Asake – Sungba
| Stage Name: | Asake |
| Real Name: | Ahmed Ololade |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 13th January 1995 (29 years old) |
| State of Origin: | – |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Not Married |
| Education: | Obafemi Awolowo University |
| Known for: | Sungba |
Early Life and Introduction to Music
Born on January 13, 1995, in Nigeria, Ahmed Ololade, known professionally as Asake, is a renowned Nigerian singer and songwriter. His stage name, “Asake,” is a tribute to his mother. Asake’s musical journey began in 2017 when he studied Theatre and Dramatic Arts at Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria.
Career Beginnings and Breakthrough
Asake released his debut extended play, “Ololade,” in February 2022, featuring the breakthrough track “Omo Ope” with Olamide and the single “Sungba.” His career received a significant boost when, in the same month, he caught the attention of fellow Nigerian artist Olamide, who signed him to his YBNL Records imprint.
In 2022, Asake released the single that would change his trajectory – “Mr. Money.” The remix, featuring Zlatan and Peruzzi, made him more popular.
Mr. Money with the Vibe and Work of Art
Asake’s debut studio album, “Mr. Money with the Vibe,” was released in September 2022. The album, supported by hit singles like “Terminator,” “Peace Be Unto You,” and a remix of “Sungba” with Burna Boy, broke records globally. It debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200, marking the highest charting Nigerian debut album in history.
The success of “Mr. Money with the Vibe” paved the way for Asake’s United Kingdom tour in September 2022. Unfortunately, the tour experienced a tragic incident at the O2 Academy Brixton, resulting in injuries and the unfortunate deaths of two individuals.
In December 2022, Asake was crowned “artiste of the year” by Audiomack, acknowledging the success of his debut album, which amassed over 330 million streams. The following year, he continued to make waves with singles like “Yoga,” “2:30,” and “Amapiano” with Olamide, leading to the announcement of his second studio album, “Work of Art.”
“Work of Art” was released in June 2023 and, like its predecessor, debuted at number 66 on the Billboard 200. The album’s success extended globally, reaching number 20 on the UK Albums Chart and number 59 on the Irish Recorded Music Associate chart.
Awards and Honors
Asake’s exceptional talent did not go unnoticed. In 2022, he won Break Out Artist of the Year at the All Africa Music Awards and received his first international award nomination at the MOBO Awards. In 2023, he secured nominations at the BET Awards and the prestigious Grammy Awards for his collaboration on “Amapiano” with Olamide.
The accolades continued with wins at the 2023 Soundcity MVP Awards, where Asake was honored with the Male MVP award. He further solidified his presence by winning the Best African Artist of the Year at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards. At the 2023 Headies, Asake took home the Next Rated award and Album of the Year for “Mr. Money with the Vibe.”
Notable Performances and Recognition
In August 2023, Asake achieved a milestone shared by only a few Nigerian artists – selling out the O2 Arena in London alongside Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. His entrance in a helicopter added a touch of grandeur to the event, showcasing the heights of his success.
Artistic Style
His music is characterized by uptempo Afro and Amapiano-styled production. And, his incorporation of Yoruba language and slang in his songs has drawn comparisons to the fuji genre. Additionally, his use of backing vocals adds a distinctive layer to his sound.
Discography and Chart Performance
His discography includes the chart-topping studio albums “Mr. Money with the Vibe” and “Work of Art.” These albums, released in 2022 and 2023 respectively, demonstrated his consistency in delivering quality music that resonates with a global audience.
Net Worth
Asake has achieved significant success in his music career, contributing to an impressive net worth exceeding 1.8 million dollars. You can find him on Instagram.