Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Asake has taken a major step in his career, signing a new management deal with Double Eleven, the management and creative agency led by music executive Alexa Perkins.
The announcement, first highlighted in Billboard’s weekly signings roundup, signals a new era for the hitmaker following his split from long-time manager Stephen Nana, popularly known as Stevenator.
A Strategic Move for Global Growth
With more than 5.6 billion streams worldwide, Asake has become one of the most successful Afrobeats artists of his generation. His third studio album, Lungu Boy (2024), ranks among the top 20 most-streamed Nigerian albums of all time, while his latest project, MONEY, was released this summer under his independent imprint Giran Republic.
Under his new management, Asake is expected to expand his international footprint. Alexa Perkins, who heads Double Eleven, brings deep industry experience from her years working with major labels and distributors including Def Jam, Capitol Records, TuneCore, and EMPIRE. Her track record in artist development and global marketing is seen as a key asset in Asake’s transition from regional superstar to global brand.
Earlier this year, former manager Stephen Nana revealed that he stepped away from managing Asake because the singer’s rapid rise became overwhelming. Nana cited the constant travel demands and the toll on his family life as reasons for the split.
“Asake’s growth was so explosive that it became too much for me to balance with personal commitments,” he admitted in an interview with The Nation.
Building Independence
Despite his exit from Olamide’s YBNL Nation earlier this year, Asake has successfully built a foundation of independence. He owns his masters, runs his Giran Republic imprint, and continues to distribute his music through Empire, a partnership first established in 2022.
The new management deal complements this independence by adding professional oversight and global strategy. Already, Asake has begun making international moves, featuring recently on Gunna’s “Satisfaction” from the rapper’s The Last Wun album.
Billboard has officially released its list of the 50 greatest Afrobeats songs of all time, highlighting some of the most iconic and groundbreaking tracks that have shaped the genre. Afrobeats, which has its roots in Nigeria and Ghana, has now become a global sound influencing artists worldwide. The list features a mix of legendary classics and recent international smashes that propelled the genre beyond Africa.
Spotlight on the Top 10 Afrobeats Songs of All Time
1. African Queen – 2Face Idibia (2004) This timeless love ballad remains one of the most iconic songs in African music. 2Face’s “African Queen” put Nigerian music on the global map and is celebrated as a masterpiece that helped pave the way for Afrobeats’ worldwide success.
2. Ojuelegba – Wizkid (2014) Wizkid’s “Ojuelegba” tells the story of struggle and triumph, capturing the spirit of Lagos. The remix featuring Drake and Skepta further expanded its global reach, solidifying Wizkid as one of the biggest Afrobeats stars.
3. Nwa Baby (Ashawo Remix) – Flavour (2005) Flavour’s highlife-infused anthem became a cultural staple, known for its infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics. It cemented Flavour’s place as a household name in African music.
4. Calm Down – Rema (2022) Rema’s “Calm Down” took the world by storm, especially with the Selena Gomez remix. It became one of the most streamed Afrobeats songs globally, highlighting the new wave of Nigerian artists pushing Afrobeats into the mainstream.
5. Essence – Wizkid ft. Tems (2021) Dubbed the “song of the summer,” “Essence” is the first Nigerian song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Tems’ soulful delivery and Wizkid’s smooth style created a masterpiece that captured hearts worldwide.
6. Love Nwantiti – CKay (2019)Initially a slow-burn hit, “Love Nwantiti” exploded through TikTok, becoming one of the most remixed and viral Afrobeats songs of all time. It solidified CKay’s place in the global music scene.
7. Oliver Twist – D’banj (2012) A song that marked Afrobeats’ breakthrough into the UK charts, D’banj’s “Oliver Twist” was a game-changer. It proved Afrobeats could thrive on the international stage.
8. Fall – Davido (2017) “Fall” became one of the longest-charting Nigerian pop songs on Billboard. Its fusion of Afrobeats and international pop influences helped Davido gain worldwide recognition.
9. Ye – Burna Boy (2018) “Ye” is widely regarded as Burna Boy’s breakthrough international hit. With its catchy hook and relatable themes, it became an anthem that transcended borders and genres.
10. Chop My Money (Remix) – P-Square ft. Akon (2012) This collaboration between Nigerian duo P-Square and Akon showcased Afrobeats’ crossover appeal. The track gained massive popularity and became a fan favorite across Africa and beyond.
Full Ranking: Positions 11–50 (with Release Dates)
11
Olufunmi
Styl-Plus
2003
12
Gongo Aso
9ice
2008
13
Do Me
P-Square
2007
14
Dami Duro
Davido
2011
15
Johnny
Yemi Alade
2013
16
Fall in Love
D’banj
2008
17
Bumper to Bumper
Wande Coal
2008
18
Adonai
Sarkodie ft. Castro
2014
19
Azonto
Fuse ODG ft. Itz Tiffany
2012
20
Fada Fada
Phyno ft. Olamide
2016
21
Eminado
Tiwa Savage & Don Jazzy
2013
22
Last Last
Burna Boy
2022
23
Bobo
Olamide
2015
24
Drogba (Joanna)
Afro B
2018
25
Pakurumo
Wizkid
2011
26
Skin Tight
Mr Eazi ft. Efya
2015
27
Iskaba
Wande Coal & DJ Tunez
2016
28
Peru
Fireboy DML
2021
29
Sad Girlz Luv Money
Amaarae & Moliy
2020
30
Killin Dem
Burna Boy & Zlatan
2018
31
Rush
Ayra Starr
2022
32
Dorobucci
Mavins
2014
33
Mad Over You
Runtown
2016
34
Personally
P-Square
2013
35
Pana
Tekno
2016
36
Kontrol
Maleek Berry
2016
37
Ku Lo Sa
Oxlade
2022
38
Monalisa
Lojay & Sarz
2021
39
Shake Body
Skales
2014
40
UNAVAILABLE
Davido ft. Musa Keys
2023
41
Peace Be Unto You
Asake
2022
42
People
Libianca
2022
43
Buga
Kizz Daniel & Tekno
2022
44
Oleku
Ice Prince ft. Brymo
2010
45
Yahooze
Olu Maintain
2007
46
Soweto
Victony & Tempoe
2022
47
Raise Da Roof
Jazzman Olofin & Adewale Ayuba
2004
48
Dem Mama
Timaya
2005
49
Tonight
Nonso Amadi
2016
50
Ijoya
Weird MC
Billboard’s list of the 50 Best Afrobeats Songs of All Time is more than a ranking—it’s a history of Afrobeats itself. From 2Face Idibia’s classic African Queen to Rema’s global smash Calm Down, it captures how a genre rooted in African rhythms has become a universal language.
The diversity of the list, spanning pioneers like Weird MC and contemporary stars like Ayra Starr and Asake, proves that Afrobeats is not only here to stay but also destined to keep evolving as one of the world’s dominant genres.
Personally I will make some few changes to this List. Will you? Drop a comment
