Asake's third album, 'Lungu Boy,' sees the Nigerian superstar exploring the Black diaspora with contributions from artists like Stormzy.

Although it doesn't quite reach the heights of his previous album, 'Work of Art,' it is still rich in compositional detail and features guest appearances from Travis Scott and Central Cee.

With his 2023 release, Asake set a high standard for albums in the recent wave of West African pop.

His soothing vocals are supported by the deep and dynamic Afro-house style of amapiano.

While his follow-up album isn't as consistently strong, it is more versatile, taking listeners on a journey across the Black diaspora that has led to arena-filling success.

At times, Asake uses his considerable charisma to cover up songwriting flaws; for instance, there isn't much of a melody in 'Skating' or the pulsating synthwave of 'Uhh Yeahh,' despite their atmospheric qualities.

However, the album is otherwise tuneful and rich with compositional detail, featuring improvised flute, saxophone, and muted trumpet that float beautifully against the drum programming and penetrating amapiano bass stabs.

Asake's earnest voice rises and falls with the heat emanating from these songs, and he is joined by a series of A-list guests.

Stormzy helps to open the album's intriguingly calm first third with the almost hypnotically relaxing 'MMS,' while Stormzy brings his brand of spiritual thanksgiving to 'Suru.

' As the album progresses, it is a joy to hear Travis Scott and others rolling relentlessly over Afrocentric rhythms.

The highlight is 'Whine,' a Caribbean dancehall track performed alongside an Afro-Brazilian counterpart, with lyrics transitioning from English to Yoruba and Portuguese, creating a carnival-worthy celebration of the Black Atlantic.