Asake

Ahmed Ololade, born on January 13, 1995, and professionally known as Asake, is a prominent Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter. His stage name, derived from his mother’s name, reflects his deep personal connection to his roots. Asake is signed to YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution, and his career has rapidly ascended since its inception. He began his journey in music while studying Theatre and Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria, where he developed a passion for performance and songwriting.

Asake’s music career officially took off in 2020 when he released his debut single “Mr. Money,” which gained significant attention. In February 2022, he was signed by Nigerian artist Olamide to YBNL Records, a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of his rise to prominence. That same month, he released his debut extended play, Ololade, featuring the breakthrough track “Omo Ope” with Olamide and “Sungba,” which helped establish him as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene. The EP’s success led to Asake signing a distribution deal with Empire in July 2022.

Asake’s debut studio album, Mr. Money with the Vibe, was released on September 8, 2022. The album, supported by singles like “Terminator,” “Peace Be Unto You,” and a remix of “Sungba” with Burna Boy, broke several records globally. It debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200, making it the highest-charting Nigerian debut album at that time. The success of the album was further highlighted by a sold-out tour in the UK, although it was marred by a tragic crowd crush incident at the O2 Academy Brixton, which resulted in two fatalities.

In December 2022, Asake was named “Artiste of the Year” by Audiomack, a testament to his significant impact and popularity. His debut album amassed over 330 million streams, and he continued to build on his success with new releases in early 2023. Tracks like “Yoga” and “2:30” showcased his versatility, while “Amapiano,” a collaboration with Olamide, further cemented his place in the music industry.

Asake’s second studio album, Work of Art, was released on June 16, 2023. The album debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200, matching the success of his debut album. It also reached number 20 on the UK Albums Chart and number 59 on the Irish Albums Chart. The album was recognized as the most-streamed Nigerian album of 2023 by Nigeria’s TurnTable charts, reflecting his growing influence and reach.

In 2024, Asake announced his third studio album, Lungu Boy, and a global tour titled the Lungu Boy World Tour. His musical style is a fusion of Afrobeats, dynamic rap, street pop, and Fuji music, with a distinctive blend of Yoruba and English lyrics. Asake’s sound is characterized by its up-tempo AfroFusion and Amapiano production, often incorporating Nigerian Pidgin and urban slang.

Throughout his career, Asake has received numerous accolades, including winning Best African Artist of the Year at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. His innovative approach to music and ability to blend traditional Yoruba elements with contemporary sounds have made him a standout artist in the Afrobeats genre and beyond.