Nigerian music star Asake has achieved another international milestone after becoming the first artiste to headline Spotify’s inaugural full-length live performance movie, with the streaming platform releasing Asake – M$NEY Live in London (Spotify Live).

The project captures the singer’s one-night-only performance of songs from his latest album, M$NEY, at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane. It marks the first time Asake has performed the album live since it was released in May and is accompanied by a live audio album, both of which are available exclusively on Spotify.

Beyond the movie itself, the performance marked another landmark moment for Afrobeats. Asake became the first artiste from the genre to headline Theatre Royal Drury Lane, one of Britain’s oldest and most prestigious theatres, whose history spans more than three centuries. The venue has traditionally hosted acclaimed stage productions and performances by some of the world’s most celebrated entertainers.

The invite-only concert attracted nearly 2,000 guests, including many of Asake’s top Spotify listeners. With a black-tie dress code setting the tone for the evening, the performance combined orchestral arrangements with Afrobeats, creating a production that differed significantly from the singer’s traditional concert format.

Asake was backed by a live orchestra, a 40-member choir and renowned British live band The Compozers as he performed songs from M$NEY. He also surprised the audience by debuting four previously unheard tracks, giving fans an early taste of new material ahead of his forthcoming tour.

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Spotify described the release as its first full-length live album performance movie, expanding a catalogue of exclusive live productions that previously featured international artistes such as Bad Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo and Skye Newman. To celebrate the release, the company also hosted a private screening of the movie at its recently opened Listening Lounge in central London.

Speaking on the significance of the performance, Asake said the project reflected the personal journey behind the album.

“This performance was a reflection of everything M$NEY represents – gratitude, growth, my spiritual and creative journey all in one. Everything flows from a place of gratitude to God and every moment that has shaped me, and I hope that comes through.

“M$NEY was always meant to travel. When you feel good music, you feel it in your chest. That is what I wanted this album to be. Something that crosses every border. I start touring the album later this year, but I always like to give my fans a few surprises, which I was able to do with this performance. I am glad we are able to share it with fans worldwide.”

Released in May, M$NEY explores themes of gratitude, spirituality, ambition and prosperity while blending Asake’s signature Afrobeats sound with melodic experimentation. The album quickly gained traction across international streaming platforms, topping charts in more than 19 countries, including Nigeria, and reaching No. 8 in the United States.

The album’s commercial performance also strengthened Asake’s standing among the world’s leading digital artistes. According to Kworb Data, he climbed to No. 15 on the global digital artiste rankings following the album’s release, joining a list dominated by some of the biggest names in contemporary music.

Asake’s latest achievement comes at a time when Afrobeats continues to expand its international footprint, with Nigerian artistes increasingly headlining major venues, collaborating with global acts and securing prominent positions on streaming charts around the world. His latest Spotify project adds another chapter to that growth, highlighting the genre’s increasing presence on global platforms and its ability to command audiences well beyond the African continent.

Meiza Nigeria