Asake Reflects on Painful Yoruba Rejections, revealing how show promoters once denied him stage time for singing in Yoruba
Ahmed Ololade, professionally known as Asake, a Nigerian singer and songwriter, has revealed that show promoters once rejected him from performing because he sang predominantly in Yoruba, describing the experience as one of the defining challenges of his early career.
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Speaking in an interview with Famous TV, Asake said several organisers turned him down at a crucial stage of his rise, arguing that his use of Yoruba would limit audience appeal.
The Sungba crooner explained that the rejections, though painful, did not deter him from staying true to his artistic identity.
Instead of altering his sound, the singer said he chose resilience and consistency.
“How I got to where I am today is by God’s grace, self-belief, consistency, and endurance,” Asake said.
“At some point, a lot of people said no to me; they didn’t allow me to perform at shows because I spoke Yoruba. But thank God I didn’t stop, and I kept believing in myself.”
Asake added that he now looks back on that period with gratitude, viewing it as a powerful lesson in perseverance.
The singer said maintaining confidence in his cultural roots ultimately shaped the distinct style that propelled him to national and international recognition.
Today, Asake stands among Nigeria’s most influential contemporary artistes, with his fusion of Afrobeats and Fuji-inspired rhythms earning widespread acclaim.
The singer said his journey underscores the importance of authenticity in an increasingly competitive music industry.
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“Now, look at where I am today. I am so happy for myself,” Asake said, reflecting on the dramatic turnaround from rejection to acclaim.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
