Afrobeats star, Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has reaffirmed his loyalty to former label boss and mentor, Olamide, saying his perception of the rapper has remained unchanged despite his rising fame and success.

The ‘Sungba’ crooner made this known in a recent interview with YouTuber, Korty EO, where he reflected on his journey, struggles and relationships.

According to him, no level of success can alter how he sees the YBNL boss.

“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,” he said.

Asake’s comments come despite past speculation about a fallout between him and Olamide, who signed him to YBNL in February 2022.

In December 2024, the relationship between both artistes became a major talking point after Asake removed YBNL from his Instagram bio and unfollowed Olamide, sparking rumours of a split.

The development triggered reactions across the music industry, with Wizkid posting, “Love baddo! 4 L (for life) tin,” on December 26, 2024, a move many interpreted as a show of support for Olamide.

Olamide also responded at the time, writing, “Eleniyan! Love always brother.”

Although neither Asake nor Olamide publicly addressed the situation, reports suggested that the singer’s contract with YBNL may have expired, with claims that he opted for independence rather than renewing the deal.

Before the reported split, Asake had repeatedly credited Olamide for changing his life, revealing in an earlier interview that he had waited years for the opportunity to join the label.

“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,” he had said.

Tough year that changed everything

Reflecting on his early struggles, Asake described 2020 as a defining moment in his life.

“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. I did not expect it. God then gave me, ‘Me I no dey cap, me I no dey form,’ and then He did not give me again,” he said.

Dreams beyond Nigeria

The singer also shared how his ambition pushed him to seek opportunities abroad.

“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. So, I did not overthink it. When I got to California, I was just like, bro, I will be here. Let me just live my dream, mehn,” he said.

Money, freedom and reality

Speaking on success, Asake noted that wealth gives him a sense of freedom.

“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. So the remaining 20 per cent, I will face it because life is not balanced,” he said.

“My life is always about going to clubs to perform, going to concerts, and coming back,” he added.

Family, distance and reconciliation

The singer also opened up about his upbringing and family dynamics.

“I used to be with my mum a lot because we understood each other more than my dad and I did,” he said.

“I have parents who accommodate a lot of people, but they do not joke about their children. So, they did not give me many chances to be with a lot of friends because they knew that I was very stubborn. If I went out, they made sure I got back on time. Some children in our neighbourhood then did not have that kind of treatment. They could stay out till night,” he added.

His comments come after earlier tensions with his father, Fatai Odunsi, also known as Malo, who had in 2025 accused the singer of neglect.

“I am suffering from a partial stroke and need assistance,” Odunsi had said at the time.

However, the situation was later resolved after his father confirmed that Asake had stepped in to support him.

“Asake said he will do everything that I want. We have settled; no more problems,” he said.

From controversy to celebration

In March 2026, Asake drew public attention again after gifting his father a 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado reportedly worth about N130m, days after presenting his mother with a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon G63 said to be valued at about N311m.

The gestures initially sparked debate online but later shifted to praise.

An Instagram user, ladel195, wrote, “I hope Asake critics can see now. God bless Asake,” while another user, damiee, commented, “Equation balance.”

Faith beyond fame

Beyond music, the singer has also shown a growing focus on his spiritual life.

He recently travelled to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where he performed Umrah during Ramadan, with videos showing him praying at sacred sites alongside other worshippers.

The trip sparked reactions online, with fans praising his commitment to faith, while others jokingly referred to him as “Alhaji Ololade.”