Afrobeats star Asake, born Ahmed Ololade, made a dramatic return to his alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, arriving by helicopter in a homecoming that electrified the campus and drew massive attention from students and staff.
The award-winning singer visited the university on Monday, where he was received by the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simeon Bamire, alongside senior university officials, including Dr. Oluwatoyin Ogundeji of the Theatre Arts department, where Asake began his creative journey.
At the OAU Amphitheatre, the singer thrilled a large crowd of students with an emotional appearance that included drumming and a traditional Yoruba prostration as a sign of respect, moments that triggered loud cheers and applause across the venue.
Asake, who studied Performing Arts at the institution, was accompanied by his mother and popular entertainer Yhemolee during the visit, highlighting a deeply personal return to the grounds where his artistic ambitions were first nurtured.
The visit underscored OAU’s long-standing reputation as a breeding ground for creative talent, with the university having produced notable figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, including fellow Afrobeats star Fireboy DML.
Reacting to the homecoming, Asake’s mentor and music icon Olamide took to social media, describing the moment as “too real,” a comment that resonated widely with fans who praised the singer for maintaining strong ties to his roots despite his global success.
From performing on campus stages in 2019 to headlining major international arenas, Asake’s return to OAU has since sparked widespread conversation online, with many describing the visit as a powerful reminder of humility, gratitude, and the role Nigerian universities play in shaping global stars.
Ademide Adebayo
About the Author
