By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Asake has officially embarked on a new phase in his career with the release of his highly anticipated single, “Why Love,” under his newly established independent record label, Giran Republic.
Speculations Over YBNL Exit
Rumors about Asake’s departure from Olamide’s YBNL Nation have been circulating since last year. However, neither the artist nor the record label has issued an official statement confirming the split or the termination of his contract.
A Blend of Heartbreak and Fame
Despite its upbeat tempo, “Why Love” explores themes of heartbreak, fame, and personal growth, demonstrating Asake’s ability to blend emotional storytelling with his signature Fuji-Afrobeat fusion. The track delves into the challenges of navigating relationships under the glare of fame while retaining his distinct vocal style.
Production and Reception
The song was produced by Magicsticks, the hitmaker behind tracks like DJ Neptune, Mr Eazi, and Joeboy’s “Nobody”, Young Jonn’s “Aquafina”, and Tiwa Savage’s “Stamina”.
Since its release, the official music video for “Why Love” has surpassed 60,000 views on YouTube as of Wednesday, reflecting strong audience engagement.
Asake’s Record-Breaking Career
Since his breakthrough in 2022, Asake has consistently set new records in the music industry.
His debut album, Mr. Money With The Vibe (September 2022), broke the record for the biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music and debuted at No. 66 on the Billboard 200, marking the highest-charting Nigerian debut at the time.
His second album, Work of Art (June 2023), also reached No. 66 on the Billboard 200.
His latest project, Lungu Boy (2024), became his third consecutive No. 1 album in Nigeria and set a record as the longest-running No. 1 album on the Nigerian charts.
Asake’s impressive career has earned him an All Africa Music Award, two Headies Awards, and a MOBO Award, cementing his status as one of Africa’s top music stars.
