The global dominance of music rooted in Yoruba culture is far from a fluke, and Asake’s latest album, Lungu Boy, is a testament to this undeniable fact. With tracks like “Fuji Vibe,” Asake continues to build on the powerful legacy of Yoruba music, stirring the human spirit in ways that transcend mere language. The rhythmic intensity and emotive depth of the Yoruba language, intricately woven into the fabric of Afrobeats, are what make the genre not just a sound but an experience—one that compels listeners worldwide to move, even when they don’t fully grasp the lyrics.
Asake is the latest in a long line of artists who have harnessed the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of the Yoruba people to captivate a global audience. Through his music, he joins the ranks of icons who have used the Yoruba language as a powerful tool for expression and connection. The Omoluabi Lukumi people, from whom this deep native tongue originates, have produced some of the most influential voices in global music, proving that the Yoruba language is not just a means of communication but an instrument of global influence.
While Nigeria faces challenges in competing with Western and Eastern powers in science, technology, and even athletics, as evidenced by recent performances on the global stage, music and the arts remain areas where the country holds a distinct comparative advantage. The potential of Yoruba-origin music to reshape Nigeria’s international image and boost its economy cannot be overstated. Just as Rihanna has transformed the global perception of Barbados and Bob Marley continues to do so for Jamaica, Nigeria’s rich musical heritage has the power to attract music-loving tourists and elevate the nation’s standing in the world.
For every decade since Nigeria’s independence, music of Yoruba origin has not only dominated the local scene but has also made significant inroads on the global stage. From Bobby Benson in the 60s to Fela Kuti in the 70s, King Sunny Ade and Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey in the 80s, and Sir Shina Peters and King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall in the 90s, each era has seen Yoruba music at the forefront of Nigeria’s cultural export. The 2000s saw artists like Paul Play Dairo, The Remedies, Plantashun Boiz, and Tuface Idibia continue this legacy, followed by D’Banj, PSquare, and others in the 2010s. Today, artists like Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy (all of whom are partly Yoruba) dominate the global music scene, with Asake and Rema now leading the charge into the future.
What sets Yoruba music apart is its ability to transcend racial and linguistic boundaries. It resonates with audiences far beyond those whose first language is Yoruba. This is no coincidence; every Nigerian Grammy Award winner to date is either wholly or partly of Yoruba origin. From Sade Adu in 1986 to Burna Boy and Wizkid in 2021, and most recently, Tems in 2023, the influence of Yoruba culture on global music is unmistakable.
Even artists from other ethnic backgrounds within Nigeria have found that incorporating Yoruba elements into their music can be the key to international success. Christy Essien Igbokwe, often hailed as Nigeria’s Lady of Songs, famously credited her breakthrough hit “Seun Rere,” sung entirely in Yoruba, for her success. This pattern is unique to Yoruba music; no other ethnic group in the Black world has consistently broken into the international music scene while singing in their native tongue.
Reggae artists from the Caribbean sing in English or patois, African American R&B, Jazz, Soul, and rap artists sing in English, and Black Brazilian artists crossover with Portuguese. Even Francophone artists, with the notable exception of Manu Dibango, have relied on French to reach international audiences. Yet, when Angélique Kidjo, one of the world’s top Francophone female artists, sought to cross over globally, it was her embrace of Yoruba in her music that facilitated her success.
In conclusion, the global dominance of music of Yoruba origin is no accident. It is the result of a deep cultural heritage, a language that resonates with the human spirit, and a tradition of artistic excellence that spans generations. Asake, with his electrifying sounds and compelling rhythms, is not just riding a wave—he is helping to push it further, ensuring that Yoruba music continues to captivate and inspire the world.
