Veteran Nigerian music executive and broadcaster Dayo Adeneye, widely known as Dayo D1, has ignited a fresh industry conversation with his strong assertion that Afrobeats star Asake’s rapid global ascent would not have been possible without the solid foundation provided by YBNL Nation. In a recent podcast clip from a With Chude episode that has circulated widely, D1 emphasised the critical role of professional structure in nurturing and sustaining talent.
D1, a respected figure with decades of hands-on experience in artist development, A&R, and music business strategy, stated clearly:
“If Asake didn’t have YBNL structure, he wouldn’t get to where he is today.”
He went on to caution emerging and established artists alike:
“Artistes make mistakes and think they don’t need structure. Think of artistes that have left Don Jazzy, they are not where they used to be.”
His comments carry significant weight given his own track record. D1 co-founded Empire Mates Entertainment (EME) alongside Banky W, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of artists such as Wizkid, Skales, and Niyola. His background as a former radio presenter, talent scout, and strategist has given him deep insight into the mechanics that turn raw potential into sustained success, making his perspective particularly authoritative on the topic of label support versus independent paths.
Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, joined YBNL Nation in 2022 and experienced explosive growth under the label’s guidance. His breakthrough singles and debut album Mr. Money with the Vibe catapulted him to international stardom, with consistent hits, sold-out tours, and major collaborations. D1’s remarks highlight how strategic marketing, team coordination, distribution networks, and long-term planning form the backbone of such trajectories.