Asake breaks Burna Boy’s Billboard Chart record and set records for both the biggest opening week and biggest opening day streams for a Nigerian album

In a remarkable achievement, Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, known as Asake, has surpassed fellow artist Burna Boy on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. This milestone was reached with the release of his new album titled ‘Lungu Boy’, which debuted an impressive nine songs on the chart during the week of August 24, 2024. This accomplishment not only highlights Asake’s growing influence in the music industry but also marks a significant moment in the history of Afrobeats music.

The Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, known professionally as Asake, debuted nine songs from his new album, ‘Lungu Boy,’ bringing his total entries to 50.

His track, ‘Active,’ featuring American rapper Travis Scott, is currently at the top of the chart.

Burna Boy’s fourth studio album, “African Giant,” was ranked 14th on Billboard’s list of the 50 Best Albums of 2019. This notable achievement led to a nomination for the 2019 Grammy Awards in the Best World Music Album category. The album was praised as a significant advancement for African music. 

In 2020, Burna Boy released his fifth studio album, “Twice as Tall,” which earned him the Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album at the 63rd Grammy Awards in 2021.

The Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart was launched in April 2022.

Afrobeats have captured global attention for decades, largely thanks to the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti, who showcased the unique brilliance of African music to the world.

Today, talented artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido, Tems, and Tiwa Savage have made a significant impact on the international stage with their infectious beats and catchy lyrics that resonate with fans across the globe.

Record-Breaking Entries

With these nine new entries from ‘Lungu Boy’, Asake has now accumulated a total of 50 entries on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. This feat places him ahead of Burna Boy, who previously held the record for the most songs on this chart. The song ‘Active’, featuring American rapper Travis Scott, currently sits at No. 1 on the chart, further solidifying Asake’s position as a leading figure in contemporary Afrobeats.

Commercial Success and Streaming Records

The commercial success of ‘Lungu Boy’ is evident not only through its performance on Billboard but also through its reception on other platforms. The album made history by equaling the record for the highest-charting Nigerian album on Apple Music US, previously held by Burna Boy’s ‘I Told Them’ and Davido’s ‘Timeless’. Additionally, it reached No. 1 on the Apple Music UK Chart, marking it as Asake’s third album to achieve this milestone.

On Spotify Nigeria, ‘Lungu Boy’ set records for both the biggest opening week and biggest opening day streams for a Nigerian album. It garnered an astounding 18.9 million streams in its opening week, surpassing Davido’s previous record of 14.4 million streams. Furthermore, it achieved 9.2 million global streams in just one day after its release.

Impact on Afrobeats Genre

Asake’s rapid rise and consistent output have positioned him as a defining artist within the Afrobeats genre over recent years. His ability to produce hit after hit has not only contributed to his personal success but has also played a crucial role in elevating Afrobeats music globally.

In summary, Asake breaking Burna Boy’s record is not just about numbers; it reflects a broader trend where Nigerian artists are increasingly dominating international music charts and reshaping global perceptions of African music.

Writing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade, Editor Sunday