In an extraordinary display of musical longevity, Asake's debut album Mr Money With The Vibe has staged a remarkable return to Nigeria's Spotify Top 50 chart after an impressive 148 weeks since its initial release.
The Unfading Moment
Three years after its explosive debut, Asake's groundbreaking album continues to demonstrate its staying power in the competitive Nigerian music scene. The track Nzaza currently holds the 23rd position on Spotify Nigeria's Top 50 songs, maintaining its relevance nearly 36 months after first captivating audiences.
While most artists struggle to maintain momentum beyond their debut project's initial hype, Asake has defied industry norms. His first album continues to resonate with listeners, creating what appears to be a permanent mark on the Afrobeats landscape.
Record-Breaking Debut Legacy
Originally released on September 8, 2022 through YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution, Mr Money With The Vibe arrived when Asake had already established himself as a formidable force in the industry. The album built upon the success of earlier hits like Sungba, showcasing his unique fusion of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and traditional Fuji influences.
The 12-track project immediately shattered expectations and set new benchmarks for Nigerian debut albums:
- Broke records for most first-day and opening three-day streams ever by an African project on Apple Music Africa
- Achieved the unprecedented feat of occupying all top 12 positions on Apple Music Nigeria Top 100 chart simultaneously
- Reached number one on Apple Music Album Charts in 26 countries worldwide
- Peaked at number 2 on Billboard World Albums chart
- Debuted at number 66 on Billboard 200, setting the highest debut record for a Nigerian album at that time
- Became the first album in history to have seven songs in Nigeria's Top 10 simultaneously
- Entered UK Albums Chart at number 22, making it the first Nigerian debut album to achieve this milestone
Sustained Relevance and Cultural Impact
The album's recent resurgence on streaming platforms appears closely tied to Asake's headline performance at the prestigious Red Bull Symphonic event in New York. During this orchestral showcase, the Grammy-nominated artist delivered stunning reinterpretations of classic tracks from his debut album, generating renewed interest and streaming activity.
What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is how Mr Money With The Vibe continues to attract new listeners while maintaining its core fanbase. The project has become embedded in Nigerian pop culture, serving as both a cultural timestamp and everyday listening material for millions.
The album's unique sound—blending global appeal with deeply Nigerian roots—has proven timeless. Tracks like Joha, Terminator, and Organise remain staples in playlists, social media content, and public spaces across the country.
Consistent Artistic Evolution
Asake's subsequent release, Lungu Boy in 2024, further cemented his status as a mainstay in the industry. The album debuted at number 115 on Billboard 200 and has recently crossed 400 million streams on Spotify. Remarkably, by September 2025, it maintained a position in Spotify Nigeria's Top 10, making Asake one of the few artists with two simultaneously charting albums.
This back-to-back success story highlights a significant shift in Nigerian music consumption patterns. Streaming platforms have enabled longer listening cycles, allowing quality projects to maintain relevance beyond their initial release windows.
At 148 weeks and counting, Mr Money With The Vibe stands as testament to Asake's artistic vision and the changing dynamics of music consumption in Nigeria. The album has transcended its role as a mere debut project to become a defining work of the mid-2020s Afrobeats era, continuing to influence both artists and listeners alike.
