Nigerian rapper and singer Blaqbonez stars in music video for new single “Chanel” feat Asake
Blaqbonez - Chanel (feat. Asake) [Official Music Video]
Nigerian powerhouses Blaqbonez and Asake join forces on brand new single “Chanel”, one of the most anticipated releases of 2026, out now via Chocolate City Music. The song had already been gaining serious momentum (2.5 million+ views across socials) over the past few months with Blaqbonez solo on the track, but as its popularity continued to snowball, he brought in Asake, an early supporter of the record, to elevate the buzz even further. Arriving fresh off the momentum of Blaqbonez’s “No Excuses (Deluxe)” album and a sold-out UK tour run, “Chanel” signals the start of another bold chapter for one of African music’s most unpredictable stars. Confident, stylish, and effortlessly infectious, “Chanel” sees Blaqbonez in his element, charismatic, witty, and fully embracing the larger-than-life persona that’s made him one of the most distinctive voices in the game. The record blends swagger and luxury, while Asake brings his unmistakable energy and melodic flair to a collaboration that has already caught fire online.
Born Akumefule Chukwuemeka George, Blaqbonez began rapping at 13 and built an early following through freestyle culture while studying at Obafemi Awolowo University. His rise through Nigeria’s battle rap scene, including wins at Terry Tha Rapman’s Zombie competition and the Hennessy VS Class of 2015, quickly established him as one of the country’s sharpest lyricists. Since signing to Chocolate City’s 100 Crowns imprint, he has consistently pushed boundaries, blending Hip-Hop, Afrobeats, Drill, R&B, and Alté into a sound entirely his own. His critically acclaimed album “Emeka Must Shine”earned the 2023 Headies Award for Best Rap Album and spawned standout records including “LIKE ICE SPICE” and “NO SLEEP $$$” featuring Young Jonn. Over the years, Blaqbonez has collaborated with a wide range of global artists including Ludacris, Amaarae, Ayra Starr, CKay, Black Sherif, and Victony. Beyond music, he was the only Nigerian hip-hop artist featured in BET’s Grammy Hip Hop at 50 celebration and has appeared on Rolling Stone’s “50 Innovators Shaping Rap’s Next 50 Years” list for three consecutive years.
Meanwhile, 2x Grammy-nominated artist Asake is an Afrobeats singer and songwriter hailing from Nigeria. With a musical journey grounded in spirituality and connection, his sound blends fújì, Afropop and amapiano styles to create infectious melodies with Yoruba-inspired storytelling. Asake’s debut album, Mr. Money With the Vibe (2022), was the highest charting Nigerian debut album in history at the time of its release. His following albums, Work Of Artand Lungu Boy, produced more hits like “Lonely At The Top,” “Remember,” and “Wave.” Lungu Boy secured the spot of the longest-running number one album in Nigerian chart history, and currently ranks among the Top 20 most-streamed Nigerian albums of all time. Asake’s 2024 Lungu Boy World Tour sold out shows at Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, the O2 Arena and other major arenas around the world, further cementing him as one of Afrobeats’ global leading artists. Asake was nominated at the 66th and 67th Grammy awards for Best African Music performance for “Amapiano” (ft. Olamide) and “MMS” (ft. Wizkid).
With “Chanel,” Blaqbonez and Asake deliver a record that feels ambitious, effortless, and undeniably moment-defining, a link-up between two artists continuing to shape the future of African music on their own terms.
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Blaqbonez teams up with Asake on “Chanel” one of the most anticipated Nigerian releases of 2026.
Already generating massive momentum online with over 2.5 million views across socials before its official release, “Chanel” quickly became a fan favorite thanks to Blaqbonez’s signature charisma, sharp wit, and larger-than-life energy. As the buzz continued to grow, Asake , an early supporter of the record — joined the track, bringing his unmistakable melodies and explosive presence to elevate the anthem even further.
Together, Blaqbonez and Asake create a stylish, infectious anthem that captures the spirit of living boldly, moving differently, and embracing success unapologetically.
