Nigerian Afrobeats heavyweight Asake is back with a bold new release titled “BADMAN GANGSTA,” a genre-bending collaboration with celebrated French sensation Tiakola.
Released through gamma, the track stands as a fearless display of global sonic experimentation, a vibrant anthem that bridges continents, emotions, and sounds.
Following the reflective tone of his February single Why Love, this new offering signals a thrilling turn in Asake’s evolving musical journey.
It also serves as the latest teaser from his hotly awaited album, Money, officially announced earlier this month. BADMAN GANGSTA pushes Afrobeats into daring new territory, proving once again that Asake thrives outside traditional genre lines.
Built around a nostalgic reimagining of Amerie’s early-2000s hit “1 Thing,” the song leans into a rich, textured production layered with acoustic guitar strums and hazy saxophone melodies.
These elements blend seamlessly with Asake’s ethereal vocals, creating a unique soundscape that dances between confidence and vulnerability, a hallmark of the artist’s evolving style.
The single’s cross-cultural edge is heightened by the effortless back-and-forth between Asake and Tiakola, who switch fluidly between Yoruba, English, and French.
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Their lyrical exchange captures themes of resilience, triumph, and staying grounded through success — a soulful celebration of the journey rather than just the destination. The chemistry between both artists is electric, as they explore a shared narrative despite their diverse roots.
Visually, BADMAN GANGSTA comes alive through a gripping, black-and-white music video that feels both intimate and cinematic. Scenes oscillate between Asake’s globetrotting lifestyle, from studio sessions to high-fashion appearances — and quiet personal moments, offering a layered portrait of an artist who embraces both grit and glamour.
The retro aesthetic of the video ties back to the song’s sampled roots, reinforcing its nostalgic yet forward-facing vibe.
For Asake, the track reflects a deeply personal statement. “BADMAN GANGSTA is me embracing all sides of my story — the hustle, the wins, the gratitude. Tiakola brought a different flavor, but the energy was the same. We’re from different places, but the spirit of our music connects on a deeper level,” he shared.
Tiakola echoed this sentiment: “I’ve admired Asake for a long time. He’s got that rare spark — voice, energy, and storytelling. Even though we come from different cultures, our music speaks the same truth, and working together just clicked.”
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With this release, Asake strengthens his reputation as a boundary-pushing force in Afrobeats. Rather than sticking to the rulebook, he continues to rewrite it, fusing local rhythms with global influences and heartfelt emotion. BADMAN GANGSTA isn’t just a single; it’s a cultural statement about what’s possible when artists are fearless in their expression.
As fans await the full drop of the Money album, this track sets the tone, daring, expressive, and brimming with international flavor. It’s a bold reminder that Asake is not just making hits; he’s crafting a new blueprint for African music on the global stage.
Listen to BADMAN GANSTA HERE.