Afrobeats singer Asake (real name Ahmed Ololade) arrived in Nigeria on 21 December 2025. It was his first time back home in three years. A new documentary follows that visit and shows a raw, unfiltered look at the man behind the hits, his roots, his struggles, and the unbreakable faith that carried him.
From the airport welcome and the iconic Eyo masquerades of Lagos to quiet moments with family and his team, We got to really see the person behind the brand.
The 2020 Lesson That Built Him
Asake doesn’t sugar-coat the pandemic year that almost broke him. After his breakout single “Mr Money” gave him a taste of stardom, everything went quiet again.
“2020 was very serious. Life really humbled me. Imagine God gives you a taste of something and then removes it.”
But he now sees divine purpose in the pain:
“I didn’t realize God was building me at the time.”
Two years later, Olamide signed him to YBNL Nation. The rest is history: three studio albums in rapid succession, more than 25 major awards (including MOBOs, Grammy nominations, BET and MTV VMAs), and the fastest global rise in recent Nigerian music history.
Asake made sure to honour the man who believed in him:
“Till the end of time, I will always respect Baddo the same way.”
Leaving Home at 15 to chase his dream
Asake’s mother recalled how stubborn her son was — disappearing for days to dodge discipline. He tells his own version with quiet honesty:
“My parents were accommodating people who always had people around but tried to restrict my movements. My dad was so scary that I couldn’t look into his eyes. When I wanted to leave home at 15, he objected but I left home regardless.”
Today he credits that tough love and his own growth:
“A kid’s mentality is limited but when he grows to become an adult and on his own, he starts to see things differently. I thank God I was trained and also trained myself.”
OAU: The Place That Elevated Everything
A visit to his alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University, brought one of the most touching reflections. Asake credits the school with shaping the star the world now knows:
“I always had the talent and star power but school (OAU) shaped me into who I am today.”
He admits he wasn’t the most brilliant student academically — but he had wisdom, and the campus environment sharpened it.
On Money, Freedom, Loyalty and Love
Even at the top, Asake keeps his desires simple and profound.
On why money matters to him:
“Because I like freedom. Not like it gives me everything I want in life but… at least 80% of it.”
When choosing people on his team:
“I like a calm spirit that knows when to joke and when to be serious.”
His definition of real love:
“Love is loyalty and the love I have for you must not be greater than the one I have for myself. If my love for you makes me feel bad, it’s over.”
On starting a family one day:
“By the special grace of God.”
The Final Word
Before heading back out, Asake left fans and viewers with his clearest life philosophy:
“Put God first. G. O. D full stop.”
From the boy who left home at 15, through the 2020 humbling, to the global icon who still treats everyone as equals, Asake seems to be one who always keeps his eyes on the divine.
The documentary, full of pure energy, family, campus nostalgia, and honest conversation showed the world the real Asake — Giran, but now calmer, wiser, and more grounded than ever. It doesn’t just document a homecoming, it captures the heart of one of Afrobeats’ biggest stars reminding us all to stay true to our roots, respect those who lifted us, and put God first.