On his third studio album, Lungu Boy, Nigerian superstar Asake pushes further into global stardom, expanding his sound and personal narrative. Building on the momentum of his previous projects, Asake has solidified his position at the top of Afrobeats. The album, released just two years after his breakout, reflects his continued evolution as an artist and his quest for more space to express his growing influence. Here are five key takeaways from Lungu Boy:
Personal Reflection Takes Center Stage
Asake has always used his music as a platform for personal expression, reflecting on his journey, struggles, and triumphs. Lungu Boy continues this introspective trend, with many tracks exploring his emotional landscape. From songs like “Mood” to the more somber “Suru,” Asake keeps his focus on growth, patience, and resilience. Notably, he also draws out a deeply personal verse from Wizkid, who mentions his late mother on the track, showing the vulnerability that defines much of the album. Lungu Boy highlights Asake’s journey from humble beginnings to global superstardom, but he remains grounded, continuously reflecting on the dream that started it all.
A Fusion of Nigerian Music Eras
One of the standout elements of Lungu Boy is how Asake connects different eras and genres within Nigerian music. The album opens with the voice of soul singer Asa, whose iconic “Eye Adaba” is sampled in the introductory track “Start.” This nod to the past serves as a bridge between generations, and it’s not the only one. Asake blends elements of fuji, amapiano, hip-hop, and traditional Nigerian sounds throughout the album. Whether it’s incorporating church and mosque influences, or paying homage to artists like Wizkid, Asake shows a clear respect for the country’s rich musical legacy while pushing forward with his own sound.
Less Amapiano, More Genre Experimentation
Asake’s past albums have often drawn criticism for being too heavily reliant on amapiano, but Lungu Boy represents a shift. While traces of the genre still appear, the album takes more risks with varied production styles. Tracks like “My Heart” incorporate a Spanish guitar alongside Afrobeat rhythms, while “Mentally” presents a minimalist, mystical composition. On “Uhh Yeahh,” a disco-house beat adds a fresh, euphoric energy, and the album closes with “Fuji Vibe,” a progressive take on the traditional genre. With producers like Sarz, Magicsticks, and P.Priime on board, Lungu Boy feels more experimental and sonically diverse, pushing boundaries while still staying true to Asake’s roots.
Challenging Expectations
Asake’s rapid rise to fame has set the bar high, and Lungu Boy shows him wrestling with that pressure. While the album is full of dynamic performances, at times it feels like Asake is trying too hard to surprise or exceed expectations. Some of the vocal tricks and flows he’s known for, like the rap-fuji fusion from “Blessings,” feel a bit repetitive on tracks like “Worldwide.” While listeners will still enjoy the energy, there’s a sense that the execution doesn’t always match the vision. Asake’s attempts to break new ground are admirable, but the result is occasionally uneven, with some songs lacking the precision and impact of his earlier hits.
Global Black Culture in Focus
What sets Asake apart from many Afrobeats stars is his ability to blend African influences with global sounds in a way that transcends borders. On Lungu Boy, he taps into various strands of Black music, from fuji and amapiano to hip-hop and dancehall. The collaboration with Travis Scott on “Active” emphasizes the shared percussive roots of fuji and hip-hop, while his link-ups with U.K. stars Central Cee and Stormzy connect him to the British Black music scene. The most intriguing international pairing comes on “Whine,” a dancehall track featuring Brazilian artist LUDMILLA. This cross-continental fusion highlights how Asake is expanding his influence, blending the rich history of Black music across continents.
Asake’s Lungu Boy is a complex, genre-blending album that sees him continuing to shape the global music landscape. His ambition, artistry, and willingness to experiment make the album a crucial step in his ongoing evolution. While there are moments where the execution feels rushed, the overall vision is clear—Asake is staking his claim as one of the most important voices in global music today.
Photo by: Cover artwork for ‘Lungu Boy’ by Asake. Courtesy of EMPIRE and YBNL Nation.
