Asake Opens Up About Early Career Rejections for Singing in Yoruba
Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake, born Ahmed Ololade, has candidly revealed the significant challenges he faced at the outset of his musical journey, specifically highlighting how his choice to sing predominantly in Yoruba language became a major obstacle.
In a recent interview with Famous TV, the "Sungba" hitmaker disclosed that several show promoters and industry gatekeepers repeatedly denied him performance platforms simply because he opted to use his native Yoruba tongue rather than conforming to English-heavy compositions.
"They Told Me No": The Language Barrier in Nigerian Music
"At some point, a lot of people said no to me; they didn't allow me to perform at shows because I spoke Yoruba," Asake explained during the revealing conversation. This rejection occurred during a period when many industry insiders believed that English-language songs held broader commercial appeal and wider audience reach across Nigeria and beyond.
The singer described how this consistent denial of opportunities could have easily discouraged any emerging artist, potentially forcing them to abandon their authentic artistic expression in favor of more mainstream, commercially-driven approaches.
Authenticity as the Path to Global Recognition
Despite these early setbacks, Asake maintained unwavering commitment to his artistic identity. "How I got to where I am today is by God's grace, self-belief, consistency, and endurance," he stated, emphasizing the core values that sustained him through challenging times.
The musician credited his current international acclaim and global status directly to his refusal to compromise his authentic sound. "But thank God I didn't stop, and I kept believing in myself," he added, reflecting on the perseverance that ultimately transformed what was once considered a limitation into his most distinctive trademark.
Yoruba Lyrics as Global Phenomenon
Today, Asake's unique blend of Yoruba lyrics with street-inspired rhythms resonates across international stages, nightclubs worldwide, and leading streaming platforms. His success has demonstrated that cultural authenticity can achieve universal appeal, challenging previous industry assumptions about language limitations in music.
"Now, look at where I am today. I am so happy for myself," the singer expressed with evident gratitude, acknowledging the journey from local rejection to global acceptance.
Separate Developments: Relationship Rumors and Traffic Incident
In unrelated developments, the daughter of legendary Fuji musician King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1) has publicly debunked circulating rumors suggesting a romantic relationship with Asake. Dami Marshal, a celebrity lawyer and senior special assistant on Tourism to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, clarified that a viral video showing her dancing with the singer at a club merely captured a casual social interaction.
Additionally, Asake recently faced online criticism after footage emerged showing him allegedly violating traffic regulations in California. The video appeared to depict the musician driving without a seatbelt and potentially using his phone while operating a luxury vehicle on a Los Angeles highway, drawing attention to California's strict hands-free driving laws.
These separate incidents highlight the ongoing public scrutiny that accompanies celebrity status, even as Asake's musical achievements continue to break new ground for Yoruba-language entertainment on the global stage.
