Ahmed Ololade, known globally as Asake, is a Nigerian Afrobeats powerhouse whose meteoric rise is one of the most explosive “grass-to-grace” stories in modern African music history. Born on January 13, 1995, in Lagos State, Nigeria, he went from a struggling street hustler and backup dancer to selling out the world’s most iconic arenas in record time.
👉 His stage name “Asake” is actually his mother’s first name, which he adopted as a beautiful tribute to her.
⭐ Raised in a modest Lagos household, he started out as a dancer in high school, playing drums in the school band, and singing in his church choir.
🧬 He studied Theatre and Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). During this time, he was heavily booed off a stage while trying to channel Fela Kuti. He spent years in obscurity, acting in Nollywood Yoruba films, making comedy skits, and even working as a road manager for comedian Broda Shaggi just to get a chance to perform his music.
🔥.Asake began independently releasing music around 2018 under names like “Medoo”.
🤑 His career found solid footing later that year with “Mr. Money”, which spawned a massive remix featuring Zlatan and Peruzzi. It established his signature “street pop” identity.
👉 In February 2022, indigenous rap icon Olamide officially signed Asake to his powerhouse record label, YBNL Nation.
💕 He immediately dropped his debut EP Ololade, anchored by the smash hit “Omo Ope”. He followed it with “Sungba”, which caught the attention of Burna Boy for an unforgettable remix.
🔥 In September 2022, he dropped his debut album, Mr. Money with the Vibe. It shattered records as the biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music and debuted at #66 on the Billboard 200. He famously landed 15 consecutive number-one songs on Apple Music Nigeria.
🆒 Asake completely redefined Afrobeats by masterfully blending uptempo South African Amapiano house beats with traditional Yoruba Fuji music, heavy choir harmonies, and street slang.
🚗 Within less than two years of his mainstream breakout, Asake achieved the impossible by selling out London’s legendary 20,000-capacity O2 Arena and New York’s Barclays Center.
🚌 He proved he was no one-hit-wonder by following up with his critically acclaimed sophomore album Work of Art (2023) featuring “Lonely At The Top” and his star-studded third album Lungu Boy (2024), which featured Travis Scott and Stormzy.
👑 His historic run has earned him a Grammy nomination for his track “Amapiano,” alongside multiple Next Rated and Artist of the Year crowns at The Headies.
