Song Introduction
Blaqbonez, the Nigerian rap star known for his sharp lyricism and self-proclaimed title as the "Best Rapper in Africa," has returned with a brand new single titled "Chanel" featuring fellow Nigerian hitmaker Asake. Released on May 21, 2026, this track blends Blaqbonez's confident rap delivery with Asake's signature melodic style, creating an infectious Afrobeats anthem that celebrates luxury, success, and swagger.
The song marks another exciting collaboration between two of Nigeria's most dynamic artists. Blaqbonez, who has built a reputation for his witty wordplay and unapologetic confidence, teams up with Asake—whose rise to stardom has been meteoric—to deliver a track that is equal parts braggadocious and catchy. "Chanel" is a celebration of the high life, with references to designer brands, expensive jewelry, and an unshakable self-belief that defines both artists' personas.
The track was released under the Chocolate City Music imprint, continuing Blaqbonez's streak of delivering hit records that resonate across the African continent and beyond. With its blend of Yoruba-infused lyrics, English rap verses, and a pulsating Afrobeats production, "Chanel" is poised to become a staple on playlists worldwide.
Lyrics
[Intro: Blaqbonez]
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm
Mm-hmm, mm-hmm-hmm
Spy, why you up, boy?
Huh
[Chorus: Blaqbonez]
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
On my neck, IYOO CARTEL
Bad girl say she want Chanel, Chanel, mm
F'ọkàn ba'lẹ̀, Nike, everything correct
Me, I hear say you dey vex, hmm, pẹ̀lẹ́
Yeah, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
On my neck, IYOO CARTEL
Bad girl say she want Chanel, huh, Chanel
F'ọkàn ba'lẹ̀, Nike, everything correct
Me, I hear say you dey vex
Huh, pẹ̀lẹ́
[Verse 1: Blaqbonez]
Why I go dey chase when na me go dey catch?
Kele dey my DM, say she love my charisma
Say-say she love a tall black boy, na me be am (Oh, haha)
Huh, mm, yeah
Rollie on my wrist expensive, move executive
Ten-car fleet like a deputy
Only chase the president, front row, VETEMENTS
Blaq in the country, be like Shaboozey
[Verse 2: Asake, Blaqbonez]
Your girlfriend emi ni baby ẹ
One, two, three, four, Cartier
Steel, Bolaji Suarez
Stones and the diamonds flawless
Mortal Kombat with my Liu Kang
Too many scoping my finesse, finesse (Word)
On a bolo, on a bolo (Yeah)
And no be say I get Apollo, oh (Gbé mi débẹ̀)
My swag just dey cholo, oh, solo, oh, ah
Ológo (Kẹ́ pọ̀), is ológo
Fine boy, ọmọ Awólọ́wọ̀
Mr. Money, I be bololo (Yeah)
[Chorus: Blaqbonez]
Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
On my neck, IYOO CARTEL
Bad girl say she want Chanel
Chanel, mm
F'ọkàn ba'lẹ̀, Nike, everything correct (Ehen)
Me, I hear say you dey vex
Hmm, pẹ̀lẹ́
Yeah, Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (Ehen)
On my neck, IYOO CARTEL
Bad girl say she want Chanel
Huh, Chanel (Chanel, she want)
F'ọkàn ba'lẹ̀ (F'ọkàn ba'lẹ̀), Nike, everything correct (Everything correct)
Me, I hear say you dey vex (Eh, eh)
Huh, pẹ̀lẹ́ (Yeah)
[Outro: Blaqbonez]
Fresh Prince of, yeah
On my neck, IYOO— (Cartel, hm, hm)
Bad girl say she want Cha' (Oroma, hm, hm), 'nel, uh (Oroma, everything, body, I follow her)
F'ọkàn ba'lẹ̀, ah (Jah, Jay, ah), Nike, everything correct (Mm-mm, uh, follow back)
Me, I hear say you dey vex (I dey with your bitch, I unfollow her)
Hmm, pẹ̀lẹ́ (I dey, yeah)
Lyrics Meaning
Chorus — "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air"
The chorus immediately sets the tone with the reference to "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air," the iconic 90s sitcom starring Will Smith. Blaqbonez uses this as a metaphor for his own rise to fame and wealth—just as Will Smith's character went from a modest background to living in a mansion in Bel-Air, Blaqbonez sees himself as having elevated his status to the highest level. The line "On my neck, IYOO CARTEL" refers to expensive jewelry (likely a chain or pendant) from a luxury brand or custom piece, signaling his financial success.
