Asake loses millions in canceled tours, former manager Tunde Phoenix alleges

Nigerian music sensation Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has found himself at the center of a heated controversy following accusations from his former manager, Tunde Babalola, widely known as Tunde Phoenix.

In a series of explosive posts on social media, Phoenix claimed that Asake’s alleged laziness and greed led to the cancellation of both local and international performance gigs, resulting in a financial loss of approximately $4 million for the artist in 2024.

The controversy erupted on February 20, 2025, when Phoenix posted Instagram stories, detailing the missed opportunities. Phoenix, a London-based music promoter, expressed frustration over Asake’s decision to reject lucrative tour offers, accusing the Grammy-nominated artist of sabotaging his career.

The posts, which have since gone viral on X, included images outlining specific deals that Phoenix alleges were lost due to Asake’s lack of commitment.

One of the most significant losses highlighted by Phoenix was a $3 million Africa tours offer. According to the posts, the deal included comprehensive support for production, logistics, and accommodation for Asake’s band and crew.

Phoenix claimed the offer was rejected due to Asake’s unwillingness to “break no one off,” implying greed or a refusal to share profits, as well as a lack of willingness to commit to the tour schedule. Phoenix also referenced an additional $1 million in potential earnings from other regional performances, bringing the total lost opportunities to at least $4 million.

Another missed opportunity detailed in the posts was a $400,000 two-set performance in Dubai, scheduled for November 1 or 2, 2024, and February 2025. The deal, to be held at Sky 2.0 in Dubai with a venue capacity of 1,000 to 1,500, included flights, transfers, ground transportation, accommodation, and logistics for the show.

Payment terms reportedly involved a 50 percent upfront fee upon confirmation, with the remaining balance due before the performances. Phoenix lamented that Asake turned down this offer, describing the artist’s behavior as “pathetic” and attributing the decision to greed and a lack of professionalism.

The fallout has sparked intense reactions on social media, with fans and critics divided. Some users on X defended Asake, arguing that he owes no obligation to his former manager or label and has the right to prioritise his career and well-being. Others, however, expressed shock at the scale of the lost opportunities reflecting disbelief at Asake’s alleged decisions.

Asake, who rose to global prominence after signing with YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution in 2022, has yet to respond publicly to Phoenix’s allegations. The artist has built a reputation as one of Afrobeats’ fastest-rising stars over the years releasing chart-topping hits and albums.

His achievements include selling out London’s O2 Arena, headlining the Barclays Center in New York, and earning a Grammy nomination.

The controversy also raises questions about Asake’s relationship with his former label, YBNL Nation, and his management team. Towards the end of 2024, it was revealed that Asake had cut ties with YBNL and refused to renew his contract with the label. He proceeded to unfollow everyone on social media and removed YBNL tags from his bio signaling an end of contract agreement between him and the label.

Asake released a new single ‘Why Love’ under his new label ‘Giran Republic’ in February following the split from the former label.

As of now, neither Asake nor his current representatives have issued an official statement addressing Phoenix’s claims.