Why Asake Picked Olamide’s YBNL Instead of Chocolate City
Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake nearly signed with Chocolate City before his breakthrough, but ultimately joined YBNL, propelling him to superstardom.
According to Osagie Onobun, Chocolate City’s Head of A&R, the label was ready to sign Asake in 2022 just before he released his hit single Omo Ope. The paperwork was prepared, and both parties had aligned, but Asake suddenly disappeared.
“When we caught up with him, he said he needed to test a release and see how things go first,” 10Ten revealed. That release, Omo Ope, came out in January 2022 and marked a turning point for Asake. By February, he had signed with Olamide’s YBNL, leaving Chocolate City behind.
At the time, Chocolate City was known for building the careers of artists like M.I Abaga, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, and CKay, representing a major force in Nigerian hip-hop.
Before joining YBNL, Asake was building his career steadily—serving as road manager for comedian and actor Broda Shaggi, dancing for Afrobeats star Skibii, and collaborating with producers like DJ Xclusive and Young Jonn. His persistence in the underground scene positioned him for mainstream success.
Joining YBNL allowed Asake to craft an era-defining sound, blending Yoruba spirituals with club-ready beats—a style that resonated perfectly with Olamide’s vision. Fans and critics agree that YBNL was the ideal home for his talent, though Chocolate City’s path remains an intriguing “what if” in Nigerian music history.
Ultimately, Asake’s decision underscores how timing, vision, and alignment with the right label can shape an artist’s career in Nigeria’s competitive music industry.
