ASAKE

Early Life and Education

Asake was born on January 13, 1995, in Lagos, Nigeria. He grew up in a Yoruba household, and his upbringing deeply influenced his musical style, which often incorporates traditional Fuji and Yoruba choral elements.

He pursued his higher education at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, where he studied Theatre and Performing Arts. During his time at the university, he was actively involved in the arts, focusing on dance and music, which laid the foundation for his future career as a performer.

Career Beginnings

Asake's journey into music began professionally around 2018. He started as a backup singer and dancer for various artists, which helped him hone his stagecraft. He began releasing music in 2020 and gained some initial recognition with singles like "Lady" and "Mr. Money." The latter earned him a significant buzz on the streets of Lagos and the nickname "Mr. Money."

Breakthrough and YBNL Nation

Asake's career skyrocketed in 2022 after he caught the attention of Nigerian music icon Olamide. After a collaboration on the track "Omo Ope," Olamide signed Asake to his record label, YBNL Nation, in February 2022.

The signing marked a turning point. He immediately released his debut extended play (EP), Ololade Asake. The EP was a massive success, featuring the hit version of "Omo Ope" with Olamide and the viral sensation "Sungba." The success of "Sungba" was further amplified by a remix featuring Nigerian superstar Burna Boy, which propelled Asake to international recognition.

Mr. Money with the Vibe and Global Success

In September 2022, Asake released his debut studio album, Mr. Money with the Vibe. The album was a monumental success, shattering records across streaming platforms. It set a new record for the highest-charting debut Nigerian album on the Billboard 200 and produced a string of hits, including "Terminator," "Joha," and "PBUY (Peace Be Unto You)." His back-to-back hits and signature sound dominated the African music landscape throughout 2022.

His success culminated in a sold-out tour, including three dates at the O2 Academy Brixton in London and, most notably, selling out the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena in August 2023, a testament to his massive global appeal.

Subsequent Work

Asake continued his impressive run with the release of his sophomore album, Work of Art, in June 2023. The album featured hit singles like "2:30" and "Amapiano," a collaboration with Olamide. He has received numerous awards and nominations, including a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2024 Grammy Awards, making him one of the leading voices of the new generation of Afrobeats superstars.