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Who is Asake?
Born on the 13th of January 1995, Ahmed Ololade professionally known by his stage name ‘Asake’ aka Mr. Money is a Nigerian Afro Fusion superstar who hails from Ogun State.
By Afro-fusion, what is meant is a mix of Hip Hop, Fuji, Amapiano, and RnB. This is testament to the fact that Asake is a spiritual creative. He sings just as he feels and he feels spiritual most times.
Asake has been professionally making music since 2015 though his breakthrough came in 2022 after ‘YBNL Boss’ Olamide added a verse to his song ‘Omo Ope’ and signed him to the YBNL Record Label. The song became an overnight sensation and Asake’s name and voice was the vibe in almost every corner of the country including the street. If there are just three words to describe Asake, they would be spontaneous, self-sufficient, and kind-hearted.
Currently Asake’s net worth is valued at $1.5 million. Converted to Naira, Asake’s net worth would be around 1,163,789,656.50 NGN (that is one billion one hundred sixty-three million seven hundred eighty-nine thousand six hundred fifty-six naira 50 kobos).
But as you already know, his fame did not come easy. He had his fair share of struggles too and this article will touch as many as possible while also letting you know what life was like for Asake after he became famous with a high net worth.
Asake’s family background
Asake is born into a Muslim home and appears to be the only child of his parents. His father was a businessman in Lagos and his mother was a Teacher.
His parents never really wanted him to go into music or even study Theatre and Performing Arts. Their dream was for him to become a lawyer. But Asake said he liked black but didn’t like books. By this, he meant that the physical appearance of legal practitioners appeal to him but he’s not cut out to go through the rigorous study that’s required to be a lawyer. In his own words, “…I go like dey enjoy dey do my work…”
Somehow, Asake’s parents could have contributed to his passion for music because he once disclosed that his parents loved listening to songs and they used to play lots of classical songs for him when he was younger.
Asake’s educational background
Mr. Money is a graduate of Theater & Performing Arts at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun state.
His university education played a vital role in forming his dreams and sharpening his talent as he had the opportunity to explore and find himself within the school environment.
Asake’s wife or girlfriend, and children
At the time of putting this article together, Asake is not known to be married or in a relationship. Also, he doesn’t have a child yet. The high net worth super start seems to be entirely focused on building his career.
Life before fame
Life in the University
While in university, Asake tried a lot of things to make a living. He was a cultural dancer, then became an instrumentalist, he was even Broda Shaggi’s backup singer for Shaggi’s musical performances at occasions within the country.
As a matter of fact, Asake was still in uni when he made up his mind to focus solely on music. At some point, he was like the Wizkid of the school but he also had some terrible moments before the school breakthrough.
One terrific moment he had was in 2013.
He had worked so hard to get people to listen to him perform and when he finally got the opportunity, he wanted to make the best use of it.
His plan was to perform as Fela, so he majestically came on stage in a pant and saxophone and he had six girls dressed half naked.
Guess what happened?
The moment he came on stage with the girls, the crowd started clapping saying no to the performance. And it wasn’t a small crowd because the nine thousand capacity center was filled. Asake didn’t know if he was to disappear or prostrate before the crowd.
The shame from such could have made Asake give up on his dreams, but he just couldn’t bring himself to a stop. He kept trying and today, he performs on global stages and as you know, Asake’s net worth is huge.
Moving from Ife to Lagos with Yhemolee
In an interview session with Chude, Yhemolee who has been friends with Asake for 13 years shares how he dragged Asake from Ife to Lagos.
According to him, back in University they were popular. He was like Steve Harvey in school and Asake was like Wizkid.
But after school days, the harsh realities of life dawned on them and Yhemolee decided he was going to Lagos to find a better life so he dragged Asake along.
The funny thing here is that Yhemo did not have a place of his own to stay in Lagos. He was going to squat with a friend so he left Asake to find his way
However, Yhemolee would later play a key role in the fame of Asake.
How did Asake start his musical career?
Asake has been doing music since 2015. Actually he started with cultural dances, then he learnt how to play instruments and he thought of adding music to it so his performance can be more unique.
The decision to focus more on music came when he dropped a song while in school and seeing how the school went crazy dancing to the song, he decided to flow with the energy and focus more on music.
