In a remarkable feat that has taken the music world by storm, Nigerian singer Asake has made history by becoming the first artist ever to achieve 50 entries on the Billboard Afrobeats chart in the United States. This achievement is even more impressive given Asake’s relatively short time in the industry, having only burst onto the scene three years ago.
Asake’s Journey to the Top
Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, has quickly risen to prominence, capturing the hearts of millions with his unique sound and vibrant energy. Singing predominantly in his native language and Pidgin English, Asake has carved out a niche in the global music landscape, making his mark in a genre that continues to grow in popularity worldwide.
What makes Asake’s story even more inspiring is his path to success. Before he became a household name, Asake started his career as a comedian and worked as a security guard for popular Nigerian comedian Brother Shaggy. He later became Shaggy’s manager, a role that paved the way for his entrance into the music industry. Eventually, Asake was signed by YBNL, a record label owned by Nigerian rapper Olamide, which set the stage for his meteoric rise.
Asake’s Billboard Afrobeats Entries
Here is a list of the 50 songs that have earned Asake his historic Billboard Afrobeats chart entries:
Note: The list includes the original songs as well as their remixes.
Other African Artists on Billboard Charts in the U.S.
Asake’s success is part of a larger trend of African artists making significant inroads into the American music scene. Here are some other African artists who have charted on Billboard in the U.S.:
Wizkid: Often hailed as one of the pioneers of the global Afrobeats movement, Wizkid has had several entries on the Billboard charts, most notably with his hit single “Essence” featuring Tems, which reached the Hot 100. His collaboration with Drake on “One Dance” also topped the Billboard Hot 100.
Burna Boy: Another giant of Afrobeats, Burna Boy has consistently charted on Billboard with songs like “Ye” and “Last Last.” His album “African Giant” and “Twice as Tall” have also appeared on the Billboard 200, cementing his place in global music.
Tems: Known for her distinctive voice and soulful delivery, Tems gained international recognition with her feature on Wizkid’s “Essence.” She also featured on Drake’s “Fountains” and Future’s “Wait for U,” both of which have charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
Davido: With hits like “Fall” and “If,” Davido has been a staple on the Billboard charts. His collaborations with international artists have also boosted his presence in the U.S. market.
CKay: His viral hit “Love Nwantiti” took the world by storm, leading to multiple chart entries on Billboard, including the Hot 100.
Rema: Another young star, Rema has made waves globally with his songs “Dumebi” and “Calm Down,” both of which have charted on the Billboard Hot 100.
These artists, alongside Asake, are leading the charge in bringing African music to the forefront of global entertainment. Their success on Billboard is a testament to the growing influence of Afrobeats and other African music genres on the international stage.
