Asake Reaffirms Unwavering Loyalty to Mentor Olamide: 'Baddo Stays Baddo'
Afrobeats sensation Ahmed Ololade, widely known as Asake, has emphatically declared his enduring loyalty to his former label boss and mentor, Olamide, stating that his perception of the rapper remains unchanged despite his own skyrocketing fame and success. In a candid interview with YouTuber Korty EO, the 'Sungba' crooner reflected on his personal journey, struggles, and key relationships, emphasizing that no level of achievement could alter his view of the YBNL founder.
'Even If I Become President, Baddo Will Always Be Baddo'
Asake made his feelings clear with a powerful statement: 'Till the world ends, Baddo will always be Baddo. The way I saw Baddo yesterday is the same way I see him today, and that will be the same way I will see him tomorrow, even if I become the president of America or Zimbabwe. Baddo will always be Baddo.' This declaration comes amid past speculation about a potential fallout between the two artists, which had sparked widespread discussion across the music industry.
Addressing Past Rumors of a Split
In December 2024, rumors of a split intensified when Asake removed YBNL from his Instagram bio and unfollowed Olamide. This move triggered reactions from industry peers, including Wizkid, who posted 'Love baddo! 4 L (for life) tin,' interpreted as support for Olamide. Olamide responded with 'Eleniyan! Love always brother.' While neither publicly addressed the situation in detail, reports suggested Asake's contract with YBNL may have expired, with claims he opted for independence rather than renewing.
Before the reported split, Asake had repeatedly credited Olamide for transforming his life, revealing in earlier interviews that he had waited years for the chance to join the label. He recounted telling Olamide, 'You don't understand, for somebody you look up to, somebody you respect, somebody you've been longing to see, to ask you that question. I told him that I was ready.'
Reflections on Struggles and Success
Asake described 2020 as a defining, humbling year in his life, saying, '2020 was a serious year. Life humbled me so much. You know when God puts something sweet in your mouth and removes it? That was what happened in 2020. At that time, I did not know that God was building me.' He also shared his ambition to seek opportunities abroad, particularly in Los Angeles, stating, 'Before I travelled, Los Angeles was a place I liked. Even when I was with my friends, I told them that I was going to leave this country and go to California.'
On the topic of success, Asake noted that wealth provides him with a sense of freedom, explaining, 'Right now in Lagos, I have five cars. I like money so much because I like freedom. Not like it gives me everything I need in life, but at least it solves 80 per cent of the things I need to solve.' He added that his life revolves around performances and concerts, saying, 'My life is always about going to clubs to perform, going to concerts, and coming back.'
Family Dynamics and Reconciliation
Asake opened up about his upbringing, noting he was closer to his mother, saying, 'I used to be with my mum a lot because we understood each other more than my dad and I did.' He described his parents as accommodating but strict, limiting his time with friends due to his stubborn nature. This comes after earlier tensions with his father, Fatai Odunsi (Malo), who in 2025 accused the singer of neglect while suffering from a partial stroke. The situation was later resolved, with Odunsi confirming, 'Asake said he will do everything that I want. We have settled; no more problems.'
In March 2026, Asake drew public attention by gifting his father a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado worth about N130 million, days after presenting his mother with a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon G63 valued at around N311 million. These gestures initially sparked online debate but later shifted to praise, with fans commending his generosity.
Spiritual Focus and Faith
Beyond music, Asake has shown a growing commitment to his spiritual life, recently traveling to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah during Ramadan. Videos surfaced online showing him praying at sacred sites alongside other worshippers, sparking reactions from fans who praised his dedication to faith, with some jokingly referring to him as 'Alhaji Ololade.'
Through his interview, Asake not only reaffirmed his loyalty to Olamide but also offered a deeper look into his personal evolution, from early struggles to current success, family reconciliation, and spiritual growth, solidifying his place as one of Nigeria's most influential Afrobeats stars.
