Indigenous Afrobeat singer and songwriter, Adeniyi Adewoyin , popularly known as Neo Phlames has weighed in on the great achievements and accolades that Afrobeat fast rising star, Ahmed Ololade Asake is making. The chart-topping and wave-making sensation, Asake got the ‘Next Rated’ HEADIES Award and also ‘The Best Album’ award at the just concluded HEADIES 2023 held in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake who is signed to Olamide’s YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution has had a rollercoaster immense rise in music career in last eighteen months and according to Neo Phlames, it is not by accident that Asake’s music, a Fuji tune laced with Amapiano and other beats, is the rave of the moment right now.
According to the journalist cum musician, who had his recent show hosted by Odogwu playmaker in Ipaja, Lagos, Asake who adopted his mother’s name as stage name has been working on his craft and music in studio for years unknown to many and he has been knocking on the door of music greats like Olamide but got the nod in 2021 and the story has not been the same.
“I am not surprised at Asake’s greatness because he’s been there all these while but now it is his time to shine,” says Neo Phlames.
“Really I am so proud of Asake and this is always the sweet story in music industry we want to hear just like Wizkid getting Banky W’s EME to sign him to his label. Asake’s songs have been a steady hit and career rise. There is no bad song actually but it takes that special person who believes in your craft more than you believe in yourself to come to your rescue.T
alents die every day not because they are not good enough but because there’s no one to help. Asake has put in a lot of work and now is his time to reap the fruits of his labor. I’m really happy for him and I pray for my time to come while I’m still alive. Young artistes and even old cats should remain consistent, that’s the major key,” Neo Phlames submitted.
Neo Phlames who has released good and danceable songs like Arambada, Nobody, Ori (Destiny), Carolina, Happiness, Soke and Good Lover, believes the music industry is just getting better and more competitive but hundreds of young musicians are struggling to make hay while the sun shine as there are no platforms or record label to support them as only a 15% of young Nigeria artistes get those helps. Neo Phlames who also seeks the much needed management deal and music labels to provide succor for his craft, noted that there is only a little young artistes like him can do with meager resources and little or no support. “I have released 15 songs in seven years of my career and I have not even scratched the surface.
“It has been really challenging considering the fact that I’ve been doing this without a proper label or management. I still have my eyes on the big price which is the forefront of stardom. I know it’s a gradual process and I’m putting in more effort although I’ve been quiet for some time if I can recollect my last single was released in November 2022 but I’ve been working underground and making bigger plans for my career. I’m currently working on my first body of work. It could be an album or an EP but I haven’t decided because I’ve recorded a lot so we may be taking some for release or just release as much as possible to make up an album,” says Neo Phlames.
