Grammy-nominated Nigerian singer, Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has set a new streaming milestone on Spotify Nigeria with his latest album, M$NEY, which recorded the biggest first-week debut on the platform.
The project achieved the feat within just six days of tracking, pulling in 37.5 million streams and overtaking the previous record held by Wizkid’s Morayo, which earned 35.8 million streams during its first full week.
Released on May 1 through EMPIRE and Asake’s imprint, GIRAN Republic, M$ney marks the singer’s fourth studio album and arrives after Lungu Boy.
The rollout was driven by songs such as “Why Love,” “Badman Gangsta” featuring Tiakola, and “Worship” with DJ Snake.
Unlike the fast-paced street anthems that pushed him to stardom, M$ney leans more into reflection, spirituality and emotional balance.
Across the project, the idea of money stretches beyond luxury and fame, touching on peace, gratitude, survival and self-awareness.
Since his rise in 2020, the Lagos born artiste has built a reputation for blending Fuji-inspired street music with spiritual undertones. On M$ney, however, that contrast feels calmer and more deliberate.
There is less urgency in his delivery and more introspection. The 31-year-old sounds more settled, using the album to question success, relationships, pressure and personal growth rather than simply celebrating fame.
Before the release
Ahead of the release, Asake hosted a listening party at the Legends Private Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos. The venue was transformed into a luxury-themed experience with live instrumentals, sand-toned décor and a marble sculpture of the singer created by Iraqi Dutch sculptor Athar Jaber.
Several celebrities, including Young John, Blaqbonez, BNXN, Shoday and Zlatan, attended the event alongside hundreds of guests.
From street anthems to spiritual reflection on M$ney
The 13-track album opens with Worship, where Asake mixes spiritual themes with dance energy alongside DJ Snake. On Gratitude, he reflects on struggle, pressure and blessings, while MCBH which means Money Can’t Buy Happiness carries a message about stress, prayer and emotional peace.
Songs like Forgiveness reveal a more vulnerable side of the artiste, with Asake openly admitting his flaws and seeking peace with his past. On Oba, he returns to a more confident tone, embracing status and success with bold energy.
The album also explores love, fame and identity on tracks like Why Love and Badman Gangsta with Tiakola, while Asambe featuring Kabza De Small taps into amapiano influences.
Production on the project sees Asake move beyond his longtime single producer formula. Though Magicsticks handled most of the album, the project also features contributions from DJ Snake, Kabza De Small and BlaiseBeatz, giving the sound a broader global texture.
Rather than chasing instant hits, M$ney appears focused on depth and replay value. The album trades noise for reflection, showing a version of Asake that sounds more grounded, mature and spiritually aware.
