Asake
Asake has released the official music video for “Oba,” and this time the Afrobeats star has swapped big street scenes and flashy crowds for something much closer to home: the recording studio. Directed by Buise, the new visual takes fans inside a late-night session where the song comes to life, giving a rare, low-key look at the man who now calls himself “Mister Money.”
“Oba” is one of the standout tracks from M$ney, Asake’s fourth studio album, and the video arrives more than five months after the project dropped. The timing suggests the singer is far from done pushing the album.
Watch the Video
Watch Asake’s official music video for “Oba” below.
Inside the “Oba” Music Video
The video is set in a dim, moody studio. It opens on a bass player before moving to Asake in the vocal booth, dressed in a green tracksuit over a white tank top, with gold chains, rings and dark sunglasses.
Instead of a story or dance routine, the camera follows the people who help build the music. Engineers work the mixing boards, backing vocalists harmonise, and producers trigger beats as the session rolls on.
The result feels intimate and calm. It is a clear change from the high-energy, crowd-filled visuals that helped make Asake one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian music.
Why the Studio Setting Works
The song itself is built on Asake’s trademark log-drum rhythms, layered with choir-style harmonies. Showing the musicians and singers at work lets viewers see exactly where that rich sound comes from.
It also fits the message of the track. BellaNaija describes “Oba” as a song about royal status, relentless hustle and staying grounded, and the stripped-back studio scenes lean into that last idea.
What “Oba” Means
“Oba” is the Yoruba word for king. On the song, Asake leans into that image, presenting himself as a ruler of his own lane while keeping his focus on hard work.
The track runs for just under three minutes and sits at number 10 on the M$ney tracklist. Its production is credited to Magicsticks alongside Joshua Olusola and Irvin Johnson.
Magicsticks is no stranger to Asake fans. The producer has been one of his most trusted collaborators for years, working on earlier hits such as Asake’s “Yoga”, and his touch is all over the sound that made the singer a household name.
The songwriting credits on “Oba” also list Alfons Kettner and the American soul singer Bobby Caldwell alongside Asake.
A Look Back at the M$ney Album
M$ney was released on May 1, 2026, through Giran Republic and Empire. It is Asake’s first album under his own Giran Republic imprint since his exit from Olamide’s YBNL Nation.
The album was first announced under the title “Money” in June 2025. In April 2026, just days before release, Asake revealed the new stylised name, M$ney.
The 13-track project blends Fuji, Amapiano, gospel and jazz, and frames wealth through the lens of faith and gratitude. Song titles such as “Worship,” “Gratitude,” “Amen” and “Forgiveness” show how much that theme runs through the record.
Big Names on the Project
The album features French DJ and producer DJ Snake on the single “Worship,” French rapper Tiakola on “Badman Gangsta,” and South African Amapiano heavyweight Kabza De Small on “Asambe.”
Before the album dropped, Asake released three singles: “Why Love” in February 2025, “Badman Gangsta” in July 2025 and “Worship” in March 2026.
How M$ney Performed
Commercially, the album was a big win. M$ney debuted at number one on the TurnTable Nigerian Albums chart and climbed to number two on Billboard’s US World Albums chart.
It also reached number 27 on the UK Official Albums Chart, with further chart entries in Ireland, Canada and Portugal.
On Spotify Nigeria, the album pulled in 42.2 million streams in its first week, the highest of any album that week and ahead of Wizkid’s Morayo.
Critics were more divided. Many praised the rich, layered production, while some felt the lyrics were less adventurous than on his earlier albums.
A Busy Season for Asake
The “Oba” video lands during a very active period for the singer. Just this week, Asake was named among the African acts on the GTA VI AfroBank FM soundtrack, putting his music in front of one of the biggest gaming audiences in the world.
The release also comes as other Nigerian stars roll out fresh visuals, including Omah Lay’s haunting video for “Artificial Happiness” earlier this week.
Quick Facts
- Song: “Oba” by Asake
- Meaning: “Oba” means king in Yoruba
- Album: M$ney (track 10), released May 1, 2026
- Video director: Buise
- Producers: Magicsticks, Joshua Olusola and Irvin Johnson
- Labels: Giran Republic and Empire
- Video setting: A late-night studio recording session
Final Word
With “Oba,” Asake proves he does not always need big budgets or busy streets to make an impact. By taking fans straight into the studio, he puts the spotlight on the craft behind his sound and gives M$ney a fresh push months after its release.
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