- Asake made a commanding appearance at the 67th Grammy Awards, standing out as one of the few Afrobeats nominated stars representing the genre on the prestigious red carpet.
- But beyond his well-earned place among global music elites, it was his striking transformation that had heads turning and cameras flashing.
- With fresh face tattoos adding an enigmatic edge to his already distinctive persona, Asake embodied reinvention, exuding a boldness that felt intentional and deeply personal.
- As he navigated the spotlight, reporters pressed him for answers, they wanted to unravel the meaning behind his new look, decode the significance of his ink, and understand the vision that shaped his aesthetic for the biggest night in music.
Despite not claiming an award, Nigerian music sensation Ahmed Ololade, better known as Asake, turned heads at the 2025 Grammy Awards in Los Angeles last night, made his presence felt in every sense of the word.
The Afrobeats powerhouse, who had been nominated in 2023 and lost, once again found himself on the losing side in the Best African Music Performance category.
His smash hit MMS featuring Wizkid went up against fierce competition, including Chris Brown’s Sensational featuring Davido & Lojay, Yemi Alade’s Tomorrow, Burna Boy’s Higher, and the eventual winner, Tems, with Love Me JeJe.
But if the awards evaded him, Asake’s star power was undeniable. The red carpet was his runway as he showcased a fresh, bold aesthetic that had the internet buzzing.
Sporting a striking military-inspired ensemble, Asake revealed a dramatic departure from his signature dreadlocks, debuting his razor-sharp haircut that set the stage for the rest of his new look—complete with tattoos, including one etched onto his face, which had already caused a stir across social media in the weeks prior to the event.
During a brief conversation with Billboard on the red carpet, Asake was asked about the bold new look that had everyone talking. The singer revealed he simply felt the urge to shake things up and reinvent himself.
Although the Grammy remained elusive, Asake was full of gratitude and joy for the recognition. In a heartfelt moment, he expressed his honor at being part of the prestigious event, sharing the stage with his fellow African musical superstars.
WATCH HIM SPEAK IN CLIP BELOW
