Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake is dominating global charts with his latest project M$NEY, even as controversy trails one of its standout tracks, “Amen.”

The album surged to No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top Albums chart within hours of release, with Asake achieving a historic milestone occupying five spots in the country’s Top 10 simultaneously. Internationally, M$NEY made a powerful debut, peaking at No. 4 in the United States and No. 2 in the United Kingdom, signaling the singer’s growing global footprint.

Streaming numbers further underline the album’s impact. Within its first 24 hours, M$NEY reportedly crossed 100 million streams on Spotify, fueled by high-profile collaborations with DJ Snake, Tiakola, and Kabza De Small.

However, the album’s success has been partly overshadowed by backlash surrounding the track “Amen.” Critics have taken issue with lyrics referencing the “Èmi ló kàn” slogan popularized by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Some listeners argue that the line feels disconnected from the country’s current economic realities, describing it as tone deaf amid ongoing hardship.

On the other hand, supporters of Asake have defended the song, framing the lyrics as aspirational and rooted in manifestation culture rather than political endorsement. The debate has sparked widespread discussion across social media, further amplifying the album’s visibility.

Despite the mixed reactions, M$NEY continues to gain momentum across streaming platforms, reinforcing Asake’s position as one of Afrobeats’ most influential voices on the global stage.

Nigerian rap veteran Ice Prince has officially released his fifth studio album, Testimony of Grace, marking a significant moment in his long-standing career in African hip-hop.

Widely known for his 2010 breakout hit “Oleku” and acclaimed projects like Everybody Loves Ice Prince, the rapper returns with a 13-track body of work that blends raw lyricism with Afrobeats influences. The album showcases his versatility while staying true to the core hip-hop sound that built his legacy.

Testimony of Grace features collaborations with top artists including Niniola, Skiibii, and Medikal, adding diverse sonic textures to the project. Early standouts include “Intro (Can’t Get Enough),” “Hustle,” and “Bazu Kidi,” while fans have particularly highlighted “Head Comot Remix” as a standout track gaining traction online.

Following the release, social media buzz intensified as fans shared streaming screenshots and praised the album’s mix of nostalgia and fresh energy. Alongside the music, Ice Prince also trended for a lighter moment playful jabs at his treadmill workout appearance. The rapper responded with humor, embracing the jokes and turning the moment into a viral highlight that further boosted engagement around the album.

With Testimony of Grace, Ice Prince reinforces his position as one of Nigeria’s hip-hop pioneers, proving his ability to evolve while maintaining relevance in a rapidly changing music landscape.

STREAM HERE

Follow BONA NAIJA for more

Rising Afrobeats talent Shoday has joined forces with industry heavyweight Olamide and fellow artist Billionboi to release a new energetic single titled “Come Kulosa.”

The track dropped at midnight on April 29 and has already begun gaining traction across streaming platforms. Produced by Canny Consults, the two-minute record blends Fuji-inspired rhythms with street-hop and Afrobeats elements, delivering a fast-paced, club-ready sound designed for replay value.

“Come Kulosa” also highlights the artistic journey of Shoday, who first caught widespread attention after his viral Fuji-style covers of Olamide’s songs on TikTok back in 2021. That viral moment is widely seen as a turning point that helped bring him closer to Olamide, eventually leading to this collaboration.

Early listener reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with fans praising Olamide’s effortless versatility on the track and Shoday’s high-energy delivery. Streaming activity has also picked up on platforms like Spotify, as the song continues to circulate in playlists and social media clips.

Fans online have also injected humor into the rollout, referring to Olamide’s consistent support for emerging talent as his “Father Christmas era,” a nod to his reputation for uplifting new voices in the Nigerian music scene.

With its catchy hook, cultural fusion, and strong artist chemistry, “Come Kulosa” is already shaping up to be one of the standout street anthems of the season.

STREAM AND DOWNLOAD HERE

Follow BONA NAIJA for more

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Omah Lay has officially unveiled his highly anticipated “Clarity of Mind World Tour,” marking a major milestone in his global career.

The tour comes on the back of his critically acclaimed second album Clarity of Mind, a project that has resonated widely for its introspective themes and Afro-fusion sound. The album made a strong impact internationally, topping Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart with multiple tracks gaining traction across streaming platforms.

As part of the European leg, Omah Lay will perform in major cities including Brussels on November 6, Berlin on November 8, and Paris on November 13. The tour will culminate in a landmark headline show at OVO Arena Wembley, a 12,500-capacity venue in London—a significant achievement for the fast-rising star.

Tickets for all dates are scheduled to go on sale May 8 at 10 a.m. local time.

Fans have taken to social media to celebrate the announcement, viewing it as yet another indication of Afrobeats’ growing global dominance. Many also pointed to fellow Nigerian artist Young Jonn, who has similarly made waves internationally, highlighting a broader movement of African artists commanding major global stages.

With the “Clarity of Mind World Tour,” Omah Lay continues to cement his position as one of Afrobeats’ most compelling voices, bringing deeply personal storytelling and genre-blending sounds to an ever-expanding international audience.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more

Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake has unveiled the official tracklist for his highly anticipated fourth studio album, M$NEY, set for release on Friday, May 1.

The 13-track project signals a bold international expansion for the hitmaker, featuring a diverse lineup of global collaborators. Among them is French DJ and producer DJ Snake on the track “Worship,” French-Congolese rapper Tiakola on “Badman Gangsta,” and South African amapiano heavyweight Kabza De Small on “Asambe.”

The album also includes a number of solo records that have already begun generating buzz online, including “Gratitude” and “Why Love,” with fans praising snippets circulating on social media for their emotional depth and sonic evolution.

The tracklist was shared by Asake’s longtime mentor and YBNL boss Olamide, further fueling anticipation among fans. Olamide highlighted the cross-continental collaborations as a defining element of the project, hinting at a strategic push toward global recognition.

M$NEY arrives on the back of Asake’s record-breaking run in recent years, with previous albums dominating charts and streaming platforms across Africa and beyond. Industry observers say this new project could mark a turning point in his career, positioning him firmly on the global stage.

Fans and critics alike are now counting down to the release, eager to see how Asake blends Afrobeats with international influences in what could be one of the most talked-about albums of the year.

Follow BONA NAIJA for more