Lonely at the Top (song)

Last updated

"Lonely at the Top"
Asake and H.E.R. - Lonely at the Top.png
Single by Asake and H.E.R.
from the album Work of Art
Language
Released15 November 2023
Genre
Length2:37
Label YBNL
Songwriter(s) Ahmed Ololade Asake
Lyricist(s) Ahmed Ololade Asake
Producer(s) Blaisebeatz
Asake singles chronology
"Amapiano"
(2023)
"Lonely at the Top"
(2023)
"Only Me"
(2024)

"Lonely at the Top" is a song by Nigerian artist Asake from his second studio album Work of Art (2023). The song was released on 16 June 2023, through YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution. It was the first song to hit 100 million streams on Audiomack. [1] As of September 2023, the song was the longest-running number-one song on Nigerian Radio Chart. [2] It was also number one on the TurnTable Official Top 100, an aggregate chart that combines TV, radio and streaming platforms. It spent 12 weeks at number one. [3] It was also one of the most streamed songs on Spotify in Nigeria. [4]

Contents

It was also the most searched song of 2023 in Nigeria. [5]

On 15 November 2023, a remix of the song with American R&B singer H.E.R. was released. In April 2024, British rapper Stormzy sampled the song in his track "Cry No More", featuring British rapper Headie One. [6]

Background

The song addresses the feelings of loneliness, emptiness and distrust associated with success and therefore being at the top. [7]

Kareem of The Guardian in Nigeria explains that the song explores themes of ambition and resilience in Asake's pursuit of success, making the song relatable. Asake mentions the challenges he faced in the pursuit of success through lyrics like "I would cheer on the road chasing my dream because I know no one can chase it for me" [8] [ citation needed ] Alexis Petridis of The Guardian explains that the lyrics suggest that Asake is unbothered by the alienating effects of fame and looks forward to being an even greater celebrity [9]

Composition

The song produced by Blaisebeatz is described to have a "backing choir" and "introspective instrumentation". [10] Tomide Marv of Zikoko Magazine described "Lonely at the Top" as a solemn but groovy song. [11]

Critical reception

Rolling Stone named it as one of the best 40 Afropop songs of 2023, terming it as a refreshing detour from the usual amapiano sound that Asake is known for. [12]

Live performances

On July 2023, Asake performed a live medley of "Lonely at the Top" on Vevo Ctrl. [13] In November 2023, Asake and H.E.R, had an acoustic performance of the remix which was uploaded on YouTube [14] On 1 February 2024, Asake performed the song on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert . [15]

Track listing

Lonely at the Top EP
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Lonely at the Top (Remix)" (featuring H.E.R.) Blaisebeatz 2:37
2."Lonely at the Top (Acoustic)" (featuring H.E.R.)
  • Ololade
  • Adedeji
  • Wilson
Blaisebeatz2:40
3."Lonely at the Top (Dance Remix)"
  • Ololade
  • Adedeji
  • Moody Jones
  • Clayton William
  • Mike Kerrigan
3:10
4."Lonely at the Top"
  • Ololade
  • Adedeji
Blaisebeatz2:37
Total length:11:05

Related Research Articles

Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, who is better known as Kizz Daniel, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He rose to fame in 2014 with his debut single, "Woju". He signed a record deal with G-Worldwide Entertainment in 2013, but left the label following a publicized contract dispute and court case. He founded the Fly Boy Inc record label in November 2017.

<i>Work of Art</i> (album) Album by Asake

Work of Art is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Asake, released on 16 June 2023 through YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution. Preceded by the release of the singles "Yoga", "2:30" and "Amapiano", the album features 14 tracks, with a sole guest appearance from Olamide who was featured on "Amapiano". A remix of "Lonely at the Top" with American singer H.E.R. was released in November 2023.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nonso Amadi</span> Nigerian musician (born 1995)

Chinonso Obinna Amadi is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and music producer. He is a self-taught songwriter and music producer who embarked on his music career in 2012, while at Covenant University, where he studied chemical engineering. He is signed to UMG Canada, Def Jam Recordings, UMG Nigeria, Polydor, and MCA Records France.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Davido discography</span> Best of Davido

The discography of Davido, a Nigerian Afrobeats singer, consists of four studio albums, one EP, and thirty singles. Davido released his first album titled Omo Baba Olowo In 2011 at the age of 19, which contains 5 singles and hit song Dami Duro. The album won Album of the Year at The Headies 2013, he released the five-track EP Son of Mercy, his first and only EP till date which was supported by the singles "Gbagbe Oshi", "How Long", "Coolest Kid in Africa"; and includes guest appearances by Simi, Tinashe and Nasty C. His second studio album A Good Time was released in 2019; supported by hit singles "If", "Fall", "Assurance", "Blow My Mind" and "Risky". "Fall" was a viral hit, becoming one of the top-100-most-Shazam-searched singles in America in January 2019, and was a top-10 record on Shazam in New York. It also became the longest charting Nigerian pop song in Billboard history as of that time, and garnered 200 million views on YouTube. The album was a success, it surpassed 1 billion streams across various digital platforms in july 2020. He then followed it up with the release of his third studio album A Better Time, which was released in November 2020. It includes guest appearances from Lil Baby, Nicki Minaj, Nas, Chris Brown, and Young Thug, among others. Timeless was then released as his fourth studio album, the 17-track album includes collaborations with Skepta, Angelique Kidjo, Asake, Focalistic, The Cavemen and others. The album explores musical styles such as dancehall, ragga, konto, highlife and Afropop, it was critically acclaimed by critics both domestically and internationally. The album was nominated for Best Global Music Album at the Grammy Awards.

The TurnTable Top 100 Songs is the music industry standard record chart in Nigeria for songs, published weekly by TurnTable magazine. Chart rankings are based on airplay and online streaming in Nigeria. In its opening year, TurnTable charts listed 50 positions, but later expanded its chart ranking to 100 on the second half of 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ayra Starr</span> Nigerian singer (born 2002)

Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, known professionally as Ayra Starr, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bella Shmurda</span> Nigerian singer

Abiola Ahmed Akinbiyi, known professionally as Bella Shmurda, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He rose to prominence in 2019 with the release of the song "Vision 2020", and a follow-up remix which featured Olamide. He is also the leader of Dangbana Republik; a collective of creatives in Lagos providing community and humanitarian contributions.

<i>A True Champion</i> 2021 studio album by Rexxie

A True Champion is the debut studio album by Nigerian producer and songwriter Rexxie. It was released on 28 June 2021 by Hitxlab and distributed by Dvpper Music. The 17-track album features guest appearances from Davido, Naira Marley, Teni, Zlatan, Peruzzi, MohBad, Bad Boy Timz, Zinoleesky, Bella Shmurda, BNXN fka Buju, Oxlade, Lyta, T-Classic, Blanche Bailly, Sarkodie, Ms Banks, Moelogo, Kida Kudz, and Midas The Jagaban. The album combines elements from Amapiano, Afropop with Neo-soul percussive rhythms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Asake</span> Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter (born 1995)

Ahmed Ololade, known professionally as Asake, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is signed to YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution. His stage name "Asake" is his mother's name.

<i>Mr. Money with the Vibe</i> 2022 studio album by Asake

Mr. Money with the Vibe is the debut studio album by Nigerian singer Asake, following his signing with YBNL Nation in February 2022. It was released on 7 September 2022 through Empire Distribution. The album comprises 12 tracks, which were all produced by Magicsticks. The album features two guest appearances from Russ and Burna Boy. Two other tracks which have been previously released as singles from the album are "Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)" and "Terminator" which were released in June 2022 and August 2022 respectively. This album release is a follow-up to his extended play Ololade Asake which was released in February 2022 immediately after being signed by Olamide to YBNL. Following the album's release, it peaked at number 66 on the Billboard 200 chart in September 2022.

Alexander Adelabu, professionally known as Magixx, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. In 2021, he was signed to Mavin Records. He is known for a distinctly hybrid approach fusing trap, dancehall, Afropop and R&B. In 2019, Magixx initiated his rise to fame when he released 'Problem,' a succinct blend of Afropop and Afro R&B, showcasing his evolving musical exploration. The track quickly seized the spotlight within Nigeria's music elite, drawing admiration from notable figures like Mayorkun, M.I, Zlatan Ibile, and the influential Don Jazzy of Mavin Records. This attention culminated in his eventual signing with Mavin Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seyi Vibez</span> Nigerian singer-songwriter (born 2000)

Balogun Afolabi Oluwaloseyi, known professionally as Seyi Vibez, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. He is known for his breakthrough single "Chance " from his second studio album Billion Dollar Baby which debuted at No. 19 on the UK Afrobeats singles chart and peaked number 7 on the TurnTable Top 100 chart.

<i>Timeless</i> (Davido album) 2023 studio album by Davido

Timeless is the fourth studio album by Nigerian singer Davido. It was released on March 31, 2023, through Davido Music Worldwide, Columbia Records, and Sony Music Entertainment. Primarily an amapiano record, the album explores other musical styles such as afrobeats, dancehall, ragga, konto, highlife, and afropop. Timeless comprises 17 tracks and features collaborations with Skepta, Angelique Kidjo, Asake, Focalistic, and The Cavemen, among others. Its production was handled by Magicsticks, Ragee, Darmie, Blaisebeatz, 1da Banton, Caltonic SA, and Young Alpha, among others. The album was supported by the singles "Champion Sound" and "Unavailable". Timeless received generally positive reviews from music critics, who praised its production and considered it to be one of Davido's most accomplished albums yet. In July 2023, Davido embarked on the Timeless North American Tour to support the album.

<i>Thy Kingdom Come</i> (Seyi Vibez album) 2023 studio album by Seyi Vibez

Thy Kingdom Come is the fourth studio album by Nigerian street-pop singer Seyi Vibez. It was released on 24 June 2023, through Vibez Inc, and Dvpper Music. The album included guest appearances from Nigerian indigenous rapper Phyno, and South African singer Ami Faku. It was executively produced by Dvpper Music founder and CEO Dapper, and Seyi Vibez, along with production from Dibs. The album is a mixture of Afropop, Amapiano, Nigerian Hip Hop, Afroswing, R&B/Soul, Arabic hip hop, and Fuji fusion.

