Nigerian Afrobeats star, Ahmed Ololade, popularly knows as Asake added another milestone to his international journey with a special appearance at the ongoing Major League Soccer (MLS) in New York.
The award-winning singer was honoured with the ceremonial coin toss at the match between New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew, bringing a taste of Afrobeats flair to American football.
On Sunday, Asake shared photos and videos of the event on Instagram, capturing moments where he interacted with players and referees before kick-off. In his caption, the singer simply wrote: “Asake music gives you wings.”
The appearance highlights Asake’s rising global influence and continued penetration into international spaces far beyond the music stage. With Afrobeats enjoying unprecedented popularity across the world, Asake is proving to be one of the genre’s frontliners, steadily earning recognition in arenas outside of entertainment.
Asake first caught mainstream attention in 2020 with his viral single “Lady.” His infectious sound and energetic delivery quickly earned him a dedicated fanbase, paving the way for major collaborations and live performances.
In February 2022, Asake signed with Olamide’s YBNL Nation, a move that solidified his career trajectory. Under the label, he delivered his debut studio album “Mr Money With The Vibes” (2022), followed by “Work of Art” (2023). Both albums received widespread acclaim, topping charts in Nigeria and gaining traction internationally.
Earlier this year, Asake released his third album, “Lungu Boy” (2024), further showcasing his versatility and commitment to refining the Afrobeats sound. His growth has not gone unnoticed: in 2025, he earned a Grammy nomination in the ‘Best African Music Performance’ category, though the award ultimately went to fellow Nigerian star Tems.
February also marked a significant career shift for Asake. After parting ways with YBNL Nation, he launched a new label, Giran Republic, and released his first single under the imprint, “Why Love.” The move signaled a fresh creative direction and greater independence for the artist, as he looks to expand his sound and brand globally.
Asake’s decision to step out on his own reflects his ambition to evolve as both an artist and a businessman. With Afrobeats rapidly becoming a global cultural force, his presence at an MLS match is another indication that Nigerian music is no longer confined to the African continent, it’s part of the global mainstream.
Afrobeats Meets Global Pop Culture Asake’s MLS appearance joins a growing list of moments where Nigerian music stars have crossed into global pop culture. From international award nominations to sold-out world tours, Afrobeats is increasingly being celebrated on major platforms.
For Asake, the coin toss may have been symbolic, but it underscores a broader narrative: Afrobeats is a cultural export with universal appeal, and artists like him are leading the charge.
With three albums, multiple hit singles, and a new label under his belt, Asake is positioning himself as more than just a musician; he is becoming a global ambassador for Afrobeats. Whether on stage, in stadiums, or across streaming platforms, his music continues to resonate with fans worldwide.
As he wrote in his Instagram post, “Asake music gives you wings.” If his latest international appearance is anything to go by, those wings are only getting stronger.
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