A viral statement from media personality and music executive Dayo D1 Adeneye, has stirred heated discussions online, after he credited YBNL Nation’s powerful infrastructure as the key force behind Ahmed Ololade Asake’s rise to global stardom.
During an interview on WithChude platform, D1 stated: “If Asake didn’t have YBNL structure, he wouldn’t have gotten to where he is today. A lot of artists think they don’t need structure until it’s too late.”
He extended the point by referencing other cases: “Think of artistes that have left Don Jazzy, they are not where they used to be.”
The comment comes after Asake officially parted ways with Olamide’s YBNL Nation in early 2025. Following the end of his contract, the Afrobeats sensation launched his independent label, Giran Republic, and released his first post-YBNL single, “Why Love”.
Asake joined YBNL in February 2022 as an emerging talent from Abeokuta. Backed by Olamide’s mentorship, features, marketing push, and the label’s established network, he broke into stardom wity Mr. Money with the Vibe, debuted on the Billboard 200, while his other popular tracks like “Sungba”, “Terminator” and “Lonely At The Top” became generational anthems not only in Nigeria but internationally.
With D1’s statement, supporters argue YBNL provided the rocket fuel while critics say Asake’s unique sound and work ethic were the real drivers.
