Nigerian comedian and actor Ayodeji Makun, popularly known as AY, has recalled a 2019 message he received from Afrobeats star Asake, years before the singer rose to international prominence.
AY shared the revelation in a video posted on Instagram on Monday after attending Asake’s sold-out concert at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, as part of the singer’s “In God We Trust” tour.
Reflecting on Asake’s journey, the comedian said he remembered receiving a direct message from the singer in 2019, although he did not see it at the time.
“I remember when this boy sent me a message in my DM on Instagram. I didn’t even get to see this message on time. This was years ago, sometime during 2019,” AY said.
In the message displayed in the video, Asake introduced himself as “Ololade” and appealed to AY to support his music.
“Good Evening sir. I’m OLOLADE. How are you doing sir? I’m here for help, KING AY. I just drop a record titled – African Something. You vibing to the song is a lot to my career,” Asake wrote.
He added, “KING AY, Help a son sir. May God bless you and your family. I love you KING AY.”
AY, however, clarified that he was not sharing the message to take credit for Asake’s eventual success. He attributed the singer’s rise to his talent, determination, hard work and God.
“I’m not saying all of this to take any credit. That glory belongs to God and his talent and of course the hard work that is put into all of this,” he said.
The comedian said watching Asake command the stage before thousands of fans in Houston reminded him of how far the singer had come since sending that message years earlier.
AY used the moment to encourage people to be kind and supportive of those who approach them for opportunities, noting that nobody can predict where another person’s journey may lead.
“The truth is that the person asking to be seen today may become the person the whole world will celebrate tomorrow. So be good to people, respect their dreams, never look down on anyone because you simply cannot tell what tomorrow brings,” he said.
AY also revealed that Asake’s management took him backstage after the concert, where the singer personally came over to greet him.
He praised Asake’s humility despite his success, describing his performance as exceptional.
“Ah Asake, you were simply phenomenal,” AY said.
The comedian congratulated the singer, adding that his success was being celebrated not only in Nigeria but across Africa and around the world.
“Nigeria celebrates you, Africa celebrates you and the world is seeing all your doings and workings right now,” he said.
