In a recent Flow With Korty episode released on March 18, 2026, Nigerian superstar singer, Ahmed Ololade aka Asake did not arrive as the high-energy performer audiences have come to expect. He appeared very calm, funny, reflective and spoke largely in Yoruba.
Asake revealed that he left home at just 15 years old in defiance of his father, describing the decision as a defining moment in his journey to stardom.
Speaking with Korty KO, the singer reflected on his upbringing, his complicated relationship with his father, and the “stubborn” mindset that ultimately shaped his career path.
A Father-Son Standoff
Asake disclosed that while he shared a close bond with his father during his early years, their relationship became strained when he decided to pursue music.
According to him, his father strongly opposed the move, setting the stage for a quiet but firm rebellion.
“The father who gave birth to me, he’s more stubborn than I am. So I couldn’t look him in the face,” he said.
Despite the resistance, Asake remained resolute.
“I came to a point when I wanted to leave home to do what I am doing now, but my father said no. But I just took off regardless. I was 15 then, focused on where I was going. And there was nothing anybody could tell me.”
That moment, he suggested, marked the beginning of his independence and unwavering belief in his direction.
‘Stubbornness’ as Identity
The singer framed his often-mentioned “stubbornness” not as defiance for its own sake, but as clarity of purpose. According to him, it’s a trait that appears to run in the family.
His mother, who also appeared in the interview, echoed this character. She echoed how he would frequently run away from home for days as a child whenever he got into trouble.
Even as his music career began to take shape, that restless energy persisted. Asake described periods of instability in Lagos, moving between areas like Ojuelegba and Ikate, and at one point having no permanent place to stay after graduating from university.
The Many Meanings of ‘Running Away’
Beyond his teenage departure from home, Asake’s story is punctuated by multiple “runaway” moments.
He joked about eventually “running away” from Nigeria to Los Angeles, where he spent over a year expanding his musical reach. There was also a lighter industry moment, where music video director, TG Omori once recalled how an unsigned Asake disappeared for months after being quoted ₦10 million for a video shoot.
Together, these moments paint a portrait of an artist constantly in motion, pushing away from limitations and toward opportunity.
From ‘Mr. Money’ to Global Force: Inside Asake’s Record-Breaking Rise
The ascent of Asake is widely regarded as one of the most explosive runs in Afrobeats history. It was a rapid, multi-phase climb that transformed a struggling Lagos artist into a global music powerhouse.
Before the fame, Asake was part of Lagos’ crowded underground scene, releasing music independently as early as 2018 while navigating financial instability.
His turning point came in 2020 with the release of Mr. Money—a street anthem that not only gained traction but also earned him a nickname that would become central to his brand.
At the time, success was far from guaranteed. He was reportedly squatting with friends and taking on gigs as a backup dancer and singer for acts like Broda Shaggi.
The YBNL ‘Hurricane’
Asake’s trajectory changed dramatically in February 2022 when he was signed by Olamide, to YBNL Nation. What followed was a historic run.
Within just seven months, he released his debut EP Ololade and his debut album Mr. Money With The Vibe, both of which dominated the charts.
In an unprecedented streak, Asake recorded 15 consecutive number-one songs on Apple Music Nigeria, cementing his status as the country’s hottest new act.
That dominance translated into awards. At the Headies, he achieved a rare double. He won both “Next Rated” and Album of the Year in the same night, a feat no artist had accomplished before.
Crossing Over: Global Reach and Grammy Recognition
By 2023, Asake’s influence had extended far beyond Nigeria, as he exported his signature blend of Fuji and Amapiano to international audiences.
His global push has been marked by major milestones. He earned back-to-back Grammy nominations, first in 2024 for Amapiano alongside Olamide, and again in 2025 for MMS, a collaboration with Wizkid.
On the touring front, he broke barriers, becoming the first African artist to sell out the Barclays Center in New York, and selling out London’s O2 Arena twice.
On the charts, he continued to set records, including becoming the first artist to secure 50 entries on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart.
A New Chapter: Independence and Legacy
Now entering a new phase, Asake is redefining his career on his own terms.
In the interview, he emphasised the depth of that relationship, noting that regardless of how far he goes, even hypothetically becoming “President of America”, Olamide would always remain his boss
