Asake, the electrifying Nigerian artist whose Afrofusion sound has taken the world by storm, embodies a meteoric rise from the vibrant streets of Lagos to global stages, transforming the landscape of Afrobeats with his distinctive blend of Amapiano, Fuji, and street pop.
Born Ahmed Ololade on January 13, 1995, in Lagos State, this Yoruba talent—whose stage name honors his mother—shifted from a dancer and theatre student at Obafemi Awolowo University to a music sensation, catapulting to fame with his 2020 viral hit “Lady” and cementing his status with three consecutive chart-topping albums by 2024.
At 30, Asake’s journey from homelessness to headlining London’s O2 Arena reflects a relentless drive and creative ingenuity, positioning him as a cultural force whose influence spans continents as of April 7, 2025.
This Asake biography delves into the dynamic arc of a musician whose artistry and ambition have redefined Nigeria’s sonic footprint, offering a lens into the fusion of cultural heritage and modern innovation that fuels his success.
From his early days as a backup vocalist for Broda Shaggi to his breakthrough under Olamide’s YBNL Nation in 2022, followed by his bold move to independence with Giran Republic in 2025, Asake’s career is a testament to versatility and resilience.
His record-breaking albums—Mr. Money with the Vibe, Work of Art, and Lungu Boy—alongside sold-out international tours and a Grammy nomination, highlight his ascent, while personal challenges and the 2022 Brixton tragedy add depth to his narrative.
What follows is an in-depth exploration of his early years, pre-stardom career, musical triumphs, key achievements, personal life, and the evolving legacy of an artist whose sound continues to echo from Lagos to the global stage, reshaping Afrobeats for a new generation.
Bio-Data
| Name | Ahmed Ololade (professionally known as Asake) |
| Date of Birth | January 13, 1995 |
| Age | 30 years old as at April 2025 |
| Place of Birth | Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Occupation | Singer, Songwriter, Performer |
| Record Label | Giran Republic (current, founded February 2025); previously YBNL Nation (2022–2025) with distribution by Empire |
| Genre of Music | Afrofusion (blending Afrobeats, Amapiano, Fuji, and Street Pop) |
| Most Viral Song | “Lady” (2020, his breakthrough freestyle that gained massive traction on social media) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $1.8–2 million USD (based on music sales, tours, and endorsements) |
| Source | Bsgistnews.com |
Early Life and Education
Ahmed Ololade, known professionally as Asake, was born on January 13, 1995, in Lagos State, Nigeria, into a Yoruba Muslim family.
Raised by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ololade, his father an entrepreneur and his mother a teacher—Asake grew up in the bustling, culturally rich city of Lagos, an environment that shaped his musical influences and creative outlook.
His stage name, “Asake,” is a tribute to his mother’s first name, symbolizing his deep connection to his family roots.
From a young age, Asake displayed a flair for the arts, excelling as a dancer specializing in cultural and ethnic styles during his high school years at an undisclosed institution in Lagos.
This passion for performance led him to pursue higher education at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Dramatic Arts, honing skills that would later define his dynamic stage presence.
Asake’s Career Before Music Stardom
Before fully embracing a music career, Asake explored various artistic avenues that showcased his versatility.
His early foray into entertainment began with dancing, a talent he nurtured through school performances and local engagements.
While at OAU, he blended his love for dance with a growing interest in music, often entertaining peers with freestyles and original compositions.
After graduating, Asake briefly ventured into acting, appearing in comedy skits with Nigerian comedian Broda Shaggi, which provided an initial platform for public recognition.
His musical journey took root in 2015 when he began experimenting with songwriting and performing as a backup vocalist in Broda Shaggi’s band, laying the groundwork for his eventual breakthrough.
These early experiences fused hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, and Fuji influences, crafting the unique Afrofusion sound that would later define his artistry.
Music Career
Asake’s rise to prominence began in earnest in 2020 with the release of his freestyle “Lady,” which went viral on social media, catching the attention of influencers like Sydney Talker, NastyBlaq, and Broda Shaggi.
The song’s success propelled him into the spotlight, followed by “Mr. Money” later that year, a track that earned him the nickname “Mr. Money” and two City People Music Awards for Popular Song of the Year and Best Collabo.
In February 2022, his career skyrocketed when he signed with YBNL Nation, the label of Nigerian superstar Olamide, after years of persistent outreach to the rapper.
That same month, he released his debut EP, Ololade Asake, featuring the breakout hit “Omo Ope” with Olamide and “Sungba,” both of which dominated Nigerian charts.
In July 2022, Asake inked a distribution deal with Empire, amplifying his global reach.
His debut album, Mr. Money with the Vibe, dropped on September 8, 2022, breaking records with the biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music and debuting at number 66 on the Billboard 200—the highest-charting Nigerian debut at the time.
Hits like “Terminator,” “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY),” and a “Sungba” remix with Burna Boy fueled its success, though tragedy struck during his UK tour that December when a crowd crush at London’s O2 Academy Brixton claimed two lives.
