In a development that resonates throughout the Nigerian music industry, Afrobeats star Asake has officially parted ways with Olamide’s YBNL Countryending a very successful chapter that brought him to international fame.
Asake, born Ahmed Ololade, participated YBNL in February 2022 and quickly rose to fame with chart-topping hits like “Omo Ope” And “Sungba.” These tracks dominated the Nigerian airwaves and garnered him global recognition, cementing his position as a rising star in Afrobeats. Speculation about his departure attracted attention after subtle signs appeared on social media, including the deletion YBNL from his Instagram bio and key unfollowers associated with the label, including Olamide.
Reports on social media platforms suggest Aake’s departure after his contract expired YBNL. When offered an extension by Olamide, the artist reportedly chose not to sign, signaling his intention to embark on an independent career or potentially establish his own label. The decision reflects a growing trend of artists seeking more autonomy and creative control over their music and income.
The music community was abuzz with reactions. While some fans expressed concern about the potential implications for Fireboy DML—another popular artist under YBNL—others see Asake’s decision as a natural step forward after achieving major career milestones, such as selling out the O2 Arena and breaking streaming records with his album Lungu Boy.
Industry observers speculate that Aake’s decision may have stemmed from a desire for contractual freedom, creative differences or personal reasons, although neither Aake nor Olamide have publicly commented. about this issue. Olamide, is celebrated for his guidance and development of talent through YBNLremained silent, further increasing his curiosity about the situation.
From a business perspective, Aake’s move was seen as a strategic step towards independence, giving him greater control over his music, brand and financial prospects. However, the path to independence is not without its challenges, including the need for self-promotion and the need for a capable team to manage activities such as promotion and distribution.
by Olamide YBNL has a history of nurturing artists who later pursued solo careers, including Lil Kesh and Adekunle Gold. These departures are often amicable and collaboration continues after the artists leave the label.
Asake’s departure highlights broader discussions in the music industry about artist-label dynamics, the trade-off between mentorship and independence, and growing global influence by Afrobeats.
Fans and industry stakeholders eagerly await Aake’s next steps. His departure marks a pivotal moment in his career and raises questions about the future trajectory of his career. YBNL Country under the leadership of Olamide.
