For Asake’s “Why Love”, he Like many Afrobeats artists who have gained international recognition, infuses his music with foreign genres such as soul, jazz, and R&B. In his latest musical masterpiece, he combines Fuji vibes, Afrobeat, soul, and jazz to create a scintillating mix of emotions. This fusion perfectly complements the song’s title, “Why Love?”
An Ode to Women: The Essence of Asake’s “Why Love?”
“Why Love?” is a tribute to women, celebrating everything that makes them extraordinary—qualities that men deeply admire and desire. The song captures the tender love and emotional connection that people crave, both physically and spiritually.
The Instrumental Brilliance: Saxophones, Drums, and Harmonies
The saxophone introduces a soulful, emotionally uplifting effect, while the backup singers’ “la la la…” harmonies create a profound resonance that stirs the deepest emotions. The track begins with shakers and tom-tom-like drums, infusing a traditional African vibe before the saxophone blends in a Western flavor. This seamless fusion makes the song a standout musical piece.
Lyrics: A Blend of Yoruba, English, and Nigerian Identity
Asake maintains a strong Nigerian essence in the song through his lyrics, which are a 50% Yoruba and 50% English (or Pidgin English) blend—a hallmark of Nigerian Afrobeat. His words vividly express why he is in love:
“Angẹli kan ma lemi (Lamẹda)” – “I’m also an angel”
“Obinrin to ba fẹ iru mi, consider lucky” – “Any woman that dates someone like me should be considered lucky”
“My baby, let’s keep on jamming / This fire cannot cool down, maybe them, it is not me (ay-ay)”
“Ori ṣa lo mọ, my baby “ – “Only fate can tell, my baby”
“Ta lo mọla? Only God, Ya Robbi” – “Who knows tomorrow? Only God, Ya Robbi”
“Ilahi, Ọba to da mi” – “Illahi (God), the King who created me”
“O da mi tan, o ri big money” – “He finished creating me and saw big money”
These lyrics highlight a recurring theme in Nigerian culture—acknowledging God or a higher power in all endeavors. Nigerians are deeply rooted in faith, and Asake’s lyrics reflect this spiritual inclination.
The Depths of Love: Asake’s Emotional Confession
Asake’s lyrics also reveal how special the woman is to him and the profound effect she has on him:
“My baby, you are my special one / My bestie, you know I’m a Soulja Boy / But in your case, I will calm down”
“Admire your confidence, you dey burst my head, don’t take it easy”
Given the song’s title, one might wonder if Asake is questioning why he loves this person so deeply—so much that she becomes his weakness. But love is universal; even the most guarded hearts eventually surrender to it.
Alternatively, this song could hint at Asake contemplating the next phase of his life—settling down. After achieving success and financial stability, the natural progression for many is to find love and build a family. Perhaps “Why Love?” is his subtle way of signaling this desire.
The Music Video: A Visual Tale of Enchantment
The music video effectively conveys Asake’s love story. It’s clear that he is utterly enchanted by the woman (who is undeniably stunning!). The visuals show her repeatedly rubbing his head, almost as if casting a spell to bind him to her—a fitting metaphor, as love itself is a powerful enchantment. Asake appears completely smitten, leaving viewers hoping his feelings are reciprocated.
Simplicity and Symbolism in the Visuals
The video’s simplicity works in its favor, efficiently conveying the theme without unnecessary extravagance. The inclusion of a Lamborghini adds a touch of luxury, preventing the visuals from appearing too modest. However, the director could have introduced more variety—perhaps scenes of a city stroll, a picnic, a romantic dinner, or even intimate moments—to break the monotony of the green, black, and white enclosure, which some might find slightly claustrophobic.
A Nod to Nigerian Pride: The Green and White Motif
Notably, the video’s green and white color scheme pays homage to Asake’s Nigerian heritage, mirroring the national flag. Green symbolizes Nigeria’s agricultural wealth (productivity), while white represents peace. This subtle detail may suggest that Asake envisions a future with his love interest—one filled with prosperity and harmony.
Final Thoughts: Asake’s “Why Love?” – A Masterpiece of Sound and Emotion
Asake’s “Why Love?” is more than just a song—it’s a rich tapestry of sound, culture, and raw emotion. By blending Afrobeat, Fuji, soul, and jazz, he creates a musical experience that resonates deeply with listeners. The lyrics, a seamless mix of Yoruba and English, celebrate love, faith, and Nigerian identity, while the instrumentation elevates the track into something truly hypnotic.
The music video, though minimalist, effectively captures the intoxication of love, with subtle nods to Nigerian pride. Whether Asake is reflecting on romance or hinting at a future commitment, one thing is clear: his artistry continues to push boundaries while staying rooted in authenticity.
In a world where music often prioritizes trends over substance, “Why Love?” stands out as a heartfelt, sonically vibrant declaration—one that reminds us why we fall in love with music in the first place.
Final Rating: We here at Trickle Media give this song a 9/10 – A must-listen for Afrobeats lovers and beyond.
