Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has emerged as the leading artiste on Apple Music’s Africa Now: Best of 2026 playlist, with his hit song, ‘Forgiveness’, claiming the top spot.
The singer also features in the third position with ‘Jogodo’, his collaboration with Wizkid, while his appearance on Blaqbonez’s ‘Chanel’ places him at number nine.
Tems occupies the second position with ‘What You Need’, while Victony’s ‘Slick’ takes fourth place. Kidd Carder and Mavo’s ‘Big Bum Bum’ completes the top five.
Other Nigerian artistes featured in the top 10 include Davido, FOLA, Mayorkun, BNXN and Sarz.
The 50-track playlist brings together artistes from across Africa, including Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana and other music markets, reflecting the continent’s diverse sounds and collaborations.
In its accompanying commentary, Apple Music described Asake as a “commercial powerhouse”, highlighting the performance of his fourth album, M$NEY, as well as the continued popularity of his previous projects.
The platform also cited songs such as ‘Forgiveness’, ‘Fuji Vibe’, ‘Active’ and ‘MMS’ as part of the singer’s impressive catalogue.
Below is the full list of Apple Music’s Africa Now: Best of 2026 playlist:
- ‘Forgiveness’ — Asake
- ‘What You Need’ — Tems
- ‘Jogodo’ — Wizkid and Asake
- ‘Slick’ — Victony
- ‘Big Bum Bum’ — Kidd Carder and Mavo
- ‘Money Constant’ — DJ Maphorisa, DJ Tunez, Wizkid and Mavo
- ‘Nakupenda’ — TxC, Davido, Scotts Maphuma and Shoday
- ‘How Far’ — NO11 and Ayjay Bobo
- ‘Chanel’ — Blaqbonez featuring Asake
- ‘B4 B4’ — Davido, FOLA and Mayorkun
- ‘Back Outside’ — BNXN and Sarz
- ‘My Healer’ — Seyi Vibez and Omah Lay
- ‘Heaven Baby’ — Ayra Starr featuring ZAYN
- ‘Treat U Right’ — FOLA and Ayra Starr
- ‘That Girl’ — Tyla
- ‘La Pétasse’ — Aya Nakamura
- ‘Aura Salad’ — SSSoundGawd and Mavo
- ‘Mofe’ — Mavo
- ‘I Am’ — Omah Lay
- ‘Elumelu’ — Young Jonn
- ‘GTA’ — Seyi Vibez
- ‘Paparazzi’ — Shoday and FOLA
- ‘Eja Meja’ — BNXN featuring Asake
- ‘Fine Ting (Fine $hit)’ — FOLA
- ‘Colorado’ — Johnny Drille, Ayra Starr and Young Jonn
- ‘Gratitude’ — Asake
- ‘Turbulence’ — Wizkid and Asake
- ‘I Know Who I Be’ — Davido, JAZZWRLD and GL_Ceejay
- ‘Back 2 U’ — Seyi Vibez
- ‘Ice Cream’ — Mavo
- ‘Oh No’ — Rema
- ‘Hot Body’ — Ayra Starr
- ‘That Girl!’ — Darkoo and Asake
- ‘MCBH’ — Asake
- ‘Alaye’ — Wizkid and Asake
- ‘Already’ — BNXN and Sarz
- ‘Who’s Dat Girl’ — Ayra Starr and Rema
- ‘Worship’ — Asake and DJ Snake
- ‘Attention!’ — FOLA
- ‘Tornado’ — Ayra Starr
- ‘BB Lifestyle’ — Mavo and SSSoundGawd
- ‘TEA’ — Rema
- ‘FRE$H’ — Victony
- ‘Ilome’ — Seyi Vibez
- ‘Mopepe’ — Bukzin Keyz, Benzoo and Tango Supreme
- ‘Ama Hem Hem’ — Thatohatsi and Sjava featuring ShaunMusiq
- ‘Fast Fast’ — 031choppa, Al Xapo and Benzoo
- ‘PopStar’ — Black Sherif
- ‘Signature’ — KiDi and Lasmid
- ‘Energy’ — Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal and Mavo
