Why Asake’s Music Feels Like a Lagos Bus Ride: Chaos, Culture & Global Vibes

If you’ve ever been on a Lagos bus ride, you know the feeling: the engine roars, someone’s hawking pure water, the conductor’s yelling “Ojuelegba!”, and there’s a Fuji soundtrack playing full blast in the background. That soundtrack and chaotic, vibrant energy, that’s Asake’s music.

From the moment the beat drops in any of his songs, you’re transported to the heart of Lagos, which is chaotic, electric, and full of life. His fusion of Fuji, Afrobeats, and Amapiano, layered with Yoruba chants and street lingo, makes every track feel like a ride through the city’s soul.

In this article, we’ll explore why Asake’s music feels like a Lagos bus ride.

 

Asake Biography

Asake’s real name is Ahmed Ololade, and he has quickly become one of Nigeria’s most talked-about musicians. He was born on January 13, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria, where he hails from. Asake studied Theatre and Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), but his hustle started long before graduation.

He was a dancer, a skit performer, and even dabbled in comedy. His career took off in 2022, before the release of the single “Mr. Money”, followed by a remix featuring Zlatan and Peruzzi. In February 2022, fellow Nigerian artist Olamide signed Asake to his YBNL Records imprint. From there, it was one banger after another—“Sungba,” “Peace Be Unto You,” “Terminator,” “Joha.”

Today, Asake is one of the most-streamed Nigerian artists globally. But his rise isn’t just about streaming numbers or flashy videos. It’s about emotion, energy, and that definite Lagos vibe that his music brings to life.

 

The Asake Sound: A Danfo Ride in Audio Form

From his signature blend of Afrobeats, Fuji, Amapiano, and street slang to his unmistakable chants and choruses, Asake’s sound feels like it’s moving fast, unpredictable, and always familiar, much like a Danfo bus swerving through traffic in Oshodi.

So, what makes Asake’s music feel like a bus ride in Lagos?

1. It’s Fast.

His beats race like they’re dodging LASTMA. He doesn’t waste time with intros that are too slow. From the moment the beat drops, it’s go-go-go, just like jumping on a moving bus.

2. It’s Loud.

It’s loud not just in volume, but in energy as well. Asake’s use of background vocals, Fuji-inspired drums, and crowd-like chants makes his tracks sound like a mini-party. And if you’ve ever been in Lagos traffic, you know it’s never quiet.

3. It’s Familiar.

Whether it’s the lamba (street slang) or spiritual undertones, his music connects. It feels like home. Like the bus conductor who knows your stop without asking. That’s Asake’s music; it gets you.

 

Fuji Roots, Amapiano Swag: Asake’s Musical Influences

Asake’s music is a beautiful cocktail of genres:

• The raw energy of Fuji
• The soulful bounce of Amapiano
• The catchy hooks of Afrobeats

But what’s genius is how he fuses them. Take “Sungba” for instance, traditional Yoruba-style chanting layered over a South African Amapiano beat. Or “Joha,” which feels like Fuji music on steroids. In many ways, he’s bringing back the indigenous sound that the youth almost forgot, thereby making it trendy again. And the streets love it because it sounds like them, feels like them, and speaks their language.

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Lagos in Lyrics: Asake’s Connection to the City

You can’t separate Asake from Lagos. His music is soaked in its dust, its movement, its madness.

Songs like “Peace Be Unto You” capture the chaos and confidence of a Lagos hustler. Lines like:

“Padi mi hustle lo”

That’s classic Lagos behaviour. Everyone is hustling and minding their business, but nobody’s blind. Every horn-blare, every market shout, every street prayer finds a connection to Asake’s music. And it’s why his songs aren’t just hits, they’re experiences.

 

Asake’s Performance Style

If you’ve ever seen Asake perform live, you know it’s not a concert but a carnival. He storms the stage like a conductor managing a bus full of hype passengers. Dancers spinning, lights blaring, everyone shouting lyrics like gospel.

But beneath the madness is discipline. You’ll notice the timing, the rehearsed chaos, the coordination. That’s what makes Asake stand out; he embraces disorder, but he also commands it.

 

Global Recognition: Asake on the World Stage

In 2023, Asake performed at the O2 Arena, a dream that many Nigerian artists have chased. But even on that global stage, he brought his full Lagos flavour. His intro featured talking drums, and his dancers wore agbadas; the whole vibe screamed Naija.

It’s rare to see an artist go global without toning down their roots. However, Asake’s global success demonstrates that authenticity truly sells. The world doesn’t want watered-down Nigerian music; instead, they want it raw and honest, and Asake doesn’t fail to deliver.

 

Lessons From Asake’s Music Journey

There are a few lessons Asake’s music journey has taught. They are: 

1. Stay Original

Asake didn’t change to fit in. He used his street roots as a source of strength.

2. He Fuses Cultures

He blended local genres with foreign sounds, creating something new.

3. Move Fast, But Stay Grounded

Just like Lagos buses, he may speed up, but he always knows where he’s going.

 

Final Thoughts: Asake is the Soundtrack of a Lagos Life

If Lagos were an album, Asake would be the lead track. He represents more than music; he represents motion. Like the never-stopping buses that rule the streets, his sound is loud, chaotic, and strangely comforting.

Asake’s music feels like a Lagos bus ride because it might startle you, but it’ll get you where you need to go.

So, the next time you hear him blaring from a speaker near you, don’t just nod to the beat, but also smile, because somewhere in all that noise is the sound of Nigeria finding its voice and blasting it for the world to hear.

 

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FAQs About Asake and His Music

1: What is Asake’s real name?

Asake’s real name is Ahmed Ololade. But his mother’s name is his stage name, Asake.

2: What genre of music does Asake make?

A fusion of Afrobeats, Amapiano, Fuji, and street pop.

3: Why do people say Asake sounds like Lagos?

His music captures the chaos, energy, and culture of Lagos life just like a typical Danfo bus experience.

4: What is Asake’s most popular song?

“Sungba,” “Joha,” “Peace Be Unto You,” and “Lonely at the Top” are among his biggest hits.

5: Is Asake still signed to YBNL?

Asake got signed to YBNL Nation in February 2022. In July 2022, Asake signed a distribution deal with Empire. Despite his exit from YBNL, Asake still maintains his deal with Empire.