Hammed Ololade Asake, the Nigerian music sensation known professionally as Asake, has taken the world by storm with his unique blend of Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Fuji. Here are 10 interesting facts about him that might surprise you:
1. His Stage Name is After His Mother:
Asake’s stage name isn’t just a random choice—it’s a heartfelt tribute to his mother. His real name is Ahmed Ololade, but he chose “Asake” as his professional name in honour of his mother. This decision reflects his deep respect and love for her. In many cultures, including Nigerian, it’s common to honour family members through names, and for Asake, this choice signifies a deep connection to his roots and the woman who played a pivotal role in his life. Using his mother’s name as his stage name is a beautiful way for him to celebrate her influence and show gratitude for her support in his journey.
2. He studied Theatre and Dramatic Arts:
Before stepping into the music scene, Asake studied Theatre and Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University. This background in theatre has played a significant role in shaping his stage presence and performance style. His education in drama and performance arts gave him the skills to captivate audiences with his energetic and engaging live shows. The techniques and confidence he developed through his theatre studies are evident in his music performances, where he combines vibrant storytelling with powerful stage presence.
3. He Encounterd Early Struggles:
Asake‘s journey to fame wasn’t easy. Like many artists, he faced numerous challenges before achieving significant recognition. For years, he worked independently, releasing music without much success. His struggle was marked by uncertainty and perseverance.
In an interview with Taymean Emmanuel, socialite Yhemolee shared insights into Asake’s early struggles. Yhemolee, who has known Asake for a long time, described him as a young man facing tough times. He would often leave home to stay with friends while trying to balance his passion for music with his education. Yhemolee even joked about not being sure if Asake was truly a student at the university, given how much time he spent around the performing arts scene.
4. Broda Shaggi Connection:
Asake’s path to fame had an interesting twist: he worked as a backup singer for the popular Nigerian comedian Broda Shaggi. This connection provided him with a unique platform to
showcase his talent. Not only did he lend his vocal skills to Shaggi’s performances, but he also appeared in some of Shaggi’s skits and musicals.
His involvement with Broda Shaggi was more than just a stepping stone—it was an opportunity for Asake to display his musical abilities and charisma in front of a broader audience. Even in these early roles, his talent was evident and hard to ignore.
5. “Mr. Money” Wasn’t His First Hit:
While “Mr. Money” is often celebrated as Asake’s breakthrough song, it wasn’t his first taste of success. Before “Mr. Money” gained widespread recognition, Asake released a song called “Lady,” which started to gain traction on social media. This early success was partly due to the support of popular influencers like Broda Shaggi and Sydney Talker.
These influencers helped amplify “Lady” by sharing it with their large followers, giving the song a significant boost. Their endorsement helped Asake build momentum and reach a wider audience, laying the groundwork for his later successes. While “Mr. Money” brought him major fame, “Lady” was an important step in his career, showcasing his potential and drawing attention to his unique sound.
6. Olamide gave him his big break:
Asake’s career experienced a major boost in 2022 when he was signed to Olamide’s YBNL Nation record label. This pivotal move provided him with new opportunities and a broader platform. The collaboration with Olamide on the hit single “Omo Ope” was a game-changer for Asake.
The track, released in early 2022, combined Olamide’s established influence with Asake’s distinctive sound. Its success not only introduced Asake to a wider audience but also solidified his place in the Nigerian music scene. Olamide’s endorsement and the popularity of “Omo Ope” were crucial in elevating Asake’s career and setting him up for future achievements.
7. He Had a Record-Breaking Debut:
Asake made a remarkable impact with his debut album, Mr. Money with the Vibe, which was released in September 2022. The album achieved a significant milestone by breaking the record for the biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music at the time of its release.
This record-breaking debut highlighted Asake’s rapid rise in the music industry and the strong anticipation from fans. The album’s success was a testament to his growing popularity and the powerful reception of his music. By setting this new benchmark, Asake not only demonstrated his own talent but also contributed to the increasing global recognition of African music.
8. Influence of Yoruba Culture
Asake’s music is heavily influenced by Yoruba culture. He incorporates traditional Yoruba elements into his songs, including language, proverbs, and cultural references, which resonate with his Nigerian audience and showcase his cultural heritage. Even with the heavy influence of Yoruba culture on his sound, Asake is known for implementing the Western outlook on his appearance and Aura. This is very evident in his style as he is known to rock countless tattoos, flamboyant hip outfits, lots of jewellery and grills.
9. He is very spiritually inclined
Asake is known for his strong spiritual inclinations, which are reflected in his music and visuals. His spirituality shines through in several of his songs and music videos, blending elements of both Christianity and Islam. For instance, in tracks like “Dupe” and “Blessings” by Friday, Asake incorporates themes and lyrics from both religious traditions, showcasing his diverse spiritual influences.
In the music video for “Yoga,” Asake takes his spiritual expression to another level. The video features him practising yoga, symbolizing a deep connection to inner peace and mindfulness. This visual element demonstrates his interest in exploring different spiritual practices and integrating them into his art. By incorporating these spiritual aspects into his music, Asake adds a unique layer of depth to his work, connecting with listeners on a more profound level.
10. He dabbled in Nollywood
Before making a name for himself in the music industry, Asake dabbled in Nollywood, Nigeria’s vibrant film industry. In his early 20s, he took on minor acting roles in several YouTube movies. During this time, Asake explored his interest in acting, appearing in various projects that allowed him to gain experience and hone his craft.
Sometime in 2023, Asake became a source of inspiration for many fans when a throwback video of him acting in a movie resurfaced online. The video, shared on Instagram by Hip TV showed Asake performing in a film before his rise to fame.
In the footage, Asake, who is now a top Nigerian singer, can be seen taking on minor roles in several YouTube movies during his early 20s. The clip highlighted his journey from being a struggling actor to becoming a celebrated musician.
