The acclaimed Nigerian singer and songwriter, Ahmed Ololade, better known as Asake, has unveiled his aspiration to collaborate with American rap icon Kanye West. The revelation came to light during an exclusive interview with Billboard News, where the ‘Omo Ope’ hitmaker shared his thoughts on the importance of a deep connection when partnering with fellow artists.
Asake emphasized that his creative process is rooted in a profound appreciation for both the person and their musical talent. He expressed, “For me, I need to like the person before I can make music with you. I need to be comfortable with you, not solely because of the music.”
He further elaborated, “I’m not saying I can’t make music with other people, but I thrive on genuine energy. If there’s a connection beyond the music, it’s even better. I must connect with your music, and I must genuinely like the person I intend to collaborate with. That’s when synergy happens. I’ve been saying this for a while now; perhaps God will make it happen. I’d love to work with Kanye [West].”
Reflecting on the global explosion of the afrobeats genre, Asake likened it to watching one’s child grow and thrive. He described the sensation, stating, “It’s like you having a baby and your baby is growing. You know, you feel good when you have something around you, and the thing is growing. In a couple of years, it [afrobeats] will be even bigger.”
.@asakemusik opens up about his @billboardcharts success, going big for his live performances, the growth of Afrobeats, his latest album ‘Work of Art’ and more with #BillboardNews. pic.twitter.com/k2XdTPDka0
— billboard (@billboard) September 6, 2023
Asake’s remarks come on the heels of his remarkable success at the 16th Headies Awards, where he clinched two prestigious honors: the coveted Next Rated category and Album of the Year. The artist’s continued rise in the music industry underscores the global appeal and influence of afrobeats, leaving fans eagerly anticipating potential collaborations with international icons like Kanye West.
