Olamide Finally Breaks Silence on Asake’s Meteoric Rise to Fame

Nigerian music lovers woke up to a fresh wave of excitement as legendary rapper Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide Baddo, finally broke his silence on the phenomenal rise of Ahmed Ololade, better known as Asake, one of the brightest stars to emerge from the YBNL family. In a revealing interview, Olamide opened up about his first impressions of Asake, his admiration for the singer’s originality, and the philosophy that has shaped his approach to grooming talents under his label. For years, fans and industry insiders have speculated about Olamide’s thoughts on Asake’s sudden global breakthrough, and now the wait is over as the YBNL boss spoke with rare honesty and admiration.

Olamide explained that from the very first meeting with Asake, he knew there was something different about him. The rapper admitted that although he did not expect the extent of Asake’s success, he instantly recognized that the young artist was unique in style and delivery. “I did not know he was going to go that wild, but I knew Asake was one of one. From the sound and everything. I have never heard anything close to that before. His authenticity and his craftsmanship. Asake is not the dude you try and convince to put in effort because he is already putting effort. That is why I respect him so much. And I thought it would be a nice thing for us to partner,” Olamide said. His words paint a clear picture of mutual respect between mentor and mentee, a dynamic that has often fueled YBNL’s culture of producing some of Nigeria’s most consistent hitmakers.

Asake’s emergence was nothing short of spectacular. From his breakout hits under YBNL to selling out international arenas within a short span, his story has been described as meteoric. Many credited Olamide with masterminding the success, but in his remarks, Olamide downplayed the narrative of control and emphasized freedom. The rapper revealed that one of the secrets to YBNL’s success is not burdening artists with pressure but allowing them to discover and sharpen their voices authentically. “Honestly, I do not put such pressure on my guys. I try as much as possible not to put pressure on them. I just tell them to make beautiful music. If it is awesome, it is going to fly. It might not fly. It might fly in 10 years, 20 years. And we are still seeing that in real life now,” he said. His statement reflects the faith he has in the organic process of music, a refreshing stance in an industry often criticized for being overly commercial and demanding.

This revelation also sheds light on why YBNL has consistently been the cradle of some of Nigeria’s most innovative sounds. From Adekunle Gold to Fireboy DML and now Asake, the label has built a reputation for nurturing artists who bring something fresh to the table. By giving them space to breathe creatively, Olamide has managed to maintain an environment that prioritizes originality over quick hits. In Asake’s case, that freedom resulted in a sound that fuses Afrobeats, Fuji, and Amapiano with a distinct style that has captivated audiences globally. Olamide’s recognition of Asake’s natural drive also dismantles the common industry narrative that talent alone is enough; instead, it highlights the importance of relentless personal effort and artistic vision.

The conversation around Asake’s success has often been laced with debates. Some attribute his stardom to pure talent, others to Olamide’s influence and platform, while many believe it is a blend of both. But Olamide’s remarks reveal that beyond providing the stage, he values artists who are self-motivated and disciplined enough to pursue greatness. His statement that Asake “is already putting effort” resonates deeply in an industry where some young stars struggle to maintain momentum after initial hits. It reinforces the idea that true success requires consistency, hunger, and authenticity, qualities Olamide identified in Asake early on.

Olamide’s decision to finally speak about Asake also comes at a time when the YBNL boss himself has been relatively quiet musically, focusing more on mentoring and business. Yet, his influence in shaping the sound of modern Nigerian music remains undeniable. By praising Asake’s artistry, Olamide not only silenced speculations about their relationship but also reminded fans of his own legacy as a tastemaker who has consistently elevated raw talent into household names. His humility in acknowledging that he did not predict the full scale of Asake’s rise reflects a grounded perspective, showing that even veterans like him can be pleasantly surprised by the boundless potential of the next generation.

Fans have reacted with excitement to Olamide’s words, with many taking to social media to express admiration for the bond between the two artists. Some praised Olamide for being a “kingmaker” who never tries to overshadow his signees but instead lets them shine. Others highlighted Asake’s relentless work ethic, pointing out how his live performances and dedication to blending traditional Yoruba elements into his music set him apart from his peers. The acknowledgment from Olamide adds yet another layer to Asake’s story, reinforcing the narrative of respect, mentorship, and individuality that has defined their partnership.

Beyond the industry chatter, Olamide’s remarks also offer valuable lessons about leadership, trust, and creativity. By choosing to let his artists breathe without undue pressure, he demonstrates that true mentorship lies not in control but in empowerment. This philosophy is not only responsible for Asake’s success but also for the enduring relevance of YBNL in a constantly evolving music scene. In a world where many record labels impose rigid structures that often stifle creativity, Olamide’s method serves as a blueprint for how to nurture sustainable artistry.

Asake, on his part, continues to enjoy the rewards of his dedication. With sold-out shows across continents, international collaborations, and a growing global fanbase, he has cemented his status as one of the torchbearers of Afrobeats. While he stands tall as a superstar in his own right, the acknowledgment from Olamide only further validates his journey. The respect between the two men underscores the importance of mentorship in the entertainment industry, showing that behind every shining star is often a guiding hand that believed in them before the rest of the world caught on.

For now, Olamide’s words will linger in the minds of fans who have long waited to hear him openly speak about Asake’s phenomenal rise. His reflections are more than just commentary on one artist’s journey—they are a testament to the enduring power of authenticity, consistency, and mutual respect in shaping music careers. In celebrating Asake, Olamide has once again reinforced his place not only as a rap legend but as a visionary leader whose fingerprints are all over the success stories that continue to define Nigerian music on the global stage.