable song. Asake’s charismatic delivery and playful lyrics add an extra layer of enjoyment, making the track memorable and engaging.

Yoga

“Yoga” opens with an infectious instrumental, immediately setting a lively tone. Asake’s vocals are dynamic and captivating, showcasing his versatility as an artist. The production blends traditional African elements and contemporary sounds, creating a rich and engaging musical backdrop.

The lyrics of “Yoga” touch on celebration, gratitude, and self-confidence themes. Asake expresses gratitude for his blessings and success while emphasizing the need to stay focused and avoid negative influences. 

The chorus is catchy and repetitive, with the phrase “Yoga Yoga” as an emotional and memorable hook. It invites listeners to join and sing along, adding an interactive and participatory element to the song.

The verses maintain consistent energy, with Asake’s delivery remaining energetic and engaging. The lyrics incorporate wordplay, clever lines, and cultural references, adding depth and personality to the track.

“Yoga” by Asake is a vibrant and enjoyable Afrobeat track that showcases the artist’s talent and ability to create infectious music. Asake’s charismatic delivery and the song’s lively production contribute to its overall appeal. “Yoga” is a feel-good track that celebrates positivity and encourages listeners to embrace their blessings while staying focused on their goals. It was an excellent song to end the album.

Other songs on the album are Sunshine, I Believe, Introduction, Lonely at the Top, and Great Guy. 

Conclusion

Asake’s “Work of Art” album is a testament to the artist’s talent, creativity, and versatility. With a collection of diverse tracks spanning various genres and musical influences, the album offers a dynamic listening experience. 

One of the standout aspects of the album is its production quality. The instrumentals are rich, layered, and well-produced, creating a sonically pleasing backdrop for Asake’s vocals. The attention to detail in the arrangements and the seamless fusion of different musical elements demonstrate the artist’s commitment to creating a polished and cohesive body of work.

Asake’s vocal performance is another highlight of the album. His ability to transition effortlessly between different vocal styles and genres is impressive. He adapts his voice to suit the mood and vibe of each song, showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Overall, “Work of Art” is a cohesive and well-executed album showcasing Asake’s music growth. With its infectious melodies, captivating lyrics, and top-notch production, the album offers a delightful listening experience from start to finish. 

Personal Favorites (Olorun, Awodi, 2:30, Mogbe, Basquiat, Amapiano, What’s Up My G, Remember, Yoga)

Listen to “Work of Art” by Asake: