Asake Explains Why Yoruba is Central to His Identity
If you follow Asake, you already know that Yoruba isn’t just a language in his music, it’s the heartbeat of his artistry. In a recent conversation with ESSENCE, the Nigerian star explained that he feels his most genuine self when he sings in Yoruba, his mother tongue, and he has no intention of watering down that identity for broader acceptance.
Asake acknowledges that he can sing and communicate in English, but he chooses Yoruba because it allows him to express emotions with fuller depth and honesty. During an interactive session with his fans, he made it clear that anyone who doesn’t connect with his Yoruba delivery is free to step aside. For him, adopting English as his primary musical language would feel like shedding a part of his identity, a compromise he has no interest in making.
According to him:
“It’s not like I can’t communicate in English with people. I think I can actually talk to the whole world in English, or probably sing to the whole world in English for everyone to understand it. But, because my music is based on my own story and my own journey and the stuff that shapes me… I think I’m more comfortable to say it in Yoruba because it has the depth of how I want it to be said. So, I just feel more comfortable with using my mother language.”
His discography reflects that commitment with albums like Mr Money With The Vibes, Work of Art, and Lungu Boy, anchored in Yoruba. By centering his native language, Asake crafts a sound that is both personal and globally resonant. He often says music is less about literal understanding and more about emotional connection.
Yoruba, in his view, carries a spiritual and expressive richness that English cannot always replicate. This authenticity is what creates such a strong bond between him and his listeners, many of whom feel they are experiencing Asake unfiltered and unaltered.
His unwavering loyalty to his roots has earned him widespread admiration. Fans and critics alike praise him for staying true to himself, and many credit his global rise to this refusal to conform. Rather than adjust to international expectations, Asake elevates Yoruba to the world stage, turning what some might see as a barrier into a defining strength.
Ultimately, Asake’s perspective reminds us that music is far bigger than language. In choosing to honor his Yoruba heritage, he reinforces the power of cultural authenticity in shaping a distinct artistic identity. His message is simple and firm: he will not trade his truth for anyone’s comfort.
And honestly, we’re with him. Are you? Share your thoughts in the comments and connect with us for more news like this on Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook
