Asake with the release of his first song of 2025 has confirmed his departure from YBNL with his unveiling of a new label.
Nigerian music sensation Asake has officially launched his own record label, Giran Republic, a move which symbolises his depature from YBNL and marks a significant milestone in his career.
The announcement was accompanied by the release of his latest single, Why Love, which debuted under the new label.
The establishment of Giran Republic has been a topic of speculation since last year, when Asake updated his social media bios to include the brand name and created a dedicated Instagram page for it, and these moves led fans and industry observers to anticipate the launch.
Asake’s journey in the music industry has been nothing short of remarkable. Born Ahmed Ololade, he started as a dancer before pivoting to music.
His big break came in 2022 following the release of Omo Ope, on which he featured popular Yoruba rapper, Olamide. This led to his signing with YBNL Nation, a move that transformed his career.
Under YBNL, Asake skyrocketed to fame, dropping a mixtape titled Asake before releasing his debut album Mr. Money With The Vibe, which became an instant classic.
The project blended Fuji, Amapiano, and Afrobeats, soon became an instant classic, producing chart-topping hits like Sungba, Terminator, and Peace Be Unto You (PBUY). In 2023, he doubled down on his success with his sophomore album, Work of Art, which included hits like Lonely at the Top and Amapiano.
The album reinforced his reputation as one of Afrobeats’ biggest global exports and saw him selling out arenas, including London’s O2 Arena.
Now, with the Giran Republic, Asake is taking the next step in his career—not just as an artist but as an executive. While details about the label’s roster and future projects remain unknown, this move reflects his growth from a breakout star to a key player in the industry, signalling his intent to take control of his sound and creative direction.
