The Nigerian music scene is abuzz with speculation about a possible rift between YBNL boss Olamide and his former protégé Asake. Once celebrated as one of the most dynamic partnerships in the industry, their relationship seems to have taken a surprising turn. Let’s delve into the unfolding drama and examine the evidence fueling these rumors.
Asake’s Social Media Silence: A Cryptic Move?
Fans first noticed something unusual when Asake unfollowed everyone on his social media accounts, including Olamide. While such moves aren’t uncommon in the entertainment industry, they often signify underlying tensions.
Could this be a deliberate signal of severing ties, or is it merely a bid for peace and quiet amid the chaos of fame? Whatever the reason, Asake’s digital silence has left fans speculating about his intentions and relationships within the industry, particularly with Olamide and YBNL.
The ‘Lungu Boy’ Album Drama
The release of Asake’s highly anticipated album Lungu Boy added more fuel to the fire. Fans quickly noticed the absence of YBNL branding on the album art and track credits. Given that YBNL played a significant role in Asake’s meteoric rise, this omission raised questions. Was it a sign of independence, or something deeper?
Interestingly, shortly after the album’s release, YBNL’s logo and tags were retroactively added to streaming platforms. This move sparked even more debate—was it a patch-up attempt, or a calculated effort to avoid public scrutiny? The mixed signals have left fans divided, with many believing the relationship between Asake and YBNL may have hit a rocky patch.
Olamide’s Concert: Asake’s Absence Raises Eyebrows
Olamide’s recent live concert in Lagos was a star-studded affair featuring performances by Fireboy DML, Lil Kesh, and even Phyno. However, the glaring absence of Asake—one of YBNL’s brightest stars—did not go unnoticed. Given Asake’s significant contributions to the label’s recent success, his absence felt deliberate and symbolic.
This omission has only added weight to the rumors of a fallout. Fans are left wondering: Was Asake’s absence due to scheduling conflicts, or was it a conscious decision to distance himself from YBNL?
The Split: A Peaceful Departure or Tension Brewing?
Reports suggest that Asake has officially parted ways with YBNL, with Olamide allowing him to terminate his contract amicably. Notably, Asake has been given ownership of the masters to all songs recorded under the label, though YBNL will retain a royalty split for the next 10 years.
Olamide has addressed the split with his trademark grace, saying, “I didn’t create YBNL because I wanted to make money. I created it because I wanted to see other young people grow, so if any artist under me wants to leave, they are free. Asake has done his part, and I’m proud of him.”
While Olamide’s statement projects goodwill, fans can’t help but wonder if there’s more to the story than meets the eye.
What’s Next for Asake and Olamide?
For now, both artists appear to be moving in different directions. Asake is carving out his own path, experimenting with new sounds and strategies. Olamide continues to expand the YBNL brand. He is supporting new talents and maintaining his legacy as one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians.
Whether this separation is a sign of creative differences or a deeper conflict remains unclear. One thing is certain: their respective journeys will be closely watched by fans and industry insiders alike.
While the reasons behind their apparent fallout remain speculative, both artists have shown that parting ways doesn’t have to mean burning bridges—at least not publicly.