How Asake was signed to YBNL
How Olamide got to know about Asake
It was 4am in the morning when Olamide reached out to Yhemolee asking for their profile of Dandizzy (another upcoming at that time). So Yhemo stylishly asked Olamide if he has anything in mind for him too, in his own words, “Baddo, you get something wey you want do for me too?”
Olamide didn’t have anything in mind so he left Yhemolee with a blank cheque. Then Yhemo brought up Asake’s name, he said, “Baddo, I get artiste o, you sef you know this guy Asake…” Without being asked to, Yhemo quickly shared two of Asake’s unreleased tracks with Olamide. He pleaded with Olamide to help Asake in any way he can, even if it’s to give him a verse.
Without much hesitation, Olamide responded saying that his verse for Asake’s song ‘Omo ope’ will be ready that same day. Just as he said, Yhemo got an update from Baddo later in the day notifying him that his verse is ready and he wants them to start promotion.
When Olamide called Asake
In a narration with HipTV, Asake recalls that a few days before he got the opportunity of being signed to the YBNL label, he had a misunderstanding with his friends and left home as a result because he was saddened. Three days later he returned home and his friend Yhemolee called telling him that Olamide Baddo had added a verse to one of his songs. In my own words, “My guy Yhemolee called me and said Baddo has jumped on one of your songs. I thought this guy was playing with me, I thought he was whining me. Then he said, okay let me play the verse for you. Then Yhemolee played the verse for me and I was like – so na like this dream dey take come true. I didn’t even think that Olamide was going to sign me. I was just being happy sey una papa…say Olamide don even dey on my song alone, 2022 we don seal that one.”
A week after Asake dropped the song, Olamide called him in the morning for a quick meet up. Asake revealed that he was a bit confused over what to wear. He recalls trying different outfits because he wanted to look his best since he’s appearing before a personality he already admires and respects from afar.
In the same interview with HipTV, Asake narrated the short conversation that led to him being signed as he got to Olamide’s house. In his own words, “this part burst my brain”.
So here’s how it all happened. Olamide outrightly asked Asake if he wanted to join YBNL and Asake said yes. Olamide asked him to go back home, think about the whole thing, and get a lawyer if he’s interested. But Asake insisted on signing on the spot. In his own words, “…I say baba sign me now now now now now…”
You must be wondering why Asake pushed to be signed on the spot without giving the deal a second thought. So the thing is that Asake has always loved the YBNL family even from afar and he has been begging Olamide to sign him since 2020 before they finally met in 2022.
Wondering how the name Asake came about?
There’s every chance Mr. Money didn’t plan to use the name ‘Asake’ as his stage name. It all started back in secondary school with fellow students and staff calling him Asake which is his mother’s name. Actually what they were supposed to call him is ‘Omo Asake’ which means ‘child of Asake’ but somehow, everybody left the ‘Omo’ and only called him Asake.
As you would have Asake say countless times, he loves and cherishes his mother. So he just decided to keep the name.
Truth is, there’s a very long story behind this name, Asake. Just keep it in mind that Asake is a very spiritual creative and that could have also influenced his choice in taking on his mother’s name.
Asake and fashion
This may come as a shock to you but it’s the truth. Asake sees fashion as a tool for getting more confident. In his own words, “Fashion gives me confidence. I love to look good and the moment I look good, I feel like there’s nowhere I can’t step in. I feel like there’s nobody I can’t talk to and fashion does that for me so”.
What does Asake do for fun aside from music?
He plays tennis, football, snooker, swims and as you’re already thinking, he listens to music most of the time. He even disclosed in one interview that the first track ‘Olorun’ in his ‘Work of Art’ album is like a morning devotion. It’s the first thing he listens to in the morning.
What does Asake consider the most important to becoming successful and staying relevant?
As long as success is concerned, Asake considers FOCUS to be the most important factor needed to get to the top. During his Next Rated interview with HipTV, he hinted this saying, “What I need to make my dream come true is just one thing F-O-C-U-S in capital letter…”
Then for staying relevant, Mr. Money sees humility as the key to staying relevant
What inspires Asake?
