Afrobeats sensation Asake surprises fans as guest of honor—handling the ceremonial coin toss and bringing an extra beat to the MLS showdown.
A Glamorous Pre-Match Moment
Nigerian Afrobeats star Ahmed Ololade, better known as Asake, stepped off the stage and onto the pitch as guest of honor at the Major League Soccer clash between the New York Red Bulls and Columbus Crew on August 31, 2025. There, he took on the ceremonial coin toss—setting the tone for kickoff with flair and panache.Punch Newspapers+10Punch Newspapers+10Threads+10
Lights, Camera, Coin Toss
Shared on Instagram, the viral footage captures Asake standing between referees, flipping the coin to decide kick-off—and even having one of his hit tracks played over the stadium speakers.Punch Newspapers+2Punch Newspapers+2 The fixture ultimately ended in a goalless draw.
Star Power Meets the Pitch
After the toss, Asake shook hands with both team captains and posed with match officials, flashing his signature charm. He got into the action further by juggling a ball pitch‑side, drawing amused looks from veteran star Eric Maxim Choupo‑Moting—and the two later greeted each other warmly.Threads+5Punch Newspapers+5Punch Newspapers+5
From Hitmaker to Global Icon
Asake rose to fame in Nigeria with his 2020 smash, “Lady”, and later signed with YBNL in 2022. With three studio albums under his belt—Mr Money With The Vibes (2022), Work of Art (2023), and Lungu Boy (2024)—the artist now boasts international recognition, including a 2025 Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category.Pulse Nigeria+3Punch Newspapers+3Punch Newspapers+3
Quick Summary Table
| Highlight | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Asake conducts coin toss at MLS match between New York Red Bulls and Columbus |
| Special Touch | His music played before kick-off, and he mingled with players and officials |
| Memorable Moment | Ball juggling with Choupo-Moting pitch-side |
| Artist Profile | Afrobeats Grammy-nominee with three albums and international acclaim |
Why It Works for EmeraldLoaded Readers
- Cultural Cool Factor: This is a rare crossover—African music meets American sports in real time.
- Unique Take: Less expected than a regular celebrity cameo—this is Asake stepping into sporting tradition with style.
- Engagement Potential: Sparks buzz among fans of music, football, and cross-cultural moments.
