Asake Breaks Free from YBNL: A Bold Leap into Independence

Adekunle Gold’s YBNL Nation has officially lost Nigerian artist Ahmed Ololade, better known as Asake, ending months of speculation about his future with the label.

The artist, who has won awards, revealed his departure by releasing his latest single, “Why Love,” under his new label, Giran Republic.

Although there had been speculation about a potential rift between Asake and YBNL boss Olamide, the singer appeared to have put those rumors to rest with his earlier song “Military,” which honored Olamide and acknowledged his impact on Asake’s career.

LEADERSHIP remembers that Asake became part of YBNL Nation in February 2022, which catapulted him to mainstream success. In July 2022, later that year, he landed a distribution agreement with Empire, which broadened his reach within the global music industry.

Even though he has left YBNL, Asake’s collaboration with Empire continues to be in place, guaranteeing the ongoing distribution of his music.

While Asake and Olamide have not publicly discussed the split in detail, industry insiders indicate that the singer’s choice to create his own label marked a new phase in his career.