Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake has become the first artist to release a full-length live album performance concert film exclusively on Spotify, with the streaming platform debuting M$NEY Live In London alongside an accompanying live audio album.

The concert film captures Asake’s one-night-only performance at London’s historic Theatre Royal Drury Lane, where the two-time Grammy nominee staged the first live performance of his chart-topping album M$NEY. Directed by Becky Garner, the production features the singer performing songs from the album with an orchestra of more than 40 musicians and five unreleased tracks before an invited audience of fans, friends and family.

Spotify said the release marks the first full-length live album performance film ever launched exclusively on the platform, making Asake the first artist to headline such a project. The performance also marked the first time an Afrobeats artist headlined the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

Speaking about the concert, Asake said, “It means so much to me. Being able to bring the journey I went on creating the album to life on stage for the first time, in front of fans who show me the most love on Spotify, was amazing. I like intimate shows, I can see how people feel more. I’m so close to them, and I can see how people vibe to my music. That night at Drury Lane felt exactly like that, even with thousands of people in the room.”

Explaining the inspiration behind M$NEY, the singer said, “M$NEY is a reflection of my spiritual and creative journey. Everything flows from a place of gratitude to God and every moment that’s shaped me. The music explores different sonic elements, from orchestral sounds to dance beats. I stay true to myself but also weave in new creative expressions from my life experiences and personal evolution.”

Asake said Yoruba remains central to his artistry and songwriting.

“My music comes from my life. My journey, where I’m from, the things that made me who I am. That’s why singing in Yoruba will always be important to me. It’s natural. For me, music is feeling. You don’t always have to understand every word. When the music is real, you feel it.”

Reflecting on his musical progression, he said, “Every project is a reflection of where I am. Mr. Money With The Vibe was the beginning. Work of Art was me exploring. Lungu Boy was about where I come from. M$NEY is who I am today. I don’t chase change. I let it happen naturally.”

The singer also hinted at more music after previewing unreleased tracks during the London performance.

“I always like to give my fans a few surprises. The music I’m working on is a continuation of everything M$NEY started-the growth, the exploration. Watching people hear it for the first time, seeing how they move to it, how they feel, it is a different kind of feeling.”

Asake also acknowledged Spotify’s role in expanding his international audience, saying, “Spotify has been a huge part of my journey. To be the most-streamed artist of all time in Nigeria on the platform, I just gave thanks to God. It confirmed that the people felt what I was putting into it. Music is a feeling, and I’ve been able to take that feeling around the world.”

The release builds on the success of M$NEY, which topped streaming charts in more than 19 countries, including Nigeria, after its release and reached No. 8 in the United States. Asake has also earned two Grammy nominations in the Best African Music Performance category for “Amapiano” featuring Olamide and “MMS” featuring Wizkid.

The M$NEY Live In London concert film is available exclusively on Spotify at: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O07BpVxRPgxI1ukoUpc9M?si=6f96337345bb48e0. (AriseNews TV)

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