On February 8, 2022, Nigerian rapper and YBNL founder Olamide announced the signing of a then-rising street-pop talent, Asake, to his label. Within days, Asake released his debut EP, Ololade Asake, introducing a dynamic sound that fused spiritual street anthems with club-ready beats. The momentum continued with the release of “Sungba (Remix)” featuring Burna Boy, a collaboration that signaled his transition from underground star to mainstream powerhouse.
Blending Fuji, Afrobeats, and Amapiano influences with chant-driven choruses and bold fashion, Asake established a unique musical identity. His swift rise and consistent output earned him the moniker “Mr. Money No Dey Waste Time.” Tracks like “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY)” underscored his awareness of his impact and cemented his place in the industry.
Later in 2022, Asake expanded his reach through a joint distribution deal with US-based EMPIRE alongside YBNL. His debut album, Mr. Money With The Vibe, was released on September 7, 2022, breaking multiple streaming records and redefining Afrobeats album rollouts. That same year, he was named Nigeria’s top artist position he retained through 2023 and 2024 with his subsequent albums Work of Art and Lungu Boy, each dominating streaming platforms.
By early 2025, questions began circulating regarding Asake’s relationship with YBNL. Speculation grew when his February 11 single “Why Love” was released under his own label, Giran Republic, and no longer featured YBNL brandingthough EMPIRE remained credited.
Asake continued to maintain a strong public presence, attending major events such as the Grammys and Paris Fashion Week, while remaining active through collaborations including “Che Che” with Young Jonn, “99” with Olamide and Seyi Vibez, and a global feature on J Hus’ “Gold.” However, fans awaited a new solo release.
That changed on July 24, 2025, when Asake released “Badman Gangsta” featuring French-Congolese artist Tiakola. Produced by P Priime, the track reflects themes of resilience, ambition, and the duality of street-earned success. Notably, EMPIRE was no longer listed in the track’s metadata.
Further investigation by industry sources confirmed a shift in distribution. Asake’s latest single was released under Giran Republic in partnership with gamma, a media and music company co-founded by former Apple Music executive Larry Jackson. Speaking to TurnTable Charts, Osi Dirisu, Head of Label & Operations at gamma Africa, verified the partnership:
“Yes, it’s a distro deal between gamma. and Giran Republic,” he stated. “Asake is the first of many talents we will be working with.”
When asked about forthcoming projects or an album timeline, Dirisu declined to provide details.
Asake’s new direction reflects strategic evolution rather than artistic decline. No longer an emerging act under YBNL, he is now operating as an independent brand, with Giran Republic serving as his creative base and gamma. powering his global distribution.