Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Asake has made a powerful return with his latest single, Badman Gangsta, featuring French singer Tiakola.
This new release signifies another milestone in Asake’s ever-evolving musical journey, as he continues to push the boundaries of Afrobeats by infusing international elements to craft a refreshing, sun-soaked anthem.
Badman Gangsta draws inspiration from Amerie’s timeless classic, 1 Thing, weaving its nostalgic sample into the song’s vibrant production. The track combines Asake’s smooth, airy vocals with lush acoustic guitar melodies and warm, smoky saxophone layers, resulting in an atmospheric and genre-bending masterpiece.
The collaboration sees Asake and Tiakola effortlessly switching between English, Yoruba, and French, delivering verses that balance vulnerability with swagger. Their lyrical chemistry adds depth to the song’s central message, which revolves around self-confidence, resilience, and gratitude for life’s blessings despite its chaos.
In the lyrics, Asake reaffirms his identity as both a hustler and a dreamer, blending raw honesty with subtle braggadocio. Tiakola complements this energy with his signature melodic delivery, creating a seamless fusion of Nigerian and French urban sounds.
Accompanying the single is a striking visual directed with cinematic precision. The video captures Asake’s jet-setting lifestyle, featuring black-and-white frames that depict him gracing Paris Fashion Week, creating music in studio sessions across continents, and basking in moments of quiet reflection. Its vintage aesthetic amplifies the song’s nostalgic feel while showcasing his evolving artistic persona.
Badman Gangsta also serves as a preview of Asake’s forthcoming album, Money, which he officially announced earlier this month. Fans can expect the project to further explore his artistic duality – confident yet introspective, grounded yet aspirational – as he continues to solidify his place in the global music scene.
