On “Badman Gangsta”, Nigerian star Asake and French-Congolese hitmaker Tiakola team up to deliver a confident, globally resonant banger that celebrates hustle, resilience, and street-certified love.
From the start, Asake sets the tone with his signature melodic cadence, and proclaims his truth unapologetically, “This is my life, I ain’t gon’ lie, this is my sht.” His verses feel like personal affirmations: the rise of a “bad boy” stacking paper and moving in silence. His use of Yoruba, English, and Afrobeat rhythms creates a sense of cultural pride that is both infectious and authentic.
Asake | SUPPLIED
Tiakola brings emotional depth to the record, contrasting Asake’s bravado with reflections on love, pain, and fleeting time. His verse paints vivid pictures, “Vers Makala ou Marbella,” he raps, floating between realities of street life and luxurious escapism. Lines like “J’sais pas où j’vais passer la night” carry a sense of restlessness that contrasts beautifully with Asake’s grounded confidence. It’s like two sides of the same coin — one chasing the dream, the other living in the moment.
The hook is where a lot of magic happens. There’s a seamless interplay between Asake’s Afro-rooted chants and Tiakola’s smooth, introspective French vocals. Whether it’s Yoruba or French, you don’t need to understand every word to feel the message. It’s about pride, hustle, love, and navigating life on your terms.
Asake | SUPPLIED
On the production side, the track does not miss, but it hits hard. Lush instrumentals, crisp percussion, and a breezy bounce make “Badman Gangsta” feel like a summer night on the move; one minute you’re on the mainland, the next you’re lost somewhere between Lagos, Paris, and Kinshasa.
Ultimately, “Badman Gangsta” is more than just a vibe, but a statement. It’s a song about embracing one’s roots, claiming power, and showing the world what real gangstas sound like. With this record, Asake and Tiakola created a cultural bridge and fused Afrofusion to its finest.
Watch “Badman Gangsta”:
Words by Zimiso Nyamande
