Ahmed Ololade, known widely as Asake, took center stage at the reveredO2 Arena on the evening of August 20th, crafting a performance that reverberated well beyond the venue’s confines. As the current face of YBNL and one of the promising figures in the music industry, Asake soared to another level with his sold-out concert.

Drawing inspiration from the energy and culture of the ‘streets’, Asake crafted his own sound — one that bridges social, religious, and cultural gaps. It is within this crucible of artistic expression that Asake has been able to morph into an international sensation.

At his last concert at the O2 Academy in Brixton, a stampede ensued which left eight people in the hospital, four in critical condition and eventually recorded the deaths of Rebecca Ikumelo and Gabrielle Hutchinson.

So when Asake, who exposed a glimpse of the ‘typical Nigerian performer,’ came in 90 minutes after the show was set to begin, he made a tribute to them. However, the ongoing debate surrounding the sufficiency of the tribute underscores the complexity of addressing such a profound tragedy. 

As the evening unfolded and the crowd’s anticipation crescendoed, his somber track, “Yoga,” paved the way for a series of tracks that sustained the show. His opening numbers, “Olorun,” “Mr Money,” and hits drawn from his debut opus, Mr Money With The Vibe — “Organise,” “Sunmomi,” Dupe” — resonated with the audience’s core.

He journeyed through a repertoire of songs, culminating in the global favourite, “Lonely At The Top.” Amidst a hunger for more hits, Asake thought it best to mildly sate his audience. His band, The Compozers, truly elevated the show with their fusion of saxophone-driven fuji rhythms.

Further, guest stars joined the fray — Tiwa Savage, Fireboy, Fridayy. They all lent their talent to make the night an even more memorable one.

. @TiwaSavage and @asakemusik set the O2 Arena on fire with 'LOADED' performance! 🔥🔥 #TiwaSavage #Asake #Asake02Arena pic.twitter.com/iqgW280rM8

— BOUNCE (@bouncenetworks) August 21, 2023

However, when YBNL boss and Asake’s mentor, Olamide, sauntered on stage, the show became more enlivened. Olamide’s pride was palpable. He collaborated with his mentee to deliver a rendition of one of the firsts of Asake’s hits, “Omo Ope.” 

An Unforgettable Night: @asakemusik and @olamide perform 'OMO OPE' at @theo2london 🇬🇧
#asake #Olamide #omoope pic.twitter.com/SarL04ntDu

— BOUNCE (@bouncenetworks) August 20, 2023

Asake then pulled an unexpected trick from his sleeve, inviting on stage one-half of the Lighthouse Family duo, Tunde Baiyewu, whose song, “Ocean Drive,” he sampled on his track, “Sunshine”.

Nevertheless, Asake’s highly anticipated show at the 02 Arena proved to be a success, despite minor engineering issues and the sudden, slapdash conclusion. The hope of a great night  — that sprouted immediately after he announced the show and gained ground, leading to the show being sold out days before the event — was validated as it was an undeniable improvement on his previous performances.

Asake’s star continues to shine bright. It is clear that he is destined for even greater heights in the music industry. Next stop for the superstar is the 21,000-capacity Barclays Center, New York on September 8th.

Stream Asake Live at the O2 Arena London here: