Nigerian music star Asake has spoken candidly about the hurdles he encountered at the start of his career, revealing that his decision to sing predominantly in Yoruba once cost him performance opportunities.
In a recent interview on Famous TV, the “Omo Ope” hitmaker recounted how several show promoters turned him down, expressing reluctance to book an artiste whose music was deeply rooted in indigenous language and culture. According to him, the rejections were frequent and discouraging, but they did not deter him from pursuing his dreams.
Asake explained that remaining authentic to his sound became both his challenge and his strength. At a time when the industry often leaned toward more widely commercial styles, he chose to stay committed to his Yoruba-infused music, trusting that the right audience would eventually connect with it.
He attributed his eventual breakthrough to a combination of faith, resilience, and consistency. “How I got to where I am today is by God’s grace, self-belief, consistency, and endurance,” he said, reflecting on the difficult early days. He admitted that being denied stage opportunities because of his language was painful, but he remained steadfast in his belief that his artistry would find its place.
Today, Asake stands as one of the prominent voices redefining mainstream Nigerian music, proving that indigenous expression can resonate far beyond local boundaries. Looking back at his journey, the singer expressed gratitude and pride in how far he has come.
“Thank God I didn’t stop, and I kept believing in myself. Now, look at where I am today. I am so happy for myself,” he added, underscoring a journey marked by persistence and unwavering confidence in his craft.