Asake’s “Lungu Boy” Album Review: A New Era of Sound and Storytelling
When Asake released his second studio album, Work of Art, under YBNL Records, I remarked on its monotonic sound, heavily influenced by the Amapiano wave that had initially brought him fame. Despite this, one track, “Lonely at the Top,” stood out as a pure Afrobeats song, which ultimately became the defining hit of the album. Now, with his third studio album Lungu Boy, and his first as a solo artist, Asake presents a clearer direction, experimenting with new sounds, especially those from North America.
Life as a Superstar
Lyrically, Lungu Boy maintains the themes of Asake’s previous album, focusing on the life of a superstar. However, while Work of Art explored Asake’s adjustment to newfound fame, Lungu Boy sees him embracing and fully settling into the lifestyle of a global star, influenced by his extensive tours in North America. This evolution is evident in both his sound and lyrics, as Asake confidently navigates his status with a more refined and experimental approach.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
Start: A New Beginning
The album opens with the legendary Nigerian artist Asa’s vocals from her song “Eya Adaba,” serving as the intro to “Start.” In this track, Asake introduces himself and his mission, reflecting on his humble beginnings in the “Lungu” (a colloquial term for the trenches). He shares how his upbringing made him street-smart and disciplined, especially in his words. The song sets the tone for the album, revealing Asake’s blend of Afrobeats and Calypso, a sound he attributes to divine inspiration.
MMS (Mr. Money Sound): A Celebration of Growth
Collaborating with Wizkid, Asake delivers “MMS,” a song that celebrates his journey from obscurity to stardom. He reminisces about the days when no one knew or cared about his music, and how he persisted until his sound became recognized globally. Wizkid adds depth to the track, reflecting on how one’s destiny is predetermined, and how finding his purpose has allowed him to live his best life, all thanks to God.
Mood: A Calypso Experiment
“Mood” sees Asake diving into the Calypso sound he hinted at in the album’s opening. Singing in Yoruba, English, and Spanish, Asake discusses his fluctuating moods—sometimes craving solitude and other times enjoying the company of others. He acknowledges the loneliness that often accompanies fame but expresses gratitude for living his best life, facing his fears with God’s help.
Worldwide: Appreciating Global Fame
In “Worldwide,” Asake reflects on the global status he has achieved. He acknowledges the envy and misunderstandings that come with fame, recognizing that many of his so-called friends are actually “frenemies.” Despite this, he offers prayers for those who have supported him, wishing them success in their endeavors.
Suru: The Virtue of Patience
“Suru,” featuring British rapper Stormzy, is a track centered on patience. Asake shares wisdom passed down from his mother, who taught him that patience is a virtue. He attributes his success to this virtue, as he remained focused on his grind, waiting for his time to shine. Stormzy complements the song with verses about his own journey, highlighting the support of his mother in achieving his dreams.
Mentally: The Strategy Behind Success
In “Mentally,” Asake gives listeners a glimpse into the habits that have propelled him to success. He emphasizes his strategic approach to life and business, claiming that his mental discipline makes him unpredictable and effective in his endeavors.
Conclusion: A Strong Album with Potential Challenges
Lungu Boy is a well-curated album that showcases Asake’s growth as an artist. The album’s character is strong, and it successfully maintains a lyrical and sonic theme throughout. However, the challenge lies in finding a standout hit that will drive the album’s success. Despite collaborations with stars like Travis Scott, Central Cee, Wizkid, Ludmilla, and Stormzy, many of the tracks lack the natural hit potential seen in his previous work.
To achieve the reach he desires, Asake will likely need strong promotion. Nevertheless, Lungu Boy is an album that some listeners will find replay-worthy, thanks to its consistency and thematic depth from the first to the tenth track. It marks a significant step in Asake’s journey, demonstrating his commitment to pushing boundaries and evolving as an artist.
