Lagos – Giran Republic, the newly launched record label by award-winning Nigerian Afrobeat star Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, marks a significant milestone in his flourishing career. This move follows months of speculation about his association with Olamide’s YBNL Nation, the label that brought him to national prominence. The announcement comes alongside the release of his latest single, Why Love, now available under the Giran Republic imprint.
Asake’s meteoric rise to prominence began in February 2022 when he joined YBNL Nation. His unique blend of Fuji-inspired sounds and street-smart lyrics quickly resonated with audiences, catapulting him into the mainstream spotlight. The partnership proved fruitful, yielding a string of hit tracks that cemented Asake’s position as a leading figure in the Nigerian music scene. His subsequent distribution deal with Empire in July 2022, while still under the YBNL umbrella, further amplified his global reach, exposing his music to a wider international audience.
Despite the widespread success enjoyed during his time with YBNL, rumors of a potential rift between Asake and Olamide, the label’s founder, began circulating within the industry. These whispers, however, were seemingly quieted by the release of “Military,” a track where Asake paid homage to Olamide and acknowledged the profound impact the YBNL boss had on his career trajectory. The song appeared to signal a continued, harmonious relationship between the two artists.
Now, with the unveiling of Giran Republic, it’s clear that Asake is ready to chart his own course. While the specifics surrounding his departure from YBNL remain undisclosed, industry sources suggest that the creation of his own label signifies a desire for greater creative control and ownership of his musical output. No formal statement has been made by Asake or Olamide regarding the separation. Crucially, Asake’s distribution deal with Empire remains in effect, ensuring that his music will continue to be distributed and promoted through the established global network.
