Nigerian music sensation Asake has opened up about his decision to abandon professional dancing, citing financial limitations as the primary reason for shifting his focus entirely to music.
In an interview with African Voices, the ‘Omo Ope’ crooner disclosed that while dancing remains his first love, the income potential from the art form simply could not match the financial goals he had set for himself.
The singer, who has become one of the industry’s most prominent names, explained that his passion for money ultimately outweighed his desire to pursue dancing as a career.
“I love dancing so much. I can’t do without dancing. But the truth is I had to leave it because of my love for money, because I know the type of money I want that dancing can’t give me,” Asake stated during the interview.
Before his meteoric rise in the music industry, Asake first gained public attention as a dancer, showcasing his skills through online performances that built him a following. However, the transition to music proved to be a turning point in his financial trajectory.
Since making the switch, he has released hit songs including ‘Lonely At The Top’ and has firmly established himself as a major force in the Afrobeat scene.
The singer made it clear that his departure from professional dancing was not born out of any diminished love for the art form. He emphasised that he continues to dance regularly and cannot imagine his life without it. Rather, the decision was a pragmatic one driven by clear-eyed financial reasoning — dancing, he concluded, could not deliver the level of earnings he was targeting for his future.
Asake’s revelation offers a rare glimpse into the economic realities facing creative professionals in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. While dancing can lead to visibility and opportunities, the ceiling for earnings often falls short of what successful musicians can command through streaming, performances, and endorsements.
His strategic pivot reflects a broader trend of artists choosing paths that offer higher financial returns, even when it means stepping away from a deeply loved craft.
Beyond discussing his career shift, Asake also addressed his relationship with former label boss Olamide, reaffirming that his respect and loyalty to the veteran artist remain completely unchanged.
He dismissed any speculation of a rift between them, stating that his bond with Olamide stays solid despite his rising fame and independent trajectory.