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Director(s) - Christian Saint@christivnsaint, Edgar Esteves @edgaresteves
@blaqbonez x@mrmoney -"CHANEL" Official music video
Prodiction- lion Sua-Productes @lautos arodulan sudios x New Saint Corp
@newsaintcorp
EP(s) - Edgar Esteves @edgaresteves, Marquis Abrahams @richiealmshouse
BlagBonez MGMT - Morin @mOrrin
Asake MGMT - Mark @Officialkapouk
Shadou - Sameer Malik @directedbysameer, Elina lhelska
UK Production
EP/Producer - Rheon Armotrading@Rheonwoe
1st AD - Zayna Dar @zaynadar_
Production Assistant - Antonio Poplauschi @antonio.productions
Production Assistant - Shadee@shadeeyaghoubi
Production Assistant -@Princemoneey
Post Edit
Editor - Ivo Bright @ivbri
Colorist - Anna @anna.grades_
VFX Post House - Post Box
Title Card Graphics -@marceltettey
Camera
DOP - Hal Pilkington @halpilkington
1st AC - Oliver Chum @oliver.churm
2nd AC - Samuel Harvey @saam_haarvey
Cam Trainee - Gemma Barkaway @gemmabarkawaycamera
Camera Kit Hire -@theunitbag
Lighting
Gaffer - Solar Buckler @Solar_corp_lights @Solar_buckler
Spark - Sasha Hunter@Hunter.on.set
Spark - Lordann @loredann_
Light Trainee - Stefan Krastev @Smiley_wav
Light Trainee - Wil Fleming @wsfleming_
Spark Trainee - Jonathan Bland @jonbland56
Kit Hire - @Greenkitlondon @Solar_corp_lights
Credits | Chanel- Blaqbonez x Asake
Set Designer - Hara Spyrou @hara_spyrou
Art Assistant - Tashanne Grey @thetashgrey
Wardrobe + HMU
HMUA - Paige Cole @paigecolemakeup
Stylist & Fashion Direction - Marcus Ash@marcuspancho Stylist (Blaq) - Naomi Andrews @wearealtworld @naiissance
Stylist (Asake) - Sani Succi @sanusucci
Styling Coordinator (Blaq) - Murina Cotletz @Mirunacotletz
Styling Assistant - Abo Ash@styledbyabo
Styling Assistant - Samuel Ussher@samuel_ussher_
Styling Assistant - Lisa @lisavieirax
Styling Assistant - Jason @Jaseokoh
Cast
Talent Agent -@ashagency7
Models - @mvpx1337, @Princemoney, @itszaintwumasi, @tomitan_333, @not.mayowa, @xochiomaa, @m.baye2.0, @wprincessteresa@naomiakimana_
BTS
BTS Stills + Video - Tola Adisa @visualbyta
Film Photography - Lovell Small @lovell.small
BTS Photography - @isabell_sgr
Video & Photography - Rasheed @rasheedalfa_
Runner - Jasper Cairns @jaspee0
Runner - Ronan Nguyen @phopapi Runner - Jeason Hanson@film.json
Runner - Shai Hector @_official.s 1
Runner - Tobi @mvpx1337
Runner - Ibnardo @ibnardo
Artwork Models:
Naomi akimana
DOluwatomitan Israel
Teresa Williams
Constant Omorogbe
Photographer
Tola Adisa
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Blaqbonez (born Akumefule Chukwuemeka George) is a Nigerian rapper and singer-songwriter known for his chops as an audacious lyricist, energetic flow, and witty wordplay. Signed to Chocolate City Music, the self-proclaimed, "Best Rapper in Africa" (BRIA), grew to mainstream consciousness in 2019 and has since solidified his place in the industry meshing his Igbo, Yoruba and Urhobo cultural upbringing with music influences from Afropop, trap, and hip hop, to electronic music. He was recognised by The New York Times as one of the "new guards" of Nigerian music in the same year.
