Afrobeats sensation Asake, whose real name is Ahmed Ololade, caused a stir at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, on Monday after making a surprise return to the institution where his artistic career began.
The award-winning singer arrived on campus via helicopter, a dramatic entrance that immediately drew widespread attention from students, staff, and onlookers.
The musician was formally received by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Simeon Bamire, alongside other senior officials.
Among them was Dr. Oluwatoyin Ogundeji of the Department of Theatre Arts, the academic unit where Asake studied and honed his creative skills during his time as a student.
A major highlight of the visit took place at the OAU Amphitheatre, where a large crowd of excited students gathered to welcome the global star.
In an emotional moment that resonated deeply with the audience, Asake joined traditional drummers and later prostrated in the Yoruba cultural manner as a sign of respect, drawing loud cheers and prolonged applause from the crowd.
Asake studied Performing Arts at OAU and was accompanied during the visit by his mother and popular media personality Yhemolee, adding a personal and sentimental dimension to the occasion.
The homecoming served as a reminder of the early foundations of his journey, which began on campus stages before evolving into international acclaim.
The visit also reinforced OAU’s reputation as a hub for creative excellence, with the institution having produced several prominent figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry, including fellow Afrobeats star Fireboy DML.
Reacting to the moment, Asake’s mentor and renowned music executive, Olamide, shared his thoughts on social media, describing the homecoming as “too real.”
His comment quickly gained traction online, echoing the sentiments of fans who applauded Asake for staying connected to his roots despite his global success.
From modest campus performances in 2019 to selling out major international arenas, Asake’s return to OAU has since generated widespread discussion on social media.
