The Nigerian superstar opens up about his artistry, cultural identity, and the global impact of Afrobeats during a thought-provoking conversation in New York City
Nigerian music sensation Asake was the featured guest at the inaugural AfroDiaspora Colloquium hosted by the Institute of African Studies at Columbia University on Friday, November 7.
The event, titled A Conversation With Asake, marked the launch of the new dialogue series exploring the intersections of African art, identity, and global Black expression.
In an intimate and engaging discussion, Asake reflected on how his artistry has helped expand the lexicon of contemporary Black cultural expression worldwide. Known for his genre-blending sound that fuses Afrobeats, Fuji, and Amapiano, Asake shared insights into his creative journey, influences, and the responsibility he feels representing Africa on the global stage.
The conversation touched on his rapid rise in the music industry, the power of language in his lyrics, and how music serves as a bridge connecting the African continent to its diaspora. Audience members — including students, scholars, and fans — engaged Asake in a lively Q&A session, delving deeper into the cultural resonance of his work.
The AfroDiaspora Colloquium aims to create spaces for artists and intellectuals to engage in meaningful exchanges about the role of art in shaping identity and unity across the Black world. Asake’s participation set a high bar for future dialogues celebrating African creativity and global influence.
