Raunaq Dash

The Nigerian Rapper That Has Paul Pogba and Jules Kounde Hooked

Jules Kounde, Paul Pogba

For many modern-age footballers, the right music is essential for them as part of their pre-game rituals. Whether it’s high-energy hip-hop, smooth Afrobeats, or even a touch of Latin or classical music, players customize their playlists to set the perfect vibe. It really depends on the dynamics of the squad and the player’s personalities at the end of the day to determine the music taste of a squad. 

Whether it’s Pogba’s flair or Messi’s magic, each footballer has their own jam for getting into game mode. From adrenaline-pumping rap to chill Brazilian funk beats, every track is a personal hype booster. For Pogba and Kounde, though, a certain Nigerian rapper’s fire rhythms seem to hit just right, lighting up their on-field and off-field vibes with the perfect blend of energy and focus. So, who’s the artist fueling these footy stars’ groove? Let’s tune in to find out! 

IShowSpeed x Paul Pogba Collab – Frenchman namedrops his favorite rap star? 

In a world where funny things do really happen, a young streamer from Ohio has already achieved what many football fans can only dream of. From meeting stars like Cristiano Ronaldo to casually hanging out with young stars like Rafael Leao, Speed has achieved it all. 

So, in this ongoing quest of Speed and his journey of hanging out with football celebrities, he most recently hung out with French superstar Paul Pogba at his crib, who is coming back to football after his PED (Performance Enhancing Drug) ban was cut short to start of next year. 

The stream in its totality was very entertaining and music to the ears of fans across social media, where Paul could be seen enjoying, dancing to tunes, playing footie, and having a bit of fun with the internet sensation. This was pretty wholesome to watch for fans who could finally see the Frenchman smiling and happy after a tough period and overall year for him. 

But in spite of the numerous clips, discussions, and events that happened in the stream, one clip at literally the end of the stream has gone viral amongst fans, especially amongst the fans of Nigerian hip-hop star and rapper “Asake’. 

This is because when Speed asked for a suggestion for a tune to play as an ‘Outro’ for Pogba to leave and end the stream (as he did with the intro when the stream started), the Frenchman suggested to play ‘WorldWide’ by Asake, the famous Nigerian rapper. Pogba could be seen excited, constantly asking Speed, “Have you heard this song?” and trying to hype up the song for him and the overall viewers. 

Well, whatever hype mechanism it was, it certainly got Speed in the mood, as later the pair danced to Asake’s Worldwide at the end of the stream. Let’s just say Paul did his absolute best to shout out the Nigerian rapper and encourage viewers to promote and listen to more talented artists from Nigeria, like Asake. 

Fans across social media were quick to react, with most of the Nigerian fans appreciative of the fact that their culture and music are now being represented on a global level, thanks to Speed’s international audience. One person said, ‘Afrobeat is winning; Nigerian music is winning’. Others saw the funny side of it, who were perplexed that Speed did not know the artist considering how huge he is in Africa and the African Hip-Hop & Afro scene and concluded that probably Asake has to put in the efforts a bit more to gain that international recognition. 

Jules Kounde’s Post-Workout Jams: Fans Catch a Glimpse 

It’s not just Pogba who’s getting into the groove of Nigerian rap—Barcelona’s Jules Kounde is clearly vibing to the same infectious beats! After a rigorous workout session, Kounde was seen bopping along to Asake & Wizkid’s track “MMS,” solidifying Nigerian music’s growing presence in the football world. While Pogba’s love for the genre was initially a surprise to many, Kounde’s public embrace of the song shows just how far-reaching the influence of Afrobeat is. 

Thus, so far we’ve known that Pogba and Kounde are not just passionate about football; they’re also vibing to Nigerian hits, and in their quest for enjoying Nigerian beats, one name keeps popping up: Asake! But who exactly is Asake, and why are some of football’s biggest stars obsessed with his beats? From Pogba blasting Asake’s track to Kounde bopping along in the gym, it’s time to find out what makes Asake the secret musical weapon for footballers. Spoiler alert: this isn’t your typical mainstream artist. Let’s dig into why this rapper is scoring big with football’s finest! 

Who is Asake? The Nigerian Superstar Footballers Can’t Stop Jamming To! 

Asake, born Ahmed Ololade, is a Nigerian sensation who’s been dominating the Afrobeat scene with his infectious tunes and undeniable charisma. His rise to fame was as swift as a counterattack in football, with his hit singles like “Sungba” and “Peace Be Unto You” garnering global attention. Born in Lagos, his unique blend of Afrobeat, pop, and a little bit of hip-hop quickly turned him into a favorite of not just music lovers but also footballers across the globe. 

His journey from Lagos to global stardom has been nothing short of phenomenal. After initially studying theater arts at the University of Lagos, Asake shifted his focus to music, drawing on his passion for the Afrobeat genre and weaving it with elements of pop and hip-hop. He first gained major attention with his 2020 track “Mr. Money,” which served as a catchy preview of his future hits. It wasn’t long before he was signed to the renowned YBNL Nation, home to Nigerian stars like Olamide. 

Known for his energetic performances and vibrant stage presence, Asake has become a staple in Afrobeat music festivals worldwide, from Lagos to London. With his irresistible blend of modern Afrobeat with traditional Nigerian influences, Asake continues to push the genre to new heights, even capturing the attention of top footballers, who can’t seem to get enough of his tracks. 

Now, here’s where it gets interesting: footballers, those athletes who probably spend more time thinking about their next game than a next song lyric, are all about Asake’s beats! From Premier League stars to those tearing it up in La Liga, many players are vibing to his tracks. If you’ve ever wondered why footballers are so hyped before a game, it might just be Asake’s rhythm giving them that final boost of energy. 

Recent Chelsea loanee Jadon Sancho was also seen hanging out with the Nigerian sensation at O2 Arena last month.

Final View 

As footballers continue to mix their love for the game with a passion for music, Asake’s infectious beats are clearly becoming a pre-match essential. From Pogba to Kounde, his Afrobeat tracks are setting the vibe in locker rooms across the globe. Whether it’s to get hyped or simply vibe out, this Nigerian star has found his way into the hearts—and playlists—of football’s biggest names. So, who knows? The next time you hear “Worldwide” echoing from the stadium, you’ll know it’s not just the crowd that’s hyped—it’s your favorite footballer too!