Being true to oneself is the surest path to a long and successful career, Afrobeats superstar Asake has said.

Speaking on Close Friends Only (Speed Round) with Afrobeats legend Wizkid, Asake noted that authenticity is the most important factor in sustaining success, followed closely by surrounding oneself with the right people.

The conversation comes ahead of the duo’s surprise debut joint album, Real Vol. 1, set for release this Christmas.

Read: 'Real': Wizkid announces joint project with Asake out Dec 2025

Asked by Wizkid what it takes to have a long career, Asake was emphatic.

“You have to be authentic. You don’t have to sound like someone else; you just have to go with the way you can do your own and be proud of it,” he said.

He added that collaboration is equally vital, and even more, with talented and skilled people.

“The second one is to probably work with good musicians because you can’t do it alone,” the Lonely At the Top hitmaker said.

Wizkid then offered a third key ingredient.

“Hard work is what actually determines how far you get,” he said, rounding off the exchange between the two Afrobeats powerhouses.

A creative fusion of Fuji, Amapiano and Afrobeats, an Asake song is instantly recognisable. His sound stands out through a raw vocal texture, emotive delivery and distinctive use of Yoruba, among other elements. On the importance of working with the right people, Asake’s rise accelerated after he was spotted and signed by Nigerian rap icon Olamide, founder of YBNL.

Since the 2010s, Wizkid has been relentless in releasing music, establishing himself as one of Africa’s most prolific artists. Renowned for his intense studio routine, he records far beyond what is eventually released and has remained relevant despite constantly shifting sounds and tastes. One of the most influential figures in modern African music, Wizkid’s journey from hard beginnings to global heights remains a deeply inspiring story.