Asake's Departure from YBNL: Lawyer Reveals Contractual Disagreements

Lagos, Nigeria - Singer Ahmed Ololade, known professionally as Asake, left Olamide's YBNL Nation due to feeling "cheated" by the terms of his initial contract, according to entertainment lawyer Yemisi Falaye. This revelation sheds light on the circumstances surrounding Asake's departure, which was initially reported in December 2024 and confirmed by the artist himself in February 2025 with the launch of his own record label, Giran Republic.

Contractual Disputes Led to Singer's Exit

Falaye, in a recent statement, detailed the events leading to the separation, emphasizing that Asake disregarded her legal advice before signing the contract with YBNL. She explained that the singer, eager to capitalize on the opportunity after years of struggling in the music industry, rushed into the agreement without fully understanding its implications.

“I remember when Olamide was going to sign Asake,” Falaye recounted. “He was so overwhelmed that he said to Olamide, ‘I’m not going to get a lawyer to review this agreement. YBNL wants to sign me, do you know how long I’ve been waiting?’”

Despite Olamide's recommendation to seek legal counsel, Asake allegedly dismissed Falaye's warnings about assigning his rights "in perpetuity" under the proposed terms. Falaye claims Asake accused her of trying to sabotage his breakthrough and proceeded to sign the contract without modifications.

Industry Experts Weigh In

Music industry analyst, Osagie Alonge, commented on the situation, stating, "These situations are not uncommon in the Nigerian music scene. Aspiring artists, driven by the desire for immediate success, often overlook the long-term implications of contracts. It highlights the need for greater artist education and independent legal representation."

Another expert, entertainment law professor Dr. Izeduwa Ogbeide, emphasized the importance of due diligence. “This case underscores the necessity for artists to thoroughly understand their contracts before signing. Record labels have a responsibility to be transparent, but ultimately, the artist must protect their own interests. Independent legal advice is crucial.”

Historical Context and Current Trends

The Nigerian music industry has a history of artists signing unfavorable contracts, often due to a lack of understanding or access to proper legal representation. This has led to numerous disputes and artists feeling exploited by record labels. The rise of independent artists and labels in recent years reflects a growing awareness of these issues and a desire for greater control over one's career.

The trend of artists launching their own labels, as Asake has done with Giran Republic, is becoming increasingly prevalent. This allows artists to retain ownership of their music, negotiate better deals, and build their own brands independently.

Aftermath and Future Outlook

Falaye stated that Asake ultimately felt "cheated" because the contract did not work in his favor. This feeling stemmed from his initial decision to ignore legal advice and sign the agreement without understanding its long-term consequences. Whether he attempted to renegotiate the contract terms is not confirmed, but his decision to leave YBNL and establish his own label suggests dissatisfaction with the existing arrangement.

Asake's departure from YBNL and the circumstances surrounding it serve as a cautionary tale for aspiring artists. It highlights the critical importance of seeking legal counsel, understanding contract terms, and making informed decisions that protect their rights and future in the music industry. The incident also underscores the evolving landscape of the Nigerian music industry, with artists increasingly seeking greater autonomy and control over their careers.