Artist spotlight: Yung Ace Talent, Passion, and Shaping Nigeria’s Afrobeat Scene
- May 20
- 2 min read
YungAce, born Sokan Oreoluwa Samuel, is a fast rising Nigerian singer, songwriter, performing artiste, producer, and audio engineer making steady waves in the Afro-fusion and contemporary Nigerian music scene. Known for his versatility and sonic creativity, YungAce blends Afrobeats, trap, and experimental sounds to create a distinct musical identity that continues to attract growing attention across Africa and beyond.
He began his musical journey at the age of 13 and initially performed under the name “ACE” before rebranding to “YUNGACE” in 2010. His early dedication paid off in 2014 when he won the Coke Studio Campus Competition at the University of Lagos, a breakthrough moment that earned him the opportunity to perform live alongside Nigerian superstar Olamide. This milestone helped position him as one of the promising talents emerging from Nigeria’s vibrant campus music scene.
In 2015, YungAce released his first official single titled “Joromi,” which gained significant traction within the University of Lagos community and beyond. He further expanded his reach in 2016 with the release of “Kilode,” an Alujo-trap collaboration featuring Chocolate City’s Dice Ailes. These early releases showcased his ability to fuse indigenous rhythms with modern urban sounds.
By 2020, YungAce elevated his profile with the release of “FALL,” featuring Oxlade, a record that quickly became a fan favorite. The track’s success led to multiple remixes, including an African version featuring Nviiri the Storyteller and Quamina Mp from Ghana, as well as a French remix featuring Joe Kingston and Jupiter Davibe, highlighting his growing international appeal. YungAce released his soothing EP PAWN, featuring standout tracks like “XTRA YAWA,” “SIN,” “SAWA,” “FEAR GOD,” and “HOSSA.” He also introduced a unique sound blend called “FujiPiano” on his single “I DON’T CARE,” merging amapiano with Fuji influences. Beyond his growing catalog of music releases, YungAce has continued to make remarkable strides within the entertainment industry through standout performances and impressive production contributions. From gracing major stages such as FALZ Live in London and AY Live shows to engineering records for celebrated artists including Asake, Victony, and Ayra Starr, his versatility and dedication remain evident. As his influence continues to expand, YungAce is steadily cementing his place as one of Nigeria’s promising voices in the evolving Afrobeats landscape.