The repeated phrase "Bad girl say she want Chanel" is straightforward—women are attracted to his wealth and status, specifically desiring the luxury French fashion house Chanel. The Yoruba phrase "F'ọkàn ba'lẹ̀" translates roughly to "put your mind at ease" or "don't worry," suggesting that despite the haters ("Me, I hear say you dey vex" — "I heard that you're angry/upset"), he remains calm and unbothered. "Pẹ̀lẹ́" is a Yoruba word meaning "sorry" or "take it easy," used here sarcastically to mock those who are envious of his success.
Verse 1 — Blaqbonez's Solo Verse
Blaqbonez opens his verse with a rhetorical question: "Why I go dey chase when na me go dey catch?" This means "Why would I be chasing when I'm the one doing the catching?"—a declaration that he is the prize, not the pursuer. He flips the traditional narrative where men chase women; instead, women are the ones pursuing him.
The line "Kele dey my DM, say she love my charisma" confirms this—women are sliding into his direct messages, attracted to his personality and presence. He embraces the "tall black boy" archetype that women desire, owning it with confidence.
The luxury references continue: "Rollie on my wrist expensive" refers to a Rolex watch, "move executive" describes his lifestyle, and "Ten-car fleet like a deputy" paints a picture of an extravagant car collection. "Only chase the president, front row, VETEMENTS" shows that he only associates with the highest level of success (the "president" metaphorically) and wears high-end fashion brand VETEMENTS. The comparison to Shaboozey—an artist known for blending country and hip-hop—might suggest Blaqbonez sees himself as similarly innovative and genre-defying within the Nigerian music scene.
Verse 2 — Asake's Feature
Asake brings his signature melodic flow to the second verse, opening with "Your girlfriend emi ni baby ẹ," which translates to "Your girlfriend, I'm her baby"—a bold claim that he's stealing other men's partners effortlessly. The counting "One, two, three, four, Cartier" references the luxury jewelry brand, while "Steel, Bolaji Suarez" is a clever wordplay combining steel (as in steel watches or jewelry) with a name that sounds like a luxury brand.
"Stones and the diamonds flawless" continues the jewelry theme, and "Mortal Kombat with my Liu Kang" is a pop culture reference to the iconic fighting game—Liu Kang is one of the main characters, known for his powerful moves. Asake is saying his style and finesse are as lethal and impressive as a video game fighter's special moves.
"Too many scoping my finesse" means many people are watching and admiring his smooth style. "On a bolo" likely refers to being on a roll or in a state of success. "And no be say I get Apollo, oh" clarifies that he doesn't actually own an Apollo (a luxury car or spacecraft reference), but "My swag just dey cholo, oh, solo, oh, ah"—his swagger is just naturally cool and stands alone.
"Ológo" is a Yoruba word meaning "famous person" or "glorious one," and "Fine boy, ọmọ Awólọ́wọ̀" identifies him as a handsome man from a respected lineage (Awolowo was a legendary Nigerian political figure). "Mr. Money, I be bololo" reinforces his wealthy persona—"bololo" in Nigerian slang can mean someone who is well-established or doing well financially.
Outro
The outro reprises the chorus with added ad-libs and background vocals, creating a fade-out effect. The layered vocals and repeated "Oroma" (a term of endearment or praise) add a celebratory, almost chant-like quality to the ending. The final lines "I dey with your bitch, I unfollow her" is a final flex—he's so confident that he can be with someone's partner and then casually dismiss her, showing complete control and indifference.
Conclusion
"Chanel" by Blaqbonez featuring Asake is a masterclass in modern Afrobeats braggadocio. The track succeeds because it doesn't try to be overly complex—its strength lies in its infectious energy, catchy hooks, and the seamless blend of Blaqbonez's rap prowess with Asake's melodic sensibilities.
The song is a celebration of success, luxury, and unshakeable confidence. Through references to high-end brands like Chanel, Cartier, Nike, and VETEMENTS, the artists paint a vivid picture of a lifestyle that many aspire to. The use of Yoruba language throughout the track grounds it in Nigerian culture while making it accessible to a global audience—a hallmark of the Afrobeats genre's international appeal.
What makes "Chanel" particularly compelling is the chemistry between Blaqbonez and Asake. Blaqbonez brings the bars and the attitude, while Asake adds the melody and the swagger. Together, they create a track that feels both authentic to their individual styles and cohesive as a collaborative effort.
For fans of Nigerian music and Afrobeats in general, "Chanel" is a must-listen. It's the kind of song that works equally well in a club setting, at a party, or as a personal anthem for anyone feeling themselves. Blaqbonez continues to prove why he calls himself the Best Rapper in Africa, and with Asake by his side, "Chanel" is yet another hit to add to his impressive catalog.
