“Afrobeat Meets MLS: Asake Steals The Spotlight With Ceremonial Coin Toss”

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, was the guest of honour at a Major League Soccer (MLS) clash between New York Red Bulls and Columbus on Sunday, where he performed the ceremonial coin toss before kick-off.

The singer shared photos and short clips on Instagram showing him standing between match officials as he flipped the coin to decide kick-off and sides. He captioned the post: “Asake music gives you wings.” One of his hit songs was also played over the stadium speakers during the pre-match ceremony.

The footage further captured Asake exchanging handshakes with both team captains and posing with match officials. In another clip, the singer was seen juggling a ball pitch-side while Cameroon international Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, 36, looked on. The pair later shook hands and had a brief conversation.

The MLS fixture ended in a goalless draw.

Asake first rose to fame with his 2020 single “Lady” before signing with Olamide’s YBNL Nation in February 2022. Since then, he has released three studio albums—Mr Money With The Vibes (2022), Work of Art (2023), and Lungu Boy (2024)—earning global recognition, including a 2025 Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance.