Nigerian music sensation, Ahmed Ololade, known by his stage name Asake, recently unveiled a remarkable tale of perseverance and determination in his quest to join the ranks of YBNL Nation, led by the renowned rapper, Olamide.
According to Asake, the process of joining the prestigious record label was far from instantaneous. In fact, it involved two years of heartfelt pleading before his dream became a reality. Recounting the pivotal moment, Asake disclosed that he had been relentlessly seeking Olamide’s attention and approval since 2020, aspiring to be signed under the YBNL Nation banner. His fervent appeals finally paid off when Olamide extended an invitation to Asake, inquiring whether he harbored an interest in joining the esteemed record label.
Sharing the electrifying moment during an interview with Hip TV, Asake reminisced, “Before he [Olamide] signed me, I’ve been begging Baddo [Olamide] since 2020 to sign me. One day, I got to his house, then he asked me… This part burst my head. This is how he signed me. He said, ‘How are you, Asake?’ I said I’m fine. And he asked me, ‘Would you like to join YBNL?’”
Asake’s narrative unveils the blend of excitement and trepidation that enveloped him when Olamide presented the life-altering proposition. “You don’t understand, for somebody you look up to, somebody you respect, somebody you’ve been longing to see, to ask you that question. I told him that I’m ready,” Asake recalled. He further relayed Olamide’s counsel to deliberate on the decision, seek legal advice, and meticulously examine the nature of the contract. However, consumed by an overwhelming fondness for the YBNL family, Asake’s heart was set, impelling him to declare, “Baba, sign me now now now. I don’t want any lawyer. Because I love the [YBNL] family so much even from afar.”
The culmination of Asake’s unwavering pursuit materialized in February 2022 when he officially signed with YBNL Nation. Notably, he wasted no time in making his mark, swiftly releasing his debut extended play, “Ololade,” in the same month. The EP not only showcased his musical prowess but also featured the chart-topping track ‘Omo Ope,’ a collaboration with Olamide, alongside the hit single ‘Sungba.’
Asake’s journey serves as a testament to the power of persistence and unwavering dedication, epitomizing the adage that with resilience and perseverance, dreams can indeed become a tangible reality.
