New York (BN24) – Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ahmed Ololade, professionally known as Asake, took centre stage in the United States on Sunday as he performed the ceremonial coin toss at a Major League Soccer fixture between the New York Red Bulls and Columbus. The high-profile moment saw the Grammy-nominated artist honoured as the official guest of the match, which ended in a goalless draw.
In photos and video clips shared by the artist on Instagram, Asake was seen standing confidently between match officials as he flipped the coin to determine kickoff and sides. The post, captioned “Asake music gives you wings,” also captured the moment one of his popular singles played over the stadium sound system, adding a cultural flair to the ceremony.
The Nigerian music star shook hands with both team captains and posed for photographs with officials before the game commenced. In another clip from the pitch-side experience, Asake showed off his football skills by juggling a ball in front of 36-year-old Cameroon international and professional striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The pair exchanged greetings and shared a brief conversation, further highlighting the crossover of sports and entertainment at the event.
Asake, who rose to fame with the 2020 breakout single “Lady,” has become a dominant force in African music. Signed to Olamide’s YBNL Nation in 2022, he has released three acclaimed albums—Mr Money With The Vibes (2022), Work of Art (2023), and Lungu Boy (2024). His growing international appeal earned him a 2025 Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category, solidifying his status as a global ambassador for Afrobeats.
His appearance at the MLS fixture not only celebrated his musical influence but also reinforced the expanding presence of African artists on global stages, both on and off the field.
Credit:Punching.Com
