Afrobeats Star Asake Reveals Financial Necessity Drove Transition From Professional Dancing to Music Career

Singer Asake reveals he left professional dancing for music to reach higher income goals. Read about his transition and his latest interview on African Voices.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 22, 2026, 7:28 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Nation Newspaper.

Passion vs. Profit: The Rationale Behind the Career Shift

Global Afrobeats sensation Asake, born Ahmed Ololade, has opened up about the pragmatic reasons behind his transition from the dance floor to the recording studio. In a recent interview on the "African Voices" program, the singer admitted that his intense "love for money" outweighed his professional commitment to dancing. While he remains a gifted performer who integrates dance into his stagecraft, Asake realized early in his career that his financial ambitions exceeded what a professional dancing career in Nigeria could realistically offer.

From Online Viral Dancer to Chart-Topping Artist

Before achieving international fame with hits like "Lonely At The Top," Asake was widely recognized for his energetic dance performances, many of which went viral on social media. This background provided a unique foundation for his music career, helping him cultivate a distinct visual style. However, the singer noted that the earnings gap between the two industries was too significant to ignore. "The truth is I had to leave [dancing] because of my love for money," he stated, "because I know the type of money I want dancing can't give me."

Maintaining Artistic Roots and Industry Loyalty

Despite the shift in focus, Asake emphasized that dancing remains an integral part of his identity and his creative process. He continues to showcase his skills in music videos and live performances, blending his two talents to create a more immersive experience for fans. During the interview, he also took the time to reiterate his loyalty to his former label boss, Olamide, credited with bringing him into the mainstream spotlight, noting that his respect for the YBNL founder remains unchanged.