What makes a debut album so irresistible that it clings to the charts long after the hype should have died down? Nearly three years since its explosive arrival, Asake’s Mr Money With the Vibe continues to redefine “evergreen” in Nigerian music, with the hit track Nzaza still comfortably sitting at #23 on Spotify Nigeria’s Top 50. That’s a staggering 148 weeks of constant streaming—a run almost unheard of for a first project. How many artists do you know whose debut still waka’s strong, refusing to be left at the back like yesterday’s rice?
In a country where new stars pop up every Eke market day, Asake’s debut project is the moment that just won’t pass. Let’s explore how Mr Money With the Vibe shattered records, shaped the Nigerian soundscape, and became the go-to soundtrack for fans across the globe.
How Asake’s Debut Album Became a Cultural Earthquake
Released on September 8, 2022, under YBNL Nation and Empire, Mr Money With the Vibe didn’t just sprinkle stardust—this project hit the scene like a Lagos downpour—loud, vibrant, impossible to ignore. Already, Asake had the street bubbling with Sungba, but his debut album elevated him from street favourite to international sensation.
What sets this album apart is how Asake blends Afrobeats, the bouncy amapiano craze, and Fuji—creating one smooth, distinctly Nigerian groove that, somehow, anyone can vibe to. Singles like Joha, Terminator, and Organise became party essentials, blaring from bus parks in Oshodi to lounges in London. It’s proof: the album didn’t just reflect a moment; it created one.
Records Shattered: The Unprecedented Rise of Mr Money With the Vibe
From day one, Asake’s debut didn’t respect limits—it bulldozed them. According to Apple Music’s official charts, the album broke several records in ways that left even veteran listeners stunned. How many artists can boast this kind of kinikan?
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Apple Music Africa: Most first-day and most three-day opening streams ever by an African project—truly explosive numbers for an album fresh off the oven.
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Apple Music Nigeria Top 100: At one point, all 12 tracks owned the top 12 spots on Nigeria’s chart. Imagine seeing the same artist dominate your playlist back-to-back!
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Global Album Charts: #1 on Apple Music in 26 different countries, with 6 from Europe alone, highlighting just how far Naija sounds have penetrated international airwaves.
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Billboard World Albums: Peaked at #2—an achievement only a handful of Afrobeats records have matched.
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Billboard 200: Debuted at #66, setting a new record for Nigerian albums at the time—and remains among our highest global charting debuts.
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TurnTable Charts: Seven songs in Nigeria’s Top 10 at the same time, with Terminator leading and tracks like Organise, Joha, PBUY, Nzaza, Dull, and Dupe all claiming spots. That’s not luck—that’s firepower.
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UK Albums Chart: #22 on entry, breaking new ground as the first Nigerian debut to chart in the UK.
Why Can’t Nigerians Stop Streaming Mr Money With the Vibe?
Plenty of albums enjoy a brief honeymoon, then fade away like old WhatsApp convos. But Asake’s debut remains unshakable, still a fixture atop the charts—outliving trends and rival releases. Why? Some say it’s the timing: Asake’s album dropped just as a new generation was hungry for fresh sound, something bridging amapiano’s energy with Yoruba street vibes.
Every verse drips with trademark vocals and rhythm that even your grandma might unknowingly tap foot to. The whole album just dey too catchy; you no fit hear am once and bone face.
Truth is, this isn’t just nostalgia at work. Thanks to social media, fresh listeners discover Asake daily through trending snippets, dance challenges, and playlists that refuse to go mute. And, according to reports, the recent viral clips from Asake’s headline performance at the prestigious Redbull Symphonic stage in New York reawakened public interest, fuelling Nzaza’s return to the charts. At that event, the Grammy-nominated star orchestrated live versions of tracks from his debut—bringing old fans and new converts together, all over again.
Albums that double as both cultural timestamp and reliable daily jam are rare. Yet, Asake’s project ticks both boxes—truly Naija no dey carry last.
Consistency in the Era of One-Hit Wonders: Asake’s Strategy
While many artists struggle to stay relevant after an explosive debut, Asake went ahead to drop another bombshell with Lungu Boy in 2024. Rather than living in the shadow of his first project, his sophomore effort debuted at #115 on the Billboard 200, earning 400 million Spotify streams and counting. According to global music charts, very few Nigerian acts can boast this double success—back-to-back albums that continue to score high on Spotify Nigeria’s Top 10, even as of September 2025.
Local musicians often dream of this sort of staying power, but Asake’s run shows dedication, constant reinvention, and a truly loyal fan base. No be beans!
While many doubted if he could sustain this level, fans and analysts now agree: Asake didn’t just get lucky—he’s proving he’s built to last in a music industry notorious for short-lived fame.
How Mr Money With the Vibe Is Changing Nigerian Listening Habits
The fact that Asake’s debut still competes with new releases years later says as much about his artistry as it does about Nigeria’s streaming culture. As streaming becomes king, audiences aren’t just moving to the “next banger.” According to Lagos-based media analyst Chinedu Awoyemi, “Nigerians now revisit albums that meant something to them, even after the hype. It’s about connection, not just novelty.”
Today, Mr Money With the Vibe has become more than an album; it’s comfort food for the ears—perfect for that BRT ride, gym session, or when you just want to relax small. No wonder, after 148 weeks, it’s still a staple in millions of playlists from Ikeja to Ibadan.
In an industry thirsty for the “next big thing,” Asake’s success story reminds us that sometimes, the first taste is the sweetest—and can shape the sound of an entire era.
Looking Forward: Can Any Upcoming Artist Repeat Asake’s Feat?
Of course, not everyone agrees on why Mr Money With the Vibe is still on top. Some say it’s simply “Asake’s time,” while others argue that only artists who tap deep into Nigeria’s unique blend of tradition and trend can hope for similar longevity. Skeptics warn that with stiffer international competition on streaming platforms, future stars may find it harder to hold the spotlight for so long. But for now, the current runs belong to Asake, and he’s proudly flying the green-white-green banner for Afrobeats lovers everywhere.
Are you one of those fans that haven’t moved on from Asake’s debut? What’s your best track when you need to ginger your day? Drop a comment below and share which Naija album still gives you goosebumps, even years later.