Undeterred, Asake’s sophomore album, Work of Art, released on June 16, 2023, continued his momentum, also debuting at number 66 on the Billboard 200 and earning a BRIT silver certification in the UK.
His third album, Lungu Boy, released in August 2024, solidified his dominance, becoming Nigeria’s longest-running number-one album and setting a Spotify record for the biggest opening day for a Nigerian album with 9.2 million streams.
Featuring global stars like Wizkid, Travis Scott, Central Cee, Stormzy, and Ludmilla, it showcased his evolution.
In February 2025, Asake parted ways with YBNL Nation, launching his independent label, Giran Republic, with the single “Why Love,” marking a new chapter in his career.
Major Achievements
Asake’s meteoric rise is punctuated by groundbreaking achievements.
His debut album broke streaming records and sold out three dates at London’s O2 Academy Brixton in 2022, while his 2023 O2 Arena sell-out—complete with a helicopter entrance—placed him among Nigeria’s elite performers like Wizkid and Burna Boy.
Lungu Boy’s “MMS” with Wizkid set a Spotify Nigeria record for most first-day streams.
His accolades include Breakout Artist of the Year at the 2022 All Africa Music Awards, Best African Artist at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, and Album of the Year and Next Rated at the 2023 Headies.
In 2023, he won a MOBO Award, and though he lost the inaugural Grammy for Best African Music Performance to Tyla in 2024, his nomination underscored his global impact.
Personal Life
Asake remains private about his personal life, keeping family and romantic details out of the public eye.
Born to Yoruba parents in a Muslim household, he has not disclosed information about siblings or his upbringing beyond his parents’ professions.
Despite rumors linking him to singer Madame Mystique in 2023 after affectionate photos surfaced, Asake has neither confirmed nor denied a relationship, focusing instead on his craft.
His music reflects his Yoruba heritage, blending the language with pidgin and slang, a nod to his Lagos roots and cultural pride.
Legacy and Impact
As of April 7, 2025, Asake, at 30, stands as a trailblazer in Afrobeats, his Afrofusion sound melding Amapiano, Fuji, and street pop—redefining the genre’s global reach.
From homelessness in Nigeria to selling out London’s O2 Arena twice by 2023, his journey embodies perseverance.
With an estimated net worth of $1.8–2 million, built from music sales, tours, and endorsements, he’s among Africa’s most bankable stars.
Critics occasionally point to the Brixton tragedy or his YBNL exit as contentious moments, but his fans celebrate his innovation and consistency.
Asake’s three consecutive number-one albums and independent move with Giran Republic signal a legacy still unfolding, one that bridges Nigerian street culture with international stardom, cementing his place in music history.
Conclusion
Asake’s ascent through the vibrant tapestry of Nigeria’s music scene stands as a powerful narrative of talent, tenacity, and transformation, a journey that has carried him from the bustling streets of Lagos to the forefront of global Afrobeats with an unmistakable Afrofusion flair.
Born Ahmed Ololade on January 13, 1995, Asake has evolved from a Yoruba dancer and theatre graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University into a musical powerhouse, his career ignited by the viral success of “Lady” in 2020 and propelled by three consecutive number-one albums—Mr. Money with the Vibe (2022), Work of Art (2023), and Lungu Boy (2024)—that have shattered streaming records and redefined the genre’s boundaries.
At 30, his recent transition from YBNL Nation to his independent label, Giran Republic, with the February 2025 single “Why Love,” marks a bold new chapter, cementing his status as a visionary artist as of April 7, 2025.
Asake’s legacy is illuminated by a string of groundbreaking achievements that blend cultural resonance with commercial triumph.
His debut album set a record for the biggest opening day for an African release on Apple Music, while Lungu Boy’s 9.2 million first-day streams on Spotify Nigeria underscored his dominance, bolstered by collaborations with icons like Wizkid, Travis Scott, and Stormzy.
Sold-out shows at London’s O2 Arena and a Grammy nomination in 2024 affirm his international stature, yet his path has not been without turbulence—the 2022 Brixton crowd crush tragedy and his YBNL departure have sparked debates about his management and responsibility.
With a net worth estimated at $1.8–2 million, built on music, tours, and endorsements, Asake’s influence extends beyond charts to the streets, where his Yoruba-infused lyrics and slang resonate with a generation seeking identity in sound.
On a personal level, Asake remains an enigma, guarding details of his family and romantic life while channeling his Lagos roots into a sound that bridges tradition and modernity.
His private demeanor contrasts with his explosive stage presence, a duality that endears him to fans who see both a relatable “Lungu Boy” and a global star.
As of April 7, 2025, Asake stands at a pivotal juncture—his independence with Giran Republic signaling untapped potential, his artistry a beacon for Afrobeats’ next wave.
