Nigerian Afro-fusion artist, Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has opened up about his decision to pursue music over dance in a recent interview. The singer, who is also known as ‘Mr Money’, said that his choice was driven by his financial aspirations and his uncertainty about the profitability of dancing.
Asake, who started out as a dancer, began recording music in 2018. By 2020, he had a hit single with “Mr Money”, a song that he performed at nightclubs across Lagos and Port Harcourt. He also collaborated with Olamide on the song “Amapiano”, which has over 17 million views on YouTube. Asake is creating a new Afrobeats sound that is deeply African and completely global.
In an interview with The Nation Newspaper, Asake explained why he left dance for music.
He said: “The main reason why I left dance is for the love of money. I know I want to be very honest. Dance is something that I love. I can’t even do without moving, but I feel like the kind of money I want, I’m not sure dance can give me.”
Asake emphasised the significance of integrating music with dance, stating that one without the other could be perceived as dull. However, he reiterated his preference for music over dance due to his strong desire for financial success.
He said: “I think both music and dance work together because in a video without a dancer, it’s like this song is boring. Even if you want to make it so gangster-like and there are so many people bumping, you still need to use the dancers. So, as they work together, I think for the love of money, I’d rather be singing.”
When asked if he would have been doing music instead supposing he could make it big as a successful dancer, Asake replied that he would rather do both music and dance, and make even more money that way. He said: “No, I would join music and dance together. So, I will have more money [laughs]”.
