Rapper Olamide has explained why he signed singer Asake to his YBNL Nation label.
In an interview Adesope Live, the 36-year-old said he was impressed by the singer’s originality and work ethic.
“I did not know he was going to go that wild but I knew Asake was one of one. From the sound and everything. I have never heard anything close to that before. His authenticity and his craftsmanship,” Olamide said.
He added: “Asake is not the dude you try and convince to put in effort because he is already putting efforts. That is why I respect him so much. And I thought it would be a nice thing for us to partner.”
The YBNL boss also stressed that he does not mount pressure on artistes under his label.
“Honestly, I do not put such pressure on my guys. I try as much as possible not to put pressure on them. I just tell them to just make beautiful music. If it is awesome, it is going to fly. It might not fly. It might fly later in 10 years, 20 years. And we are still seeing that real life now. My songs from 10 years that probably did not pop then. But we knew it was good music,” he said.
Asake joined YBNL in February 2022 and released his debut EP ‘Ololade Asake,’ which featured ‘Omo Ope’ and ‘Sungba.’ He followed up with Mr. Money With The Vibe, a record-breaking debut album.
In February, the 29-year-old launched his own label, Giran Republic.
Entertainment lawyer Yemisi Falaye later revealed she had advised Asake against signing the YBNL deal because it would assign his rights in perpetuity. But the singer, eager for the opportunity, dismissed her warning and later felt cheated by the terms.
