Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Asake (Ahmed Ololade) has proven once again that his influence extends far beyond the studio.
This occurred when he stepped onto a Major League Soccer pitch in New Jersey this past weekend—not with a microphone, but with a coin.
The “Mr. Money With The Vibe” crooner was the guest of honour at the MLS clash between New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew, where he performed the ceremonial coin toss that set the match rolling. The moment, captured in a flurry of photos and viral clips, showed Asake standing tall between match officials, shaking hands with the team captains, and smiling for group snapshots—blending the glamour of Afrobeats with the spectacle of American sports.
To heighten the crossover energy, one of Asake’s hit tracks echoed across the stadium speakers, electrifying the atmosphere with a Lagos-to-New Jersey connection. Off the pitch, the singer also indulged fans with a playful freestyle—juggling a football like a pro before sharing a warm exchange with Cameroonian star Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting.
But this wasn’t just a ceremonial toss. It was a cultural statement. Traditionally, Afrobeats stars have commanded stages and airwaves; now, they are being woven into global arenas that were once outside music’s reach. For MLS, Asake’s presence underscored football’s universal rhythm. For Afrobeats, it signaled yet another step in its unstoppable march across continents.
Since bursting onto the scene with “Lady” in 2020, Asake has skyrocketed to international acclaim, signing to Olamide’s YBNL in 2022 and releasing a trio of blockbuster albums—Mr Money With The Vibes (2022), Work of Art (2023), and Lungu Boy (2024). His recognition now includes a 2025 Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance, cementing his status as one of Africa’s most influential exports.
Why It Matters
Afrobeats in Unexpected Places: From stadium anthems to ceremonial honours, Nigerian music is leaving its mark on arenas far beyond the concert stage.
Soft Power in Motion: Asake’s MLS cameo highlights how African music culture is becoming a tool of international recognition and diplomacy.
Global Spotlight on Lagos Creativity: What began in the streets of Lagos is now shaping experiences in New Jersey, proving Afrobeats is not just music—it’s a movement.
Asake’s coin toss wasn’t just about who kicked off first—it was about Afrobeats kicking down yet another global door.
