Why Asake Reportedly Left YBNL: What Entertainment Lawyer Oluyemisi Falaye Revealed
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Asake’s rapid rise in the Nigerian music industry took many by surprise, but those who followed his journey closely know that his affiliation with Olamide’s YBNL played a major role in shaping his career. However, recent comments by entertainment lawyer Oluyemisi Falaye have stirred new discussions about the reason behind Asake’s quiet exit from the label.
According to Falaye, Asake signed his contract with YBNL without first reviewing the terms with a lawyer. She claims that the outcome of that decision didn’t favor him in the long run, which may be the reason he chose not to renew his contract when it expired.
Did Asake Make a Costly Mistake?
Signing a record deal is one of the most defining moments in any artist’s career. When Asake joined YBNL in 2022, the buzz was instant. He released multiple chart-topping hits and quickly became one of the biggest stars in Afrobeats. However, contracts in the music business are rarely simple. Artists are often excited to get their big break and may overlook legal advice in the process.
Oluyemisi Falaye’s claim shines a light on a problem many Nigerian artists have faced: signing binding agreements without proper legal review. According to her, Asake might not have received the best deal and chose to walk away when his initial term ended.
Why Artists Need Legal Representation
The music industry runs on contracts — recording, publishing, performance, endorsements, and more. Without legal help, artists risk:
Giving up ownership of their masters Settling for low royalty percentages Being tied to long-term deals with little creative freedom
For someone like Asake, whose fame exploded within a year, a contract that might have seemed acceptable at the start could quickly feel limiting once the money and opportunities start rolling in.
Olamide and YBNL’s Reputation with Artists
Olamide is highly respected for supporting up-and-coming artists. Over the years, he has helped launch the careers of stars like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, and Asake. However, many of these artists eventually move on from the label. This pattern raises questions about how contracts are structured at YBNL.
Though Olamide is known for being generous, it’s still business. No matter how good the relationship is, contracts protect the interests of both parties. If Asake truly didn’t have a lawyer review the deal, it wouldn’t be surprising if he later felt the terms weren’t suitable anymore.
What This Means for New Artists
Asake’s experience should be a lesson to upcoming artists in Nigeria and beyond. No matter how tempting an offer looks, it’s important to understand what you’re signing. A few hours with a trusted entertainment lawyer can save years of regret.
Also, it’s a reminder that success doesn’t always mean full control. An artist can be topping charts and selling out venues while still being bound by agreements that limit their income and creative decisions.
