Asake’s meteoric rise isn’t just built on solo hits; his electrifying feature verses amplify tracks across genres, showcasing his versatile artistry and cultural impact. Here are his most essential collaborations:
- Burna Boy on “Sungba (Remix)” (2022): The Breakout Catalyst
- Verse Impact: Burna Boy’s iconic verse transformed Asake’s buzzing single into a global Afrobeats anthem. His signature gruff delivery, ad-libs (“Ooh Jah!”), and braggadocious lines (“Original gangster, I no be new cat”) provided massive star power and validation, propelling Asake onto the international stage almost overnight. This feature is widely credited as a pivotal moment in Asake’s career explosion .
- Standout Line: “Original gangster, I no be new cat… Money long like katapot, I dey chop life like cheesecake.”
- Travis Scott on “Active” (2024): Global Crossover Domination
- Verse Impact: Featured on Asake’s Lungu Boy album, Travis Scott brought his signature psychedelic trap energy. His distorted, auto-tuned verse (“Oh man, I’m active / Jet set, no practice”) created a unique fusion with Asake’s Fuji-infused Amapiano, marking a major milestone in Afrobeats-US rap crossovers. This collaboration soared to #1 on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart .
- Standout Line: “Oh man, I’m active / Jet set, no practice / Palm trees and cactus / This life is fantastic.”
- Olamide on “Omo Ope” (2022) & “Amapiano” (2023): Mentor & Protege Synergy
- Verse Impact: Asake’s label boss Olamide delivered crucial, high-energy verses on these defining tracks. On “Omo Ope”, Olamide’s Yoruba rap verse (“Omo ope, o l’ashi owo…”) provided street cred and mentorship vibes. On the Grammy-nominated “Amapiano”, their back-and-forth flow (“Olamide, Asake, yeah, heavily we are getting lit”) demonstrated effortless chemistry and solidified their status as a powerhouse duo .
- Standout Line (“Amapiano“): “Olamide, Asake, yeah / Heavily we are getting lit / Mo ti lo, mo ti pa yen ti.”
- Wizkid on “MMS (Mr. Money Sound)” (2024): Reflective Afrobeats Royalty
- Verse Impact: Teaming up with one of his “musical inspirations” , Asake created a contemplative, jazzy standout on Lungu Boy. Wizkid’s smooth, melodic verse reflected on loss and finding purpose (“Once upon a time, when I just dey try… Lost my way, but I found the light”), adding profound depth and star quality. The track broke the record for most first-day streams on a song in Spotify Nigeria upon release .
- Standout Line: “Once upon a time, when I just dey try… Lost my way, but I found the light.”
- Stormzy on “Suru” (2024): Transatlantic Grit & Patience
- Verse Impact: This powerful Lungu Boy collaboration blends Asake’s Yoruba proverbs (“My mama tell me say surulere” – patience is rewarding) with Stormzy’s raw UK grime delivery. Stormzy’s verse paid homage to family sacrifice and the concrete plan behind his success (“This was not a dream, it was more like a plan I believed in”), creating a resonant anthem of perseverance .
- Standout Line (Stormzy Outro): “This was not a dream, it was more like a plan I believed in.”
- Ludmilla on “Whine” (2024): International Fusion Fiesta
- Verse Impact: Bringing Brazilian funk flair to Lungu Boy, Ludmilla’s Portuguese verse (“Me diz o que você pôs na sua receita?” / Tell me what you put in your recipe?) injected irresistible South American energy. Produced by Sak Pase, the track cleverly flipped Mary J. Blige’s “Real Love” into a joyous, cross-continental celebration, arguably Asake’s “most euphoric track” .
- Standout Line (Ludmilla): “Me diz o que você pôs na sua receita?” (Tell me what you put in your recipe?)
- Russ on “Reason” (2022): Unexpected Sonic Blend
- Verse Impact: Featured on Asake’s debut album Mr. Money With The Vibe, American rapper Russ provided a contrasting but complementary verse. His introspective, melodic rap style (“I got reasons for the things I do…”) merged surprisingly well with Asake’s Fuji-Amapiano sound, showcasing Asake’s willingness to experiment early on .
Key Takeaways from Asake’s Feature Verse Mastery
- Elevates the Vibe: Asake consistently brings high energy, unique Yoruba-inflected flows, and his signature ad-libs (“Za!”, “Eh yah!”), instantly elevating any track.
- Cultural Bridge: His features actively build bridges between Afrobeats, UK Grime, US Rap, and Latin music (e.g., Ludmilla).
- Strategic Star Power: Collaborations with giants like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Travis Scott weren’t just features; they were strategic moments cementing his global status.
- Authenticity First: Even on global tracks, Asake maintains his core sound – blending Fuji, Amapiano, and street-hop with Yoruba lyricism.
Why Asake’s Features Stand Out
Asake doesn’t just deliver a verse; he integrates his sonic signature – the driving log drums, the call-and-response chants, the rapid-fire Yoruba proverbs – seamlessly into diverse soundscapes. His features feel like essential components of the song, not just added star names, solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and indispensable collaborator in modern global music.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Asake’s most famous feature?
Burna Boy’s verse on the “Sungba (Remix)” is arguably Asake’s most impactful feature. It catapulted the song and Asake himself into global Afrobeats stardom and remains a defining moment in his career .
Did Asake’s song with Travis Scott chart?
Yes! “Active” featuring Travis Scott became Asake’s first #1 hit on Billboard’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart
Why does Asake often sing in Yoruba on his features?
Singing in Yoruba is central to Asake’s identity and artistry. He has stated it’s his choice to embrace his roots and language, believing in the power and authenticity it brings to his music, even on international collaborations
How do Asake’s features differ from his solo work?
While retaining his core sound (Fuji, Amapiano, Yoruba lyricism), Asake often adapts his features slightly to complement the main artist or the specific track’s vibe. He might modulate his energy or focus more on interplay, but his unique style remains unmistakable.
Where can I find Asake’s latest collaborations?
His most recent features, including those with Wizkid (“MMS”), Travis Scott (“Active”), Stormzy (“Suru”), and Ludmilla (“Whine”), are on his 2024 album Lungu Boy. Check major streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, or Audiomack .