How Asake Ultimately Chose YBNL Over Chocolate City

The Nigerian music scene is full of near-miss stories, and one that recently resurfaced online involves how Asake almost signed with Chocolate City before his career-defining breakthrough with YBNL Nation.

The revelation came from Chocolate City’s Head of A&R, Osagie Onobun, popularly known as 10TEN. In a social media post, he shared that the label was on the verge of signing Asake in 2022, shortly before the release of his breakout single Omo Ope.

According to 10TEN, negotiations had been finalized and paperwork prepared when Asake unexpectedly pulled back. When they eventually reconnected, the singer reportedly explained that he wanted to test a new release first to see how it performed. That release turned out to be “Omo Ope,” which dropped in January 2022 and quickly signaled his arrival as a unique voice in Afrobeats. By February of that year, he had officially joined YBNL, and communication with Chocolate City ceased.

At the time, Asake was still an emerging act trying to break into the mainstream. Meanwhile, Chocolate City had long established itself as a powerhouse in Nigerian music, having helped shape the careers of artists such as M.I Abaga, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Dice Ailes, CKay, and Blaqbonez, playing a major role in defining modern Nigerian hip-hop.

Before his big break, Asake was steadily building momentum. He consistently released music and strategically collaborated with established names, hoping for his breakthrough moment. His journey included working as a road manager for comedian and actor Broda Shaggi and serving as a dancer for Afrobeats artist Skibii. He also made waves in the underground circuit, collaborating with figures like DJ Xclusive and Young Jonn.

Eventually, Asake signed with YBNL, the label founded by Olamide, where he would go on to become one of the defining stars of his era.

Many fans now believe that YBNL was the perfect fit for him. His signature blend of Yoruba spiritual influences layered over energetic club-ready beats — along with the raw texture of his early sound — aligned naturally with Olamide’s artistic sensibilities and vision.

In hindsight, it is easy to conclude that Asake ended up exactly where he was meant to be. His partnership with YBNL proved transformative, reshaping his career and leaving a major mark on Afrobeats. Still, it remains intriguing to imagine how differently his journey might have unfolded had he signed with Chocolate City instead.