Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, widely known as Asake, has disclosed that he tirelessly pleaded with the renowned rapper and YBNL Nation’s CEO, Olamide, for approximately two years before securing a coveted spot on the record label.
The ‘Mr Money’ artist recounted the journey to joining YBNL during an interview with Hip TV, shedding light on the persistent efforts he invested in convincing Olamide to sign him.
According to Asake, the breakthrough moment occurred when Olamide invited him to his residence and broached the subject of joining YBNL.
Asake, recalling the pivotal moment, revealed, “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?’”
Expressing his elation at being asked by someone he deeply admired, Asake confessed, “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. He said, ‘Go and think about it. Go and look for a lawyer.’ I said, ‘Baba, sign me now now now. I don’t want any lawyer. Because I love the [YBNL] family so much even from afar.”
Despite Olamide’s advice to seek legal counsel and scrutinize the contract’s details, Asake, overwhelmed with excitement and devotion to the YBNL family, chose to sign immediately.
The culmination of Asake’s persistence and Olamide’s acceptance materialized in February 2022 when the singer officially joined YBNL Nation.
In that very month, he unveiled his debut extended play, titled ‘Ololade,’ featuring the breakthrough track ‘Omo Ope’ in collaboration with Olamide, along with the standalone single ‘Sungba.’
Asake’s journey from fervent entreaties to YBNL’s newest signee is a testament to the power of dedication and unwavering passion in the pursuit of one’s dreams within the competitive landscape of the Nigerian music industry.
The artist’s story resonates as a testament to the resilience and determination that can turn aspirations into reality.