In two words, what inspires Asake is happiness and people. He has said in several interviews that he’s more creative and there’s nothing he can’t do when he’s happy. This does not mean he’s not creative when sad. He still flows even in sadness but he’s more inspired when he is happy.
Now to the second part, people. In an interview with MTV Base, Asake disclosed that he loves to surround himself with people with a high IQ. In his own words, “…I have a lot of people that their IQ is high. I love to move with good people, people that think a lot and think out of the box…”
Asake’s biggest challenge as a rising artiste
Surprisingly, Asake’s biggest challenge as a rising artiste is something that he loves and also needs! Love!
In his own words, he says, “I don’t know the difference between eye service and people who are not doing eye service because now everybody loves me to an extent. Like everybody in my house loves me, my friends love me, gateman love me, driver love me. If I move on the road everybody love me. Before I can tell when person no love me; like they’ll be blunt. But now everybody is just loving me so I don’t know. I no know person wey no love me”.
“If I open my Instagram like this, love, my Snapchat love. Even to people wey been dey always tell me before say ‘bro your pimples…but the pimples come sexy to everybody now. Like my stature before; people go just dey tell me say’ bro your stature…’ but now everything is just perfect. If I wear green on yellow on brown, Za dope. I just dope for everybody ‘s eyes so I’m happy”.
What does Asake want to be remembered for?
You may have been anticipating this part and that’s totally understandable. So here’s what Mr. Money said when he was asked that question, “I want people to know me for that good guy, that not too perfect guy, but everything I’m doing is awesome. For someone that puts ghetto in their brain, like no matter anything I be, no matter the luxury cars I get, no matter the dope houses I have; I still have to let people on the street know that they can still make it”.
So, judging from that statement, we can say that Asake wants to be remembered as that not-too-perfect but good guy that motivates others and helps them believe that they can make it till they eventually make it.
Asake’s net worth and assets
Asake’s net worth
Asake aka Mr. Money is valued to be worth $1.5 million. Converted to Naira, Asake’s net worth would be around 1,163,789,656.50 NGN (that is one billion one hundred sixty-three million seven hundred eighty-nine thousand six hundred fifty-six naira 50 kobos).
Asake’s house
Back in August 2022, Asake hinted on his Instagram that he had purchased a home for himself irrespective of his low beginning. The house is said to be worth several millions of Naira.
Asake cars
Asake owns a 2023 G-Wagon SUV worth $179,000. Converted to Naira that is 138,878,899.01 NGN (one hundred thirty-eight million eight hundred seventy-eight thousand eight hundred ninety-nine naira 1 kobo).
Asake’s awards, recognitions, commercial success, and charts
- In 2020, Asake won Break Out Artist of the Year at the 2022 All Africa Music Awards.
- In September 2022, he released his first album Mr. Money with the Vibe. The album broke the record for biggest opening day for an African album on Apple Music. The album also ranked number 66 on the Billboard 200 chart and it became the highest charting Nigerian debut album in the history of the chart.
- He was also nominated as the Best African Music Act at the 2022 MOBO Awards, this was his first international award nomination.
- In February 2023, Asake won the Male MVP award at the Soundcity MVP Awards.
- After that, he won the Best African Artist of the Year at the 2023 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards in May.
- At the 2023 Headies Award ceremony, Asake bagged the Next rated award and also won the Album of the Year category with “Mr. Money With The Vibez”
- In April 2023, Mr. Money became one of the few Nigerians (Wizkid, Davido, Burnaboy) to sell out the 20,000 seat capacity 02 Arena in London.
- In 2023, Asake got a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance with his collaborative record with Olamide, ‘Amapiano’, at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
- His sophomore album Work of Art was released in June 2023, and it became his second album to debut at number 66 on the Billboard 200.
Conclusion
The journey of the spiritual 28 year old high net worth artiste Asake is one that can be summarized into one word, FOCUS. Irrespective of the struggles he faced, Mr. Money never lost focus of his dreams and he did his very best while waiting for the right opportunities to hop on to. Asake’s story is another one to remind you that no height is unachievable as long as you believe.
Here’s a quick quote from Asake, “You have to lift your spirit yourself so that people can see that you’re trying to move forward, then they can push you forward too. So if you don’t feel blessed, you won’t be blessed”.
