Asake and Olamide
How Friendship and Perseverance Sparked Asake’s Meteoric Rise in the Music Industry
July 13, 2025. …ONN…
Before taking center stage in the global music scene, Nigerian artist Asake was just another undergraduate at Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U.), where he initially floated academically before eventually gaining admission to study Dramatic Arts. Ironically, it wasn’t the coursework that changed his life, it was the friendships he forged during that period.
At O.A.U., Asake became part of a close-knit creative circle that included future stars like Yhemolee, Fireboy DML, Super Boy Cheque, Chinko Ekun, and Blaqbonez. Each of them was on a unique path, but music was the common thread that held them together.
Upon graduation in 2016, Asake, Yhemolee, and Super Boy Cheque made the move back to Lagos, full of ambition but lacking a clear plan. During the journey, Yhemolee arranged accommodation for himself with a friend in Ajah. At Berger, he gave Asake some money to return to Lagos Island to stay with family, while Cheque, whose parents lived in Ogun, remained in Ajah with Yhemolee.
Determined to find a breakthrough, Yhemolee began creating and posting comedy skits online. His humorous content soon caught the attention of influential figures like Don Jazzy and Tunde Ednut, who reposted his videos. This exposure helped him grow a sizable following on Instagram and opened doors to brand deals and eventually, investments in cryptocurrency. With this new financial stability, Yhemolee supported Asake, who was still struggling to gain traction in the music industry.
While their peers, Fireboy, Chinko Ekun, and Cheque, secured record deals with established labels like YBNL and Penthauze, Asake faced years of rejection. He had been reaching out to Olamide, the head of YBNL, since 2018, but never received a response.
Then, in 2022, a turning point arrived.
Olamide reached out to Yhemolee, inquiring about any talented friends he should know about. Without hesitation, Yhemolee mentioned Asake and forwarded one of his songs, “Omo Ope.” Olamide was impressed. So much so that he recorded a verse for the track and sent it back.
When Asake first heard the collaboration, he was in disbelief. It wasn’t until Yhemolee played the verse that the reality sank in. Overwhelmed with emotion, Asake broke down in tears, tears that would soon become a triumphant roar of celebration.
The song became a viral hit, and Olamide invited Asake to join YBNL. He accepted instantly. Within months, “Omo Ope” was dominating airwaves, and Asake’s name was on everyone’s lips.
In less than a year, the once-aspiring artist transformed into an international sensation, performing to sold-out crowds, including a headlining performance at London’s iconic O2 Arena.
Asake’s story is more than just a tale of talent and persistence, it’s a powerful testament to the impact of genuine friendship, belief, and timing. Without Yhemolee’s unwavering support and timely connection, the world may have never heard the voice of Asake.
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