1. ASAKE

Ahmed Ololade, better known as Asake, made notable strides in his career throughout 2024, both within Nigeria and internationally. Known for his unique blend of street-inspired lyrics and Afro-fusion beats, Asake showcased his versatility through collaborations with prominent artists. He featured on Victony’s “Stubborn,” Ayra Starr’s “Goodbye,” and Tems’ “Get It Right.” Additionally, he appeared on Olamide’s “Uptown Disco” and contributed to Wizkid’s album Morayo.

In June, Asake released his third studio album, Lungu Boy, accompanied by the announcement of his Lungu Boy World Tour. The album achieved significant success, breaking the record for the biggest opening-day streams for a Nigerian album on Spotify with 9.2 million streams. It also saw five tracks reach the top 10 on the TurnTable Top 100. Featuring collaborations with UK drill artists Central Cee and Stormzy on “Wave” and “Suru,” as well as American rapper Travis Scott on “Active,” the album highlighted Asake’s global ambitions and his ability to blend genres seamlessly.

Asake’s achievements were further recognized with several nominations and awards. He won the AFRIMA Award for Best Contemporary African Artist and the Image Award for Outstanding International Song with “Amapiano.” He also received nominations for International Act at the BET Awards and International Artist at the Brit Awards, reflecting his growing impact beyond Africa.

As the year came to a close, Asake performed at the Lagos December Fest, drawing a large audience and delivering a memorable performance. With a successful album, international collaborations, and notable awards, 2024 solidified Asake’s position as a key figure in contemporary Afro-fusion music.