Asake and Lil Kesh both share the name Ololade," which is part of their full names. Asake's real name is Ahmed Ololade, while Lil Kesh's full name is Keshinro Ololade. The name "Lolade" is a Yoruba name meaning "The wealthy/notable one has arrived".
Despite their individual styles and paths to fame, there are several fascinating parallels between the two musicians. Below are 10 key similarities between Asake and Lil Kesh.
1. YBNL Record Label Alumni
Both Asake and Lil Kesh had their careers boosted by Olamide, the founder of YBNL Nation, one of Nigeria’s leading record labels. YBNL is known for nurturing emerging talent, and both artists enjoyed massive recognition while signed under the label.
• Lil Kesh: Signed with YBNL in 2014, Lil Kesh’s debut hit single Shoki catapulted him to stardom. His affiliation with Olamide and the label provided a platform to expand his fanbase and solidify his place in the Nigerian music scene.
• Asake: In early 2022, Asake was signed to YBNL after his song Omo Ope became a street anthem. His association with YBNL greatly contributed to his rapid ascent, positioning him as one of Nigeria’s fast-rising stars.
2. Street-Hop and Afro-Fusion Pioneers
Both Asake and Lil Kesh are known for street-hop, a sub-genre of Afrobeat that resonates deeply with the masses. Their music often mirrors the everyday struggles, joys, and realities of life in Nigeria, particularly in urban centers.
• Lil Kesh: His music combines elements of Afrobeat, hip-hop, and indigenous sounds, creating street anthems like Efejoku and Shoki. These tracks are full of slang and relatable narratives for the average Nigerian youth.
• Asake: Known for blending Afrobeat, fuji, and amapiano sounds, Asake’s music also speaks to the street. Hits like Sungba and Trabaye reflect the hustle culture of the streets, filled with energy and raw urban experiences.
3. Use of Yoruba Language and Slang
Both artists heavily incorporate Yoruba in their music, making their songs not just catchy, but deeply rooted in their cultural heritage. Their ability to seamlessly integrate Yoruba language and slang makes their music authentic and relatable to a large segment of Nigeria’s population.
• Lil Kesh: Tracks like Gbese and Is It Because I Love You demonstrate his frequent use of Yoruba language and street slang, appealing to both urban youth and indigenous communities.
• Asake: Songs like Peace Be Unto You (PBUY) and Mr. Money highlight Asake’s use of Yoruba idioms and phrases, giving his music a streetwise appeal with mass cultural resonance.
4. Fast Rise to Fame
Both Asake and Lil Kesh experienced meteoric rises in the Nigerian music scene. They transitioned from being relatively unknown artists to household names in a remarkably short span of time, thanks to their unique styles and the massive support they received from YBNL.
• Lil Kesh: His hit song Shoki was released in 2014, and within months, it became a street anthem across Nigeria, placing him at the forefront of the industry.
• Asake: Similarly, Asake saw an explosive rise after releasing Omo Ope in early 2022. He quickly followed this up with other hit songs, solidifying his presence within a year of breaking out.
5. Collaborations with Olamide
Another striking similarity between the two artists is their frequent collaborations with Olamide, who played a pivotal role in nurturing their careers.
• Lil Kesh: He collaborated with Olamide on multiple hits, including Shoki Remix and Problem Child. These tracks helped amplify his sound and extend his reach to a wider audience.
• Asake: Asake’s song Omo Ope features Olamide, and the synergy between them in the track helped him secure a strong foothold in the music scene. Olamide has served as both a mentor and collaborator for Asake, much like he did for Lil Kesh.
6. Dominance of Street Anthems
Both artists have consistently produced street anthems that become viral hits. Their music captures the vibe and energy of the streets, making them beloved by grassroots fans.
• Lil Kesh: Songs like Shoki and Efejoku dominated the airwaves and street corners alike, becoming cultural phenomena.
• Asake: With tracks like Sungba and Joha, Asake has quickly become synonymous with street hits, creating music that becomes the pulse of street culture in Nigeria.
7. Dance Moves and Viral Trends
Both Asake and Lil Kesh are known for creating viral dance moves that accompany their hit songs. This has been a huge part of their success, with fans creating online challenges and dance videos.
• Lil Kesh: His hit Shoki came with a signature dance move that took over Nigeria, becoming a viral trend that was replicated by fans and celebrities alike.
• Asake: Asake’s high-energy beats often inspire street dances and TikTok challenges. For instance, his song Sungba quickly became a favorite for dance challenges across social media.
8. Youth-Centric Fanbase
Both artists command a largely youth-centric fanbase, with their music particularly resonating with Nigeria’s younger demographic. Their use of street slang, youthful exuberance, and relatable lyrics makes them icons for young Nigerians.
• Lil Kesh: His relatable lyrics about love, money, and hustle connect deeply with young Nigerians who are navigating similar life experiences.
• Asake: Asake’s music, with its street-wise tone and aspirational messages, has similarly drawn in a large youth following, particularly with his high-energy performances and relatable themes.
9. Chart Success
Both Asake and Lil Kesh have enjoyed chart-topping success within Nigeria and beyond. Their songs regularly dominate Nigerian music charts and streaming platforms, a testament to their widespread popularity.
• Lil Kesh: His debut album Y.A.G.I produced numerous hits that topped the charts, making him one of the most promising artists of his time.
• Asake: Asake’s songs consistently rank high on various Nigerian music charts, with his debut album Mr. Money with the Vibe generating multiple hits that topped streaming platforms in 2022 and 2023.
10. Multi-Genre Influences
Both Asake and Lil Kesh incorporate multiple genres in their music, blending Afrobeat with elements of fuji, amapiano, and hip-hop to create a unique sound that sets them apart from their peers.
• Lil Kesh: His ability to blend traditional Afrobeat with contemporary hip-hop has allowed him to produce a distinctive sound that bridges multiple audiences.
• Asake: Asake is known for his unique fusion of Afrobeat, fuji, and amapiano, a combination that has set him apart and made his music widely appealing across different demographics.
Though Asake and Lil Kesh are from different eras of Nigerian music, their careers share remarkable similarities. From their early association with YBNL to their street-oriented sounds and rapid rise to fame, these artists have tapped into the pulse of Nigerian youth culture. By blending multiple genres, embracing their Yoruba roots, and consistently creating street anthems, they have cemented themselves as influential figures in the Afrobeat scene.
