ASAKE: A NEW ERA?

By Olamide Lasisi 

Can a single artist redefine the sound of a generation? Asake, the Afropop sensation, has been doing just that, but his latest transformation raises another question: what happens when the architect of a new era decides to reinvent himself?

Ahmed Ololade, widely known as Asake, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter who made his debut In September 2022 after joining Olamide's record label, YBNL, in the same year with the album ‘Mr. Money with the Vibe’ which broke the record for the biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music at the time.

The album also debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200 charts and was recorded as the highest-charting Nigerian debut album in the history of the chart at the time

His second album, ‘Work Of Art,’ which was released in June 2023, also debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200, while his third album, Lungu Boy (2024) became his third consecutive number-one album in Nigeria.

The 'Lonely At The Top' crooner is known for his unique style of blending Up-Tempo Afro-Fusion with Amapiano, leaving his audience to marvel at every minute of his tracks. Some listeners have described his style as close to Afro-Fuji/Afrobeat due to his singing in Yoruba and the use of slang in his songs.

Another fusion Asake is celebrated for is that of the Yórùbá language and Nigerian broken English. The singer attributes this part of his secret sauce to where he was born and bred. “Lagos is my city, and it plays a huge role in my music. Everything I sing about is from the experiences that I have had here. The Lamba (slangs) you hear, the high energy, and the vibrations are all elements of my city. Wherever I go in the world, I will always have my Lagos spirit with me and can’t live anywhere else.”

Asake joined YBNL Nation in February 2022 and, within months, became one of Nigeria’s biggest music exports. By July of that same year, he signed a major distribution deal with Empire, a partnership that remains intact despite his departure from YBNL.

In December 2024, the 'Omo Olope' balladeer confirmed his exit from YBNL after refusing to renew his contract with the record label, heralding a new era, not only in the artist's career path but also in his fashion style, facial look, and style of music. 

It didn't stop there, but Asake has sparked speculation after removing YBNL from his Instagram bio and unfollowing everyone on the platform. A check on his Instagram page on Thursday, December 26, 2025, showed the changes, leaving fans wondering about his relationship with the YBNL label.

While fans have been buzzing about his next career move, it seems Asake is now fully in charge of his music, running things under 'Giran Republic (his record label) with his new song "Why Love."

Asake’s ‘Why Love’ delves into themes of heartbreak, fame, and personal growth, showcasing his ability to blend emotional storytelling with infectious melodies.

The song also captures the struggles of navigating relationships in the spotlight, while still retaining his signature vocal style with a blend of Fuji and Afrobeats sound.

Now, there is a new sound, a new style, a new record label, and above all, a new look, all of which symbolize a new era for the Afrobeat artist. 

Asake’s journey from a breakout star to a trendsetting powerhouse has been nothing short of revolutionary. With each reinvention, he challenges not just the industry but also himself, proving that true artistry lies in evolution. As he steps into this uncharted phase, with a fresh sound, a bold vision, and full creative control, the question is no longer if he can redefine an era, but how far he will take it.  

One thing is certain: Asake is not just riding the wave of Afrobeats, he's creating the tide.