Afrobeats sensation Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, recently made a memorable return to his alma mater, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, arriving in a helicopter to the excitement of students and staff. The award-winning artist, who studied Performing Arts at OAU, was warmly welcomed by the university’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simeon Bamire, alongside senior officials and lecturers, including Dr. Oluwatoyin Ogundeji from the Department of Theatre Arts—where Asake first nurtured his creative talents.
At the OAU Amphitheatre, a large crowd gathered to greet him with cheers as he honored Yoruba traditions through drumming and a ceremonial prostration, a heartfelt gesture that underscored his deep connection to the institution. Accompanied by his mother and fellow entertainer Yhemolee, Asake’s visit celebrated OAU’s role as a vibrant incubator of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, having produced stars like Fireboy DML.
However, amidst his rising stardom and celebrations, Asake recently expressed profound sorrow following a tragic incident at his concert in Nairobi, Kenya. On December 20, during his performance at the Nyayo National Stadium, a stampede broke out near the stadium’s entrance, resulting in the death of a 20-year-old woman named Karen Lojore. Kenya’s National Police Service confirmed the unfortunate event, describing how a brief surge at the entry point led to Karen being crushed. Despite the chaos calming down and the concert continuing, the loss cast a shadow over the event.
In response, Asake shared a heartfelt message on his Instagram Story, conveying his devastation over the tragedy. He extended his condolences to Karen’s family and pledged to seek understanding about the incident, insisting that those responsible be held accountable. Asake emphasized that music is his way of spreading love and joy, and the loss deeply pains him. He prayed for Karen’s peace and sent blessings to Kenya during this difficult time.
This heartbreaking episode echoes a similar tragedy linked to Asake’s past, when two people died in a crowd crush at his December 2022 concert at Brixton Academy in London—an incident that moved him to publicly express sympathy and grief for the victims and their families. Despite these challenges, Asake continues to shine as a leading figure in Afrobeats, connecting deeply with fans worldwide while navigating the responsibilities that come with his influence.
