Nigerian comedian and actor Ayodeji Makun, popularly known as AY, has recalled an Instagram message Asake sent him in 2019, years before the singer became one of Nigeria’s biggest music stars.
AY shared the revelation after attending Asake’s sold-out concert at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, as part of the singer’s “In God We Trust” tour.
According to the comedian, he recently remembered the old message while reflecting on how far Asake had come.
He said: “I remember when this boy sent me a message in my DM on Instagram. I didn’t even get to see this message on time. This was years ago, sometime during 2019.”
AY displayed the message, which showed Asake introducing himself as Ololade and asking the comedian to listen to and support his music.
Asake had written: “Good Evening sir. I’m OLOLADE. How are you doing sir? I’m here for help, KING AY. I just drop a record titled – African Something. You vibing to the song is a lot to my career,”
He added: “KING AY, Help a son sir. May God bless you and your family. I love you KING AY.”
AY stressed that he was not sharing the old DM to take credit for Asake’s eventual success.
He said: “I’m not saying all of this to take any credit. That glory belongs to God and his talent and of course the hard work that is put into all of this.”
The comedian used the moment to encourage people to treat upcoming talents with respect, noting that someone seeking recognition today could become a global star tomorrow.
He said: “The truth is that the person asking to be seen today may become the person the whole world will celebrate tomorrow. So be good to people, respect their dreams, never look down on anyone because you simply cannot tell what tomorrow brings.”
AY also revealed that Asake greeted him backstage after the Houston concert and praised the singer’s humility despite his current level of success.
“Ah Asake, you were simply phenomenal,” AY said.
He added: “Nigeria celebrates you, Africa celebrates you and the world is seeing all your doings and workings right now.”