Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Asake has once again rewritten the record books, extending his remarkable streak as the country’s most successful chart-topping artist with his latest international collaboration, “Badman Gangsta,” featuring French rapper Tiakola.
The track became his 14th number one on the TurnTable Charts, Nigeria’s foremost music aggregate chart, marking a historic achievement that underscores the 28-year-old artist’s extraordinary commercial prowess and artistic versatility. Released under his imprint, Giran Republic, in partnership with global distribution company Gamma, the cross-continental collaboration represents a significant milestone in Asake’s evolving career trajectory.
The success of “Badman Gangsta” marks Asake’s second chart-topper of 2025, following his appearance on Olamide’s “99” alongside Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and Latino star Daecolm. This latest achievement brings his tally as a lead artist to an impressive 11 number one hits, a remarkable feat considering his mainstream breakthrough occurred just over three years ago with “Omo Ope” in January 2022.
The timing of this success is particularly noteworthy, as it comes during a pivotal period in Asake’s career. The two-time Grammy-nominated artist recently severed ties with Empire, his previous record label, opting instead to release new material through his own Giran Republic label. This strategic move toward independence appears to be paying dividends, with “Badman Gangsta” demonstrating that his commercial appeal remains undiminished despite the label change.
Industry observers note that Asake’s collaboration with Tiakola represents more than just another hit single—it signals the artist’s commitment to expanding his global footprint through strategic international partnerships. The French connection is particularly significant given France’s substantial African diaspora population and the growing cross-pollination between French and West African music scenes.
The success comes as Asake prepares to release his highly anticipated fourth studio album, titled “Money,” which he announced via his X (formerly Twitter) account on June 5, 2025. The album title pays homage to one of his most recognizable monikers, “Mr. Money,” a nickname that has become synonymous with his brand among Nigerian music fans. This nomenclature traces back to his debut LP, “Mr. Money With The Vibes,” establishing a thematic consistency that has become a cornerstone of his artistic identity.
The upcoming “Money” album will represent Asake’s fourth full-length project in just four years and his fifth overall release since his breakthrough 2022 EP “Ololade Asake.” This prolific output has been matched by consistent commercial success, with his 2024 album “Lungu Boy” being recognized as the year’s best-selling album by TurnTable Charts.
Beyond individual project success, Asake’s broader market dominance is evidenced by his retention of the title of Nigeria’s best-selling artist in 2024, making him the first musician to achieve this distinction for three consecutive years. This unprecedented streak speaks to both his consistent output quality and his ability to maintain relevance in Nigeria’s highly competitive music landscape.
The artist’s journey from relative obscurity to chart dominance represents one of contemporary Nigerian music’s most remarkable success stories. Since his mainstream emergence, Asake has consistently demonstrated an ability to blend traditional Afrobeats elements with contemporary international sounds, creating a distinctive sonic signature that resonates with both local and global audiences.
As the Nigerian music industry continues its global expansion, Asake’s success with “Badman Gangsta” and his upcoming “Money” album positions him as a key figure in the ongoing internationalization of Afrobeats. His ability to seamlessly collaborate across cultural and linguistic boundaries while maintaining his core artistic identity suggests that his chart-topping streak may be far from over.
With the music industry increasingly focused on cross-cultural collaborations and global market penetration, Asake’s model of combining local authenticity with international appeal offers a blueprint for other African artists seeking to expand their reach while preserving their cultural roots.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Asake has cemented his status as Nigeria’s most dominant chart artist, scoring his 14th number one hit with “Badman Gangsta,” featuring French rapper Tiakola. The two-time Grammy nominee now holds an unprecedented record in Nigerian music, having achieved 11 number ones as a lead artist in just three years since his 2022 breakthrough.
Most significantly, Asake has become the first artist to be named Nigeria’s best-selling artist for three consecutive years (2022-2024), while transitioning to independence by launching his label, Giran Republic. With his fourth album, “Money,” set for release in 2025, Asake’s combination of prolific output, consistent commercial success, and strategic international collaborations positions him as the leading figure in Afrobeats’ global expansion.
