Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Asake is stepping into a new chapter of his career with the release of his highly anticipated single, “Why Love,” under his newly established independent label, Giran Republic.
Rumors about Asake parting ways with YBNL have been circulating since last year. However, neither Asake nor Olamide’s label has officially addressed the matter or confirmed any termination of contracts.
“Why Love” is an upbeat track that explores themes of heartbreak, fame, and personal growth, highlighting Asake’s unique talent for merging emotional storytelling with infectious melodies. The song delves into the complexities of maintaining relationships under the public eye, while Asake’s signature blend of Fuji and Afrobeat shines through his distinctive vocals.
Produced by the acclaimed Magicsticks—known for his work on hits like DJ Neptune’s “Nobody,” Mr. Eazi and Joeboy’s “Nobody,” Young Jonn’s “Aquafina,” and Tiwa Savage’s “Stamina”—the 3-minute track has already garnered significant attention. As of Wednesday, the official video for “Why Love” surpassed 60,000 views on YouTube.
Asake first rose to prominence in September 2022 with his debut album Mr. Money, which set a record for the biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music. The album also debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200, making it the highest-charting Nigerian debut album at the time.
His follow-up album Work Of Art, released in June 2023, also debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200. Asake’s third album, Lungu Boy (2024), marked another milestone, becoming his third consecutive number-one album in Nigeria and the longest-running number one in the Nigerian charts.
His impressive accolades include an All Africa Music Award, two Headies Awards, and a MOBO Award.
Watch the video below:
