Nigerian music star Asake, also known as Mr. Money, has come under heavy criticism online following the release of his fourth studio album, M$NEY, on May 1, 2026.
The backlash stemmed from a specific line in the track “Amen,” which listeners have interpreted as public praise for President Bola Tinubu despite the country’s current economic hardship and rising public frustration.
The controversial lyric in “Amen,” a song that reflects on the power of manifestation, Asake sings: “Presido sope emi lokan, e dey win election”.
The phrase “Emi Lokan” (meaning “It is my turn” in Yoruba) was President Tinubu’s signature campaign slogan during the 2023 election.
Critics argue that referencing this, alongside a mention of winning the election, serves as an endorsement or celebration of the president.
On X, formerly Twitter, some fans expressed disappointment and even threatened to stop supporting the artist.
@tazethegreat tweeted, “Why was Asake praising Tinubu in ‘Amen’? With the way the country is right now, that’s another reason the album flopped.”
As for @gmltony, he called for knocks on the Lungu Boy crooner by writing, “With everything wey dey happen for Nigeria, Asake still get mind praise Tinubu for him album. I no fit lie, that thing weak me. My guys don already talk say dem no go stream am again.”
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@amara_views posted, “Some artistes really forget say na the same ordinary Nigerians struggling every day still dey stream their music and buy tickets. This one no sit well with many people.”
Others, however, argued that the lyric was being misunderstood and taken out of context.
@JiddaGram tweeted, “He only used Tinubu as an example of speaking something into existence. People are overreacting honestly. The line no even sound like campaign or praise to me.”
@theonlysammie added, “Music listeners for this country too dey emotional sometimes. Not every mention of a politician means endorsement.”
Released on Friday, M$NEY contains 13 tracks and has already generated massive conversations online.
However, the Tinubu reference has become one of the biggest talking points surrounding the project.
