Popular Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, better known as Asake, has openly admitted that financial ambition, rather than pure passion, drove him to prioritize music over dancing — a skill he deeply loves.
In a recent interview clip circulating widely on social media, the “Mr. Money with the Vibe” hitmaker stated: “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. The type of money I want dancing can’t give me.”
Asake, who rose to fame with energetic tracks like “Sungba,” “Joha,” and “Lonely At The Top,” has a background rooted in performance arts. He studied Theatre and Performing Arts and was known for his impressive dance moves before fully transitioning into singing and songwriting. He has previously shared in older interviews (including with outlets like Legit.ng and Leadership) that dancing felt natural to him — “like water” — but he realized it wouldn’t deliver the level of financial success and stardom he craved.
The YBNL Nation signee explained that while music and dance often complement each other in videos and performances, his desire for greater income tipped the scales: “I think both music and dance work together… but for the love of money, I’d rather be singing.”
This revelation has sparked mixed reactions online. Some users praised Asake’s honesty, noting that “hunger is a faster dancer” and that practical financial needs often outweigh passion in Nigeria’s tough creative economy. Others expressed disappointment, arguing that one should never abandon their true calling for money, with comments like “This is a man saying he left his passion for money — something I will never do.”
Asake’s pivot has clearly paid off. Since breaking through, he has become one of Afrobeats’ biggest exports, selling out arenas, topping charts globally, and building a massive fanbase with his unique Yoruba-infused sound and high-energy style. He has also spoken in the past about his experiences with poverty, emphasizing the value of money for freedom and stability after years of struggle.
The clip shared by entertainment page @yabaleftonline
has already garnered significant engagement, with users debating career choices, the intersection of passion and profit, and whether artists like dancer Poco Lee should take similar calculated risks.
Asake’s story highlights a common reality in Nigeria’s entertainment industry: many creatives balance (or switch between) talents while navigating economic pressures. Despite stepping away from professional dancing as his main focus, the singer still incorporates dance elements into his performances and videos.
“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. The type of money I want dancing can’t give me.” — Asakepic.twitter.com/gMwNcExkDu
— YabaLeftOnline (@yabaleftonline) April 21, 2026
