About the Album
“Work of Art” is the second studio album by Nigerian singer and songwriter Asake, released in June 2023 through YBNL Nation and EMPIRE. The 14-track project arrived less than a year after his breakthrough debut, Mr. Money With the Vibe, and captures an artist building confidently on the sound that had already established his identity in Afrobeats.
The album features Olamide as its only guest appearance, with the YBNL founder joining Asake on “Amapiano.” Across the project, Asake turns his personal rise, spirituality, lifestyle and ambitions into a colourful collection of songs that combines celebration with more reflective moments.
The Sound
Work of Art is built around Asake’s distinctive fusion of Amapiano, Afrobeats, Yoruba Fuji and Nigerian street-pop. Much of the production was handled by Magicsticks, with additional contributions from producers including P.Priime and Blaisebeatz. The music incorporates log drums, layered percussion, strings, horns, choral backing vocals and other live instrumental elements.
The album demonstrates how Asake had developed a sound that was recognisable without being limited to a single genre. “2:30” and “Amapiano” lean into dance-driven rhythms, while “Olorun” establishes a more spiritual mood. “Sunshine” introduces a warmer, melodic atmosphere, while “Yoga” closes the album with a more traditional and contemplative feel.
His use of Yoruba alongside contemporary Nigerian slang is also central to the project’s character. Rather than separating traditional influences from modern Afropop, Asake places them together within the same songs, giving Work of Art a distinctly Nigerian identity while maintaining an accessible international sound.
What the Album Is About
A major theme running through “Work of Art” is the journey from struggle to success. Asake repeatedly reflects on the circumstances he came from and the opportunities that have followed his breakthrough. Songs such as “Awodi” and “Basquiat” connect his present success with the work and persistence that came before it.
Faith is another important element. The album opens with “Olorun,” which establishes a spiritual foundation before the project moves into more celebratory territory. Later songs such as “I Believe” continue the emphasis on hope, gratitude and confidence in the future.
The title itself is closely connected to Asake’s perception of his own artistic journey. “Basquiat” makes that idea particularly clear, presenting the artist as a creation shaped through experience, ambition and self-belief. At the same time, the communal energy of the music suggests that success is something to celebrate with the people around him.
With tracks such as “Lonely at the Top,” “Sunshine,” “2:30,” “Amapiano,” “Remember” and “Yoga,” the album moves between introspection, romance, ambition, celebration and spirituality. That range gives Work of Art a strong sense of progression while preserving the rhythmic identity that became central to Asake’s music.
Listen on Hitzeer
Listen to Asake’s Work of Art on Hitzeer and explore all 14 tracks, including “Lonely at the Top,” “2:30,” “Amapiano,” “Basquiat,” “Sunshine” and “Yoga.” Discover more Afrobeats, Amapiano, Fuji and contemporary Nigerian music on Hitzeer.
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