<i>Billion Dollar Baby</i> (album) 2022 studio album by Seyi Vibez

Billion Dollar Baby is the second studio album by Nigerian street-pop singer Seyi Vibez. It was released on 2 November 2022, through Vibez Inc, and Dvpper Music. The album included guest appearances from Simi, and Mayorkun. The album is a mixture of Fuji, Tungba, and Apala rhythms. It was executively produced by Dvpper Music founder and CEO Dapper, and Seyi Vibez, along with production from TBM, Enta, QUE, FreshVDM, and Rexxie. The deluxe version of the album was released on 9 December 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snazzy the Optimist</span> Nigerian musician

Michael Chimeruche Alozie, known professionally as Snazzy the Optimist or simply Snazzy, is a Nigerian-born singer, songwriter and rapper. An alumnus of International College of Creative Arts, he began as a rapper, covering songs and began his music career professionally in 2021.

<i>Sincerely, Benson</i> 2023 Studio album by Bnxn

Sincerely, Benson is the debut studio album of Nigerian singer Bnxn which peaked at number 11 on the Billboard World Albums chart.

<i>Qing Madi</i> (EP) EP by Qing Madi

Qing Madi is the self-titled debut extended play by Nigerian singer-songwriter Qing Madi, released on November 17, 2023, by Jton Music. The EP received generally favorable reviews from critics and peaked at number 14 on the Nigeria Apple Music chart. Qing Madi spawned the hit song "Ole", which charted at number 12 on the TurnTable Top 100.

<i>Ravage</i> (EP) 2023 EP by Rema

Ravage is the fourth EP by Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter Rema released on October 27, 2023, through Virgin Music, Mavin Records, and Jonzing World. Like his previous project, Rave & Roses (2022), the EP blends various genres, including alté, afrobeats, and afropop. Lyrically, it explores themes of hard work, pride, and diligence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Amapiano (song)</span> Song by Asake and Olamide

"Amapiano" is a song by Nigerian musician Asake and Nigerian rapper Olamide. The song is a single from Asake's second studio album, Work of Art, and was produced by Nigerian producer Magicsticks. The music video, shot by Jyde Ajala, was released on 24 May 2023. The song was a surprise release and gained over 100,000 streams within less than 24 hours of its release and debuted at number one of the Spotify Top Songs Nigeria Daily Chart. The song was nominated for Best African Music Performance at the 66th Grammy awards. It was one of the most streamed songs of 2023 on Audiomack, garnering 87.7 million streams on the platform. Former US president Barack Obama listed the song among his favorite music of 2023.

References

  1. Adebiyi, Adeayo (7 November 2023). "Asake makes history as 'Lonely At The Top' reaches 100 million Audiomack streams". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  2. Adebiyi, Adeayo. "'Lonely At The Top' becomes joint longest #1 song on Nigerian Radio chart". Pulse.ng. Pulse. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  3. Anazia, Daniel. "Asake's lonely at the top is Nigeria's all-time longest No.1 song". The Guardian. The Guardian. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  4. Elimian, Godfrey. "Spotify Wrapped: Asake, Davido, Arya Starr dominate Nigeria's music scene in 2023". Technext. Technext. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  5. BBC News Pidgin. "Peter Obi, 'Lonely at the top', Mohbad - Wetin Nigerians search for pass for 2023". BBC News Pidgin. BBC. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  6. Nigerian Bulletin. "Nigerian Fans Ecstatic Over Stormzy's Use of Asake's Song in Latest Track". Nigerian Bulletin. Nigerian Bulletin. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  7. Laketu, Adedayo. "Asake Releases "Lonely At The Top" Remix With H.E.R". okayafrica. okayafrica. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
  8. Guardian Life. "Asake drops anticipated 'work of arts". Guardian.ng. Guardian.ng. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  9. Petridis, Alexis. "Asake: Work of Art review – Nigerian star's brilliance means every track could be a single". The Guardian . Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  10. Mamo, Heran; Rys, Dan. "Afrobeats Fresh Picks of the Month: Asake, Bloody Civilian, Amaarae, Ckay, Zinoleesky & More". billboard. billboard. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  11. Marv, Tomide. "Asake Can't Stop Having Fun on Work of Art". Zikoko. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  12. Rolling Stone. "The 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2023". Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  13. Bellanaija. "Watch Asake's Live Medley of "Amapiano" & "Lonely at the Top" on VEVO Ctrl". Bellanaija. Bellanaija. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  14. "Asake & H.E.R. Unplugged: "Lonely at the Top" Acoustic [Official Video]". African L'Homme. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
  15. Adebayo, Adeyinka. "Asake's Stellar Performance on Colbert's Late Night Show Sparks Online Frenzy Ahead of 66th Grammys Nominations". Abuja City Journal. Abuja City Journal. Retrieved 7 May 2024.