Asake

Ahmed Ololade (born January 13, 1995), widely known as Asake, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, songwriter, actor, and dancer. He is a prominent figure in the contemporary African music scene, recognized for pioneering a distinctive blend of Afrobeats, Fuji, Street Pop, and Amapiano genres. Early Life and Education Asake was born Ahmed Ololade in Lagos State, Nigeria. He is a member of the Yoruba ethnic group and was raised in Lagos. He pursued higher education at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), where he studied Theatre and Dramatic Arts. His artistic training at OAU laid the groundwork for his multifaceted performance style, which incorporates elements of acting and dancing alongside his music. He began his professional work period around 2018. Career Progression Asake's music career began to gain momentum in the late 2010s, but his major breakthrough came in 2022. This followed the release of his single "Mr. Money," which was later remixed featuring Zlatan and Peruzzi. His success led to him being signed to YBNL Records, the imprint founded by fellow Nigerian artist Olamide, in February 2022. That same month, he released his debut extended play (EP), *Ololade*, which featured the hit song "Omo Ope" (also featuring Olamide) and the single "Sungba." In July 2022, Asake further expanded his reach by signing a distribution deal with Empire. Notable Works and Achievements Asake is known for his remarkable output, having released three consecutive number one albums in Nigeria. His debut studio album, *Mr. Money with the Vibe*, was released on September 8, 2022, and featured popular singles like "Terminator," "Peace Be Unto You," and a remix of "Sungba" with Burna Boy. This album, along with his second album, *Work of Art* (released June 16, 2023), achieved Silver certification in the UK, making him one of the few Nigerian artists to earn this accolade. *Work of Art* was reported as the most streamed Nigerian album of 2023 at the time of reporting. His third album, *Lungu Boy* (2024), became the longest-running number one album in Nigeria chart history. Current Status and Accolades Asake has garnered significant global recognition, leading to several major awards and nominations. His accolades include a MOBO Award for Best African Act and wins at The Headies and Ghana Music Awards. He has also received nominations for prestigious international honors, including two Grammy Awards, a BET Award, and an NAACP Image Award. In 2023, he achieved a milestone by selling out the O2 Arena in London and became the first African artist to headline and sell out a concert at the Barclays Center in New York City. His continued success cements his status as one of the most influential and commercially successful figures in the contemporary Afrobeats movement.