Whether history will remember him as a fleeting phenomenon or a lasting architect of African music’s global rise, his impact from Nigeria’s airwaves to London’s arenas is undeniable.
At 30, Asake’s story is far from complete, his legacy a vibrant work in progress that continues to pulse with the rhythm of a culture he both reflects and redefines.
Frequently Asked Questions on Asake
1. Who is Asake?
Asake, born Ahmed Ololade, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter known for his Afrofusion sound, rising to fame with hits like “Omo Ope” and “Terminator,” and currently leading his independent label, Giran Republic.
2. When and where was Asake born?
He was born on January 13, 1995, in Lagos State, Nigeria.
3. What is Asake’s age in 2025?
As of April 7, 2025, he is 30 years old.
4. What is Asake’s real name?
His real name is Ahmed Ololade; “Asake” is his stage name, derived from his mother’s first name.
5. What is Asake’s ethnic background?
He is Yoruba, hailing from a Muslim family in Lagos, Nigeria.
6. Where did Asake study?
He attended Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre and Dramatic Arts.
7. How did Asake start his music career?
He began with dancing and freestyles at OAU, later performing as a backup vocalist for Broda Shaggi before releasing his viral freestyle “Lady” in 2020.
8. What was Asake’s first viral song?
“Lady,” released in 2020, went viral on social media, marking his breakthrough and earning widespread attention.
9. When did Asake sign with YBNL Nation?
He signed with Olamide’s YBNL Nation in February 2022, launching his mainstream career with the Ololade Asake EP.
10. Why did Asake leave YBNL Nation?
In February 2025, he parted ways with YBNL to start his independent label, Giran Republic, seeking creative control after three successful albums.
11. What is Asake’s current record label?
As of April 7, 2025, he runs Giran Republic, his own label, following his exit from YBNL Nation.
12. What genre of music does Asake perform?
He specializes in Afrofusion, blending Afrobeats, Amapiano, Fuji, and street pop with Yoruba lyrics and pidgin slang.
13. What is Asake’s debut album?
Mr. Money with the Vibe, released on September 8, 2022, was his debut, breaking records as the biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music.
14. What are Asake’s most popular songs?
Hits include “Omo Ope,” “Sungba,” “Terminator,” “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY),” and “MMS” from Lungu Boy.
15. What awards has Asake won?
He’s won Breakout Artist (2022 All Africa Music Awards), Best African Artist (2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards), Album of the Year and Next Rated (2023 Headies), and a 2023 MOBO Award.
16. Did Asake get nominated for a Grammy?
Yes, he was nominated for Best African Music Performance in 2024 for “MMS” but lost to Tyla’s “Water.”
17. What is Asake’s biggest streaming record?
Lungu Boy (2024) set a Spotify Nigeria record with 9.2 million streams on its opening day, the biggest for a Nigerian album.
18. How many albums has Ahmed Ololade released?
He has released three: Mr. Money with the Vibe (2022), Work of Art (2023), and Lungu Boy (2024).
19. What was Asake’s O2 Arena achievement?
He sold out London’s O2 Arena in August 2023, entering via helicopter, joining Nigerian elites like Wizkid and Burna Boy.
20. What happened at Asake’s Brixton concert?
On December 15, 2022, a crowd crush at London’s O2 Academy Brixton during his show killed two fans, halting his UK tour; he expressed devastation but faced no legal blame.
21. Why was Asake criticized after the Brixton incident?
Some fans and critics questioned venue safety and his management’s crowd control, though investigations cleared him of direct responsibility.
22. What collaborations has Asake done?
He’s worked with Olamide (“Omo Ope”), Burna Boy (“Sungba Remix”), Wizkid (“MMS”), Travis Scott, Central Cee, and Stormzy on Lungu Boy.
23. Is Ahmed Ololade married or dating?
He’s private about his love life; rumors linked him to Madame Mystique in 2023, but he’s neither confirmed nor denied a relationship.
24. Does Asake have children?
No public information confirms he has children as of April 7, 2025.
25. What is Asake’s religion?
He was raised in a Yoruba Muslim household, though he rarely discusses his faith publicly.
26. What inspired Asake’s stage name?
“Asake” is his mother’s first name, chosen to honor her influence on his life and career.
27. What is Asake’s net worth?
Estimated at $1.8–2 million USD as of April 7, 2025, from music, tours, and endorsements, though unofficial.
28. How has Asake impacted Afrobeats?
His Afrofusion sound has globalized Afrobeats, blending Yoruba culture with Amapiano and street vibes, inspiring a new wave of artists.
29. What do fans call Ahmed Ololade?
Known as “Mr. Money” from his 2020 hit, fans also dub him “Lungu Boy,” reflecting his street-rooted persona from his 2024 album.
30. What is Ahmed Ololade’s legacy as of 2025?
At 30, he’s a trailblazer with three record-breaking albums, sold-out global shows, and an independent label, reshaping Afrobeats with cultural depth and innovation.
