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Asake confirms departure from YBNL, reveals name of new record label
Nigerian music star Asake has officially launched his record label, Giran Republic, marking a major turning point in his career and confirming his departure from YBNL Nation.
The announcement came alongside the release of his first single of 2025, “Why Love,“ which debuted under the new imprint. Speculation about the label’s formation had been swirling since last year, when Asake updated his social media bios to include the name and created a dedicated Instagram page, fueling anticipation among fans and industry watchers.
Asake, born Ahmed Ololade, has had a meteoric rise in the music industry. Initially a dancer, he later transitioned to music, gaining widespread attention in 2022 with “Omo Ope,” featuring Yoruba rap icon Olamide. This led to his signing with YBNL Nation, a pivotal move that catapulted him into stardom.
Under YBNL, Asake quickly became a household name, first with his self-titled mixtape, ‘Asake,’ and then with his groundbreaking debut album, ‘Mr. Money With The Vibe.‘ Blending Fuji, Amapiano, and Afrobeats, the album delivered smash hits like “Sungba,” “Terminator,” and “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY),” cementing his place in the industry.
In 2023, he followed up with ‘Work of Art,‘ which further solidified his global status. The album produced hits like “Lonely at the Top” and “Amapiano,” and saw him selling out major arenas, including London’s O2 Arena.
With Giran Republic, Asake is stepping into a new role—not just as an artist but as an executive.
While details about the label’s roster and future plans remain undisclosed, this move signals his evolution from a breakout star to a key industry player, determined to shape his own sound and creative direction.