Asake’s journey began just like the story of every other hero, “once upon a time”. For him, it was in Nigeria’s Obafemi Awolowo University (O.A.U) that his setup from being a floater to being a global sensation, really began. But this isn’t just a story of one man’s rise to fame; it’s about the sheer determination of one man’s determination in his own dream, evidence of deep and true life ally and exceptional talent.
Asake’s college days at O.A.U might have begun with a dramatic arts course, but the real drama unfolded in the friendships he cultivated on campus. Among these companions were Yhemolee, Fireboy, Super Boy Cheque, Chinko Ekun, and Blaqbones. Little did they know that their shared passion for music would shape their destinies.
As graduation day approached in 2016, reality hit them hard. Yhemolee, who had ventured back to Lagos, beckoned Asake and Super Boy Cheque to join him. The journey began with uncertainty, but a stroke of luck was on the horizon.
Yhemolee’s knack for comedy and charisma landed him on the Instagram radar, courtesy of reposts from Don Jazzy and Tunde Ednut. In no time, he became an influencer and even ventured into crypto, achieving financial comfort during the pandemic. He extended a helping hand to Asake, who was earnestly pursuing his music career, albeit with limited success at the time.
While Super Boy Cheque signed with Phyno’s Penthauze label, and Chinko and Fireboy found homes at Olamide’s YBNL, Asake seemed to be waiting for his big break. Undeterred, he consistently messaged Olamide since 2018, begging for a chance.
The turning point arrived in 2022 when Yhemolee, now a “nightlife influencer,” caught Olamide’s attention. seizing the moment, Yhemolee introduced Asake’s music to the rap icon, and it was “Omo Ope” that won Olamide over.
Olamide dropped a verse on the track, and when Asake heard it, tears welled up in his eyes. It was a moment of pure joy, a realization of a dream long held. “Omo Ope” featuring Olamide exploded onto the scene, an instant hit.
Olamide invited Asake to his house and offered him a chance to join YBNL. Asake, driven by faith and trust, didn’t even need a lawyer; he accepted on the spot. That single message from Yhemolee and that one verse from Olamide propelled him from an emerging artist to a global sensation in just one year, selling out venues like the iconic O2 arena in the UK.
This story is more than just a fairytale of overnight success; it’s a reminder that your time to shine will come, and when it does, the universe will conspire to make it happen. Don’t compare your journey to others; instead, focus on your path, and let grace take care of the rest.
Above all, cherish the true friends in your life—the ones who support you, even when it seems like the world has turned its back. In Asake’s case, it was Yhemolee, a friend who believed in him since day one.
In the end, “OLOLADE” stands not just as a moniker but as a symbol of perseverance, talent, and the incredible strength of genuine friendship.
