Lungu Boy is
Asake's third album in as many years. The Nigerian star made significant inroads in the U.S. with 2022's
Mr. Money with the Vibe and 2023's
Work of Art, both of which debuted in the front half of the Billboard 200 while topping his own country's charts. A continuation of his now-familiar fusion of amapiano, Afrobeats, and Fújì,
Lungu Boy ratchets up the star power with a slew of high-profile guests who emphasize
Asake's global appeal. Countryman
Wizkid lends a hand on the low-key tropical funk of "MMS," while U.K. rapper
Stormzy handles a couple relaxed verses on "Suru." American trap star
Travis Scott and Brazil's
Ludmilla also take turns on the mic, but it's Britain's
Central Cee whose contributions feel most effective on the standout hit "Wave." The album's title references
Asake's street origins, a loose theme throughout a collection that largely fails to capture the same sense of unity as his first two. Its collision of roots-referencing and international outreach are sometimes at odds with each other.
Lungu Boy has some great material, but having risen to the top with back-to-back successes,
Asake appears to be experiencing a few growing pains. ~ Timothy Monger
