Asake – Lungu Boy Album Review: Elevating The Nigerian Street Sound

To do justice to the Lungu Boy album review, we must first examine its meaning and the message Asake is passing. In Southwest Nigeria, the term “Lungu” is used to describe spaces where individuals, often marginalised or seeking refuge, indulge in their vices away from the prying eyes of society. It’s a term that conveys a sense of rebellion and a haven from societal norms. In this context, “lungu” can be synonymous with a ghetto or a personal refuge, a corner of comfort, or simply a place of abode.

The phrase “razz Lungu” has permeated pop culture and urban vernacular, extending its meaning to encompass a broader range of personal spaces. From your office space to your favourite hangout spot or even your kitchen, “Lungu” signifies a place of personal significance. Asake’s choice of this term as an adjective in his new album title reflects his own journey and the sense of belonging he has found. Lungu Boy serves as a testament to his roots and his rise from Lagos Island to global prominence.

Asake has had an intriguing presence since the beginning of his career. The superstar from Lagos rose to the pinnacle of hip hop when he signed with Olamide’s famed YBNL label, incorporating its vibrations into his effervescent persona as Mr. Money. Two years after releasing his breakthrough album, Mr Money With The Vibe, Asake has firmly established himself at the top of the Afrobeats genre. In addition to being nominated for Grammy Awards and performing at the O2 Arena, he has maintained his status as a household name in Nigeria while striking a balance between being a hometown hero and a global maverick.

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The announcement of Lungu Boy stirred excitement, as the album’s titular word ‘lungu’ signifies a deep connection with one’s roots, particularly within Lagos circles. The choice of international features such as Wizkid, Travis Scott, Central Cee, LUDMILLA, and Stormzy indicates Asake’s ambition to broaden his global influence.

With Lungu Boy marking Asake’s third studio album in three consecutive years, there was high anticipation following the success of Work Of Art. Asake’s albums are known for reflecting his emotional landscape, and this one is no different. The album opens with Start, setting a confident tone. This track, featuring a sample from Asa’s Eye Adaba, transitions the album from the mellow post-Work Of Art singles to an energetic and assertive vibe.

Mr. Money Sound (MMS) continues with introspective themes, featuring Wizkid’s most personal verse in recent times, where he reflects on his departed mother. The track’s reflective production, combined with Wizkid’s contribution, adds a layer of depth to the album.

Mood follows with a blend of upbeat and contemplative elements. The song’s mix of groovy and melancholic tones creates a unique listening experience, enhanced by Asake’s incorporation of broken Spanish in the second verse. The subsequent track, My Heart, introduces a Bolero-styled bridge performed by French-Gabonese singer Anäis Cardot, adding a touch of Latin influence.

Worldwide represents Asake’s ambition to make a global impact, while Active with Travis Scott infuses urban-fuji with samples from Jazzman Olofin and Adewale Ayuba’s Raise The Roof. This track delivers high energy and excitement, marking one of the album’s highlights.

Suru, meaning “Patience,” features Stormzy and reinforces the theme of enduring resilience, drawing inspiration from Musiliu Ishola’s Ise Oluwa Ko Seni Toye. Skating celebrates Asake’s new hobby, reflecting on the joy of rediscovering fun through skateboarding, a sport that contrasts with typical vices in his genre.

Wave, featuring Central Cee, and Mentally both showcase intriguing beats, while Uhh Yeahh merges Fuji, EDM, and Jersey club influences, creating a vibrant dance track. I Swear and Ligali further explores themes of luxury and dance, while Whine featuring LUDMILLA introduces a fusion of Afrobeats and ragga-dancehall. The album closes with Fuji Vibe, a live-performance track that showcases Asake’s energetic stage presence and connection to traditional Fuji music.

The album features notable production credits from P.Priime, Sarz, Magicsticks, and SAK PASE. P.Priime’s influence is evident in the first four tracks and three others, while Sarz contributes to Worldwide, Active, and Mentally. The production value throughout the album is elite, with a mix of vibrant and experimental sounds.

Lungu Boy reflects Asake’s journey and his blend of Afropop, neo-fuji, and urban influences. While the album is a celebration of high-energy and party vibes, it falls short of the reflective depth anticipated from the album’s title and cover art. The music focuses on gaiety and luxury, with Asake’s relaxed performance contrasting with the album’s restless sound.

Compared to his debut Mr Money With The Vibes and his sophomore, Work Of Art, Lungu Boy is a slower burner. It misses the precise, self-written charm of his debut and lacks the focus of his second album. Despite the hype and Asake’s reputation, the album leaves some listeners questioning its impact.