Title: Asake’s ‘Work of Art’: A Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

Asake, the Nigerian singer and songwriter, takes listeners on a captivating musical journey with his second album, ‘Work of Art.’ Seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary African music, Asake delivers a celebration of success and community through his innovative sound.

The album opens with the meditative track “Olorun,” where Asake pays homage to the Supreme Being of the Yoruba religion while also expressing self-praise. This sets the tone for the album, showcasing Asake’s confidence and his determination to reach new heights.

Asake’s passion for music initially stemmed from dance, but he recognized the potential for success as a versatile artist. With his stage name and a string of successful singles, he made waves in the industry, culminating in his debut full-length album, ‘Mr. Money With the Vibe,’ which achieved remarkable success on the Billboard charts.

Asake’s debut album was heavily influenced by Amapiano, a strain of South African house music, which elevated his Afro-fusion music to new levels. While Amapiano was already gaining popularity across Africa, Asake distinguished himself by infusing his unique style. He incorporated choral harmonies, string arrangements, and elements of the Indigenous Yoruba music known as Fújì. The opening track of his debut album exemplified this audacious fusion, as “Dull” skillfully interpolated “Oke Agba” by the legendary Fújì musician Ayinde Barrister.

With ‘Work of Art,’ Asake recognizes that his winning formula requires no adjustments. The introspective track “What’s Up My G” showcases wistful strings that add solemnity, while the characteristic amapiano log-drum loop establishes a lively beat.

Asake effortlessly switches between vocal rhythms and inflections, conveying the multifaceted nature of his success. Behind his braggadocious lyrics about designer brands and luxury cars, a chorus of voices emphasizes the spiritual aspect of his accomplishments. Asake’s mantra, “If you don’t feel blessed, you won’t be blessed,” reflects his mindset of manifestation and acts as a flipside to a Yoruba proverb, encouraging those with riches to act like kings.

Throughout the album, Asake’s songs embody a proposition that anyone who works hard can experience the blessings he has received. On “Basquiat,” he asserts that the “work of art” referred to in the album title is none other than himself. However, the group chants in the song serve as a reminder that celebration is a communal experience.

This is why Asake is drawn to Amapiano, a genre that embodies the radical joy of the Black community, as expressed by South African artist Thandiswa Mazwai. In tracks like “Sunshine,” with its uplifting synths and soaring vocal harmonies, and “Awodi,” which narrates rising from humble beginnings, Asake spreads encouragement and extends a helping hand to lift others alongside him.

Asake’s stories of rebirth feel revelatory due to his constant pursuit of innovation. “Amapiano” sheds light on his approach, using the South African genre in bite-sized pop song form to deliver intimate storytelling. Yet, the production remains exceptional.

“Great Guy” transforms amapiano’s bass synths into rumbling textures, while “2:30” allows them to resonate, reminiscent of fújì’s talking drums.

The album’s closing track, “Yoga,” even infuses traditional séga music, originating from enslaved Africans in Réunion and Mauritius, into a contemporary plea for peace.

Asake draws inspiration from Nigerian artists like Fela Kuti, Ayinla Omowura, and Wande Coal, who continuously pushed the boundaries of Nigerian music. Similarly, Asake’s cross-generational and intercontinental music is evolving and making its mark.

Asake’s second album, ‘Work of Art,’ is a testament to his artistic prowess and creative vision. Through the fusion of traditional and contemporary African sounds, Asake crafts a musical experience that resonates with listeners while pushing the boundaries of innovation. This album showcases his growth as an artist and his commitment to creating a sense of unity and celebration within his music.