Asake Lights Up Palladium, Cologne
Asake brought his electrifying energy to Cologne’s Palladium on September 15th, 2024, as part of his ongoing “Lungu Boy World Tour.” The show, which was packed with fans, marked another successful European stop on his journey across the globe, with the tour scheduled to conclude in Australia by October 6th.
With the venue packed wall-to-wall, fans eagerly awaited his performance, many already vibing to his signature blend of Afrobeats and amapiano. As the lights dimmed and the beats dropped, the crowd erupted in a wave of energy that didn’t wane for the entire evening.
The stage, like his previous shows, featured a backdrop of signposts with street names like ‘Kakawa’ on them, most likely from Asake’s native city of Lagos Island. Tires, a drumset on a graffiti-sprayed platform, and an improvised DJ set table made of iron drums came together to create a dramatic portrayal of what could pass for a Lungu Party, Street Bash, or Street Carnival setting.
Opening with the instrumentals of his breakout hit “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY),” which transitioned into “Sunmomi” from his debut album, Asake suddenly appeared on stage with a baseball bat in one hand and the microphone in another, immediately setting the tone for the night. Cologne, a city not often headlined by Afrobeats stars, witnessed something spectacular as Asake took the stage with an infectious confidence that drew everyone into his world. His connection with the audience was almost magnetic, as fans chorused every line of “Dupe”, their voices echoing through the Palladium. Tracks like “Joha” and “Sungba” brought a rush of excitement, with Asake feeding off the energy, pausing occasionally to let the crowd take over entire sections of the song. Shortly after, he got on the DJ set table to perform his deep cut and hit 2020 single “Mr Money.”
With a flame gun, Asake captivated the audience with high-energy performances of songs from his sophomore and third studio album “Lungu Boy”, including hits and fan favorites like “Remember” and “I believe.” Asake singing the lyrics of a stripped “Nzaza” with only a bass guitar did not detract from the song’s spirituality as die-hard attendees sang their hearts out.
However, it wasn’t just about the beats and rhythms. One of the night’s standout moments came when Asake slowed things down to speak directly to the crowd. He reflected on his journey, expressing gratitude for the support of his fans as he continues his tour across continents. It was in these quiet moments that Asake’s humility shone through, creating a sense of intimacy that resonated with the audience. The energy in the room shifted again as he performed “Omo Ope,” with fans clapping in rhythm, swaying to the melodies that brought the warmth of Lagos streets to the cool Cologne air.
As the show progressed, there were no signs of fatigue, neither from Asake nor the crowd. “Sungba” and “Organise” were particularly explosive, with the Palladium shaking as fans jumped and danced along. Each beat seemed to hit harder, with Asake pouring more energy into each track as the night drew closer to its climax. By the time he performed his hit “Lonely at the Top,” it felt like the entire room was singing along in unison, voices rising above the booming bass. He also gave Cologne a taste of the infamous choreography he does while performing “Fuji Vibe”
As he wrapped up his performance with an encore, the crowd’s lingering excitement was palpable—everyone knew they had witnessed something special. Cologne was just one stop on this world tour, but for those in attendance, it was an unforgettable night, one that will resonate long after Asake moves on to the next city on his journey to Australia.
