"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]
| "Lonely at the Top" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Asake and H.E.R. | ||||
| from the album Work of Art | ||||
| Language |
| |||
| Released | 15 November 2023 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 2:37 | |||
| Label | YBNL | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Ahmed Ololade Asake | |||
| Lyricist(s) | Ahmed Ololade Asake | |||
| Producer(s) | Blaisebeatz | |||
| Asake singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
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
editThe 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
editThe 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
editRolling 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
editIn 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
edit| No. | Title | Writer(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.) |
| Blaisebeatz | 2:40 |
| 3. | "Lonely at the Top" (dance remix) |
|
| 3:10 |
| 4. | "Lonely at the Top" |
| Blaisebeatz | 2:37 |
| Total length: | 11:05 | |||
Certifications
edit| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Nigeria (TCSN)[16] | 7× Platinum | 700,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References
edit- ^ Adebiyi, Adeayo (7 November 2023). "Asake makes history as 'Lonely At The Top' reaches 100 million Audiomack streams". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ Adebiyi, Adeayo. "'Lonely At The Top' becomes joint longest #1 song on Nigerian Radio chart". Pulse.ng. Pulse. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Elimian, Godfrey. "Spotify Wrapped: Asake, Davido, Arya Starr dominate Nigeria's music scene in 2023". Technext. Technext. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Nigerian Bulletin. "Nigerian Fans Ecstatic Over Stormzy's Use of Asake's Song in Latest Track". Nigerian Bulletin. Nigerian Bulletin. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ Laketu, Adedayo. "Asake Releases "Lonely At The Top" Remix With H.E.R". okayafrica. okayafrica. Retrieved 2 May 2024.
- ^ Guardian Life. "Asake drops anticipated 'work of arts". Guardian.ng. Guardian.ng. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
- ^ Petridis, Alexis. "Asake: Work of Art review – Nigerian star's brilliance means every track could be a single". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
- ^ Mamo, Heran; Rys, Dan. "Afrobeats Fresh Picks of the Month: Asake, Bloody Civilian, Amaarae, Ckay, Zinoleesky & More". billboard. billboard. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
- ^ Marv, Tomide. "Asake Can't Stop Having Fun on Work of Art". Zikoko. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
- ^ Rolling Stone. "The 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2023". Rolling Stone. Rolling Stone. Retrieved 3 May 2024.
- ^ Bellanaija. "Watch Asake's Live Medley of "Amapiano" & "Lonely at the Top" on VEVO Ctrl". Bellanaija. Bellanaija. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ "Asake & H.E.R. Unplugged: "Lonely at the Top" Acoustic [Official Video]". African L'Homme. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ "Nigeria certifications". TurnTable. Retrieved 26 October 2024.