Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, known professionally as Asake, has achieved a new streaming milestone on Spotify Nigeria with his latest album, M$ney. The project recorded the biggest first-week debut on the platform, amassing 37.5 million streams within just six days of tracking. This surpasses the previous record held by Wizkid's Morayo, which earned 35.8 million streams during its first full week.
Album Release and Production
Released on May 1 through EMPIRE and Asake's imprint, GIRAN Republic, M$ney marks the singer's fourth studio album, following Lungu Boy. The rollout was driven by tracks such as "Why Love," "Badman Gangsta" featuring Tiakola, and "Worship" with DJ Snake. Unlike the fast-paced street anthems that propelled him to stardom, M$ney leans more into reflection, spirituality, and emotional balance. Across the project, the concept of money extends beyond luxury and fame, touching on peace, gratitude, survival, and self-awareness.
Artistic Evolution
Since his rise in 2020, the Lagos-born artist has built a reputation for blending Fuji-inspired street music with spiritual undertones. On M$ney, however, that contrast feels calmer and more deliberate. There is less urgency in his delivery and more introspection. The 31-year-old sounds more settled, using the album to question success, relationships, pressure, and personal growth rather than simply celebrating fame.
Pre-Release Listening Party
Ahead of the release, Asake hosted a listening party at the Legends Private Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The venue was transformed into a luxury-themed experience with live instrumentals, sand-toned decor, and a marble sculpture of the singer created by Iraqi-Dutch sculptor Athar Jaber. Several celebrities, including Young John, Blaqbonez, BNXN, Shoday, and Zlatan, attended the event alongside hundreds of guests.
Track-by-Track Highlights
The 13-track album opens with "Worship," where Asake mixes spiritual themes with dance energy alongside DJ Snake. On "Gratitude," he reflects on struggle, pressure, and blessings, while "MCBH" (Money Can't Buy Happiness) carries a message about stress, prayer, and emotional peace. Songs like "Forgiveness" reveal a more vulnerable side of the artist, with Asake openly admitting his flaws and seeking peace with his past. On "Oba," he returns to a more confident tone, embracing status and success with bold energy. The album also explores love, fame, and identity on tracks like "Why Love" and "Badman Gangsta" with Tiakola, while "Asambe" featuring Kabza De Small taps into amapiano influences.
Production and Global Texture
Production on the project sees Asake move beyond his longtime single-producer formula. Though Magicsticks handled most of the album, the project also features contributions from DJ Snake, Kabza De Small, and BlaiseBeatz, giving the sound a broader global texture. Rather than chasing instant hits, M$ney appears focused on depth and replay value. The album trades noise for reflection, showing a version of Asake that sounds more grounded, mature, and spiritually aware.
