Yoga (Asake song)
| "Yoga" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Asake | ||||
| from the album Work of Art | ||||
| Language | ||||
| Released | 30 January 2023 | |||
| Genre | Séga[1] | |||
| Length | 2:48 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) | Ahmed Ololade | |||
| Producer(s) | Magicsticks | |||
| Asake singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Yoga" on YouTube | ||||
"Yoga" is a song by Nigerian singer Asake. It was released on 30 January 2023, through YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution as the lead single from his second studio album Work of Art (2023). The séga-infused song was produced by Magicsticks.[2]
Composition
[edit]"Yoga" represents a stylistic departure for Asake, moving away from the Amapiano sound prominent in his debut album, Mr. Money with the Vibe (2022). The song incorporates elements of Mauritian séga music, characterized by the use of traditional instruments like the ravanne and triangle, alongside hand-pounded percussion and a backing choir. These features create a meditative and spiritual ambiance, contrasting with the high-energy, electronic beats of his previous works.[1] Lyrically, "Yoga" is sung in a mix of Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin and centers on themes of mindfulness and self-preservation. Asake describes the song as being about "minding [his] business and guarding [his] peace so no one can disrupt it." The track reflects his focus on maintaining balance and inner calm, with a stripped-down vocal style that emphasizes sincerity and simplicity.[3]
Music video
[edit]The music video for "Yoga," directed by TG Omori, was filmed in Dakar, Senegal, and showcases Asake on a spiritual journey. It features scenes of ceremonial performances, local fishermen, and a yoga session with Alexis Skyy. The visuals complement the song’s themes of mindfulness and maintaining inner peace.[4]
Commercial performance
[edit]"Yoga" debuted at number one on the Official Nigeria Top 100 during the chart week of 27 January to 2 February 2023, amassing 3.86 million streams and a radio reach of 22.6 million. The track became the first song to debut at the top of an aggregate chart in Nigeria despite a partial tracking week, having been released on 30 January 2023, at 6:00 PM WAT. This milestone marked Asake's seventh number-one entry in Nigeria, extending his record for the most chart-toppers by any artist in the country. Additionally, it was producer Magicsticks’ sixth number-one song, all of which were collaborations with Asake.[5] During its second week, "Yoga" maintained its position atop the Top 100 with 3.20 million streams and 59.4 million in radio reach, making it Asake’s longest solo number-one song alongside "Terminator" and "PBUY." By this time, Asake had accumulated a total of 16 weeks at number one across his seven chart-topping singles, trailing only Omah Lay and Kizz Daniel, who have each logged 18 weeks.[6] In its third week, "Yoga" slipped to number three on the chart as Ayra Starr’s "Sability" claimed the top spot. The song continued to perform strongly, recording significant streaming activity and holding its place within the Top 10. By the week of March 3, 2023, "Yoga" was ranked at number six on the chart, showcasing enduring popularity despite competition from newer releases.[7]
Charts
[edit]Weekly charts
[edit]| Chart (2023) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Nigeria (TurnTable Top 100)[8] | 1 |
| US Afrobeats Songs (Billboard)[9] | 42 |
| UK Afrobeats (OCC)[10] | 4 |
Year-end charts
[edit]| Chart (2023) | Position |
|---|---|
| End of the Year Charts (TurnTable Top 100)[11] | 28 |
Certifications
[edit]| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria (TCSN)[12] | Platinum | 100,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
[edit]- ^ a b Michael Aromolaran (6 February 2023). ""Yoga": Asake Picks Up New Enemies and New Rhythms". Guardian Life. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ Ekaete Bassey (31 January 2023). "Asake releases new song video 'Yoga'". The Nation. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ Raphael Helfand (30 January 2023). "Song You Need: Asake prays for serenity". The Fader. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ Wisdom Mudasiru (31 January 2023). "Asake Shares Spirited Message On New Single, "Yoga"". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ Ayomide Oriowo (6 February 2023). "Asake's "Yoga" Debuts at No. 1 on the Official Nigeria Top 100, Boy Spyce's "Folake" Starts at No. 9". TurnTable. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ Ayomide Oriowo (13 February 2023). "Asake's "Yoga" Spends a Second Week at No. 1, Spyro's "Who is Your Guy?" Ascends to No. 6 on the Official Nigeria Top 100". TurnTable. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ Ayomide Oriowo (21 February 2023). "Ayra Starr's "Sability" Debuts at No. 1 on the Official Nigeria Top 100, Khaid's "Jolie" Rises to No. 7". TurnTable. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ "Official Nigeria Top 100". TurnTable.
- ^ "Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs". Billboard.
- ^ "Official Afrobeats Chart Top 20". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ "End of the Year Charts — TurnTable Top 100". TurnTable. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ "Nigeria certifications". TurnTable. Retrieved 13 December 2024.