From Rejection to Stardom: How Asake Conquered Afrobeats Despite Being Told to Stop Singing in Yoruba

 

​The meteoric rise of Ahmed Ololade, better known globally as Asake, is often cited as one of the most rapid success stories in modern music history. However, beneath the glitz of sold-out arenas and record-breaking streaming numbers lies a journey defined by resilience and a stubborn refusal to compromise his cultural identity. In a recent revealing interview with Famous TV on February 24, 2026, the "Mr. Money" crooner opened up about the systemic barriers he faced as a rising artist, specifically the rejection he endured for choosing to sing predominantly in his native Yoruba language.

​The Early Struggle: Why Show Promoters Said "No"

​Before the Grammy nominations and the O2 Arena sell-outs, Asake was an aspiring artist trying to find his footing in a competitive industry. During this period, many industry gatekeepers and show promoters viewed his reliance on Yoruba as a limitation rather than a strength.

​According to Asake, he was frequently denied opportunities to perform at major shows. The rationale given by promoters was often that his music was "too local" or lacked the "universal appeal" that English-centric Afrobeats songs supposedly possessed.

​“At some point, a lot of people said no to me; they didn’t allow me to perform at shows because I spoke Yoruba,” Asake revealed.

​This rejection could have easily forced a lesser artist to pivot, but for Asake, it became the fuel for his creative fire.

​The Power of Authenticity: Why Asake Refused to Switch to English

​In a globalized music market, the pressure to conform to English lyrics is immense. However, Asake’s success has effectively debunked the myth that language is a barrier to entry. He credits his growth to four pillars: God’s grace, self-belief, consistency, and endurance.

​By staying true to his roots, Asake tapped into a unique sonic frequency that resonated deeply with the grassroots while simultaneously intriguing international audiences. His music, characterized by high-energy Fuji-infused beats and choral harmonies, proved that rhythm and "feeling" are the true universal languages.

​Looking back at the rejection, the singer expressed immense gratitude for his younger self's persistence. “I am so happy for myself because I didn’t stop,” he noted, emphasizing that his current status is a testament to the fact that authenticity eventually wins.

​Silencing the Doubters: A Global Phenomenon

​The results of Asake’s steadfastness are undeniable. In early 2026, he was officially crowned the most-streamed artist of all time on Spotify Nigeria, a feat achieved by consistently delivering hits primarily in Yoruba.

​His influence has also transcended Nigerian borders. From London to Johannesburg, fans who do not speak a word of Yoruba can be seen singing his lyrics verbatim. A recent sold-out show in South Africa highlighted this beautifully, as thousands of fans chanted his verses, proving that the "local" sound he was once rejected for is now a premium global export.

​The Legacy of the "Lungu Boy"

​Asake's journey serves as a blueprint for upcoming African artists. It sends a powerful message: you do not have to dilute your heritage to achieve stardom. Whether it was his debut album Mr. Money With The Vibe or his latest projects like Lungu Boy, he has maintained a consistent cultural thread that has now become his signature.

​By turning the very thing he was rejected for—his language—into his greatest asset, Asake has not only changed his own life but has also paved the way for a more inclusive and linguistically diverse Afrobeats era.