Nigerian singer Asake has confirmed his exit from YBNL Nation, launching his own imprint, Giran Republic, while maintaining ties with Empire

Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has officially confirmed his departure from Olamide’s YBNL Nation. Speculation about his exit had been circulating, but the artist put the rumours to rest by releasing his latest single, *Why Love*, under his own imprint, **Giran Republic**.

Also read: Asake tops Spotify charts as Nigeria’s most streamed singer of 2024

Despite leaving YBNL, Asake’s relationship with his former label boss, Olamide, appears to remain intact. Earlier in the year, he paid homage to Olamide in his song *Military*, dispelling any notions of a rift between them.

Asake joined YBNL Nation in February 2022, a move that propelled him to mainstream success. In July of the same year, he signed a distribution deal with **Empire**, a partnership he still maintains even after exiting YBNL.

With Giran Republic now established, fans are eager to see how Asake shapes his career as an independent artist. Given his track record of hit releases, his next moves in the industry are highly anticipated.

Odumodublvck and the late Mohbad dominate the 17th Headies Awards nominations, celebrating the best in Nigerian music across multiple categories

The organisers of the prestigious Headies Awards have unveiled the nominees for the 17th edition, with rapper Odumodublvck and the late singer Mohbad leading the pack. The announcement was made on Wednesday via the official Headies X (formerly Twitter) platform.

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Odumodublvck received five nominations, making him the most nominated artist, while Mohbad, Ayra Starr, and Shallipopi followed closely with three nominations each. This recognition underscores their impact on Nigeria’s vibrant music scene.

The 2025 Headies Awards, set to take place on 5 April 2025, will honour music videos and recordings released between April 2023 and 31 July 2024. The nominations highlight both established and emerging talents across multiple categories, including Best Rap Single, Best Collaboration, and Afrobeats Single of the Year.

– **Best Rap Single**: Odumodublvck’s *Cast* (with Shallipopi) and *Civilian* (with Wale)
– **Best Collaboration**: Chike and Mohbad’s *Egwu*, Kizz Daniel and Davido’s *Twe Twe Remix*, and Odumodublvck’s *Blood on the Dance Floor*
– **Afrobeats Single of the Year**: Asake’s *Remember*, Chike and Mohbad’s *Egwu*, and Flavour’s *Big Baller*

The **Rookie of the Year** category showcases fresh talent, featuring Llona, Taves, Zerry DL, and Kaestyles, while the **Best Vocal Performance (Female)** category highlights vocal powerhouses like Ayra Starr, Niniola, and Simi.

In the **Best Street-Hop Artiste** category, Mohbad’s *Ask About Me* competes with Shallipopi’s *Cast*, Seyi Vibez’s *Different Patterns*, and Ayo Maff’s *Dealer* featuring Fireboy.

The **Songwriter of the Year** category features strong contenders such as Simi (*Stranger*), Qing Madi (*Vision*), and Wizard Chan (*Stages of Life*). Additionally, top producers including Sarz, Magicsticks, and London are in the running for **Producer of the Year**.

With a mix of mainstream superstars and promising newcomers, the 17th Headies Awards promises to be a thrilling celebration of Nigerian music. Fans eagerly await the big night on 5 April 2025 to see who takes home the coveted trophies.

Nigerian Idol Season 5 winner K-Peace alleges he never received his N7.5 million prize, car, or Dubai trip, 10 years after winning the show

Kunle Ogunrombi, popularly known as K-Peace, has accused the organisers of *Nigerian Idol* of failing to deliver the prize package he won a decade ago.

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K-Peace, who emerged as the winner of *Nigerian Idol Season 5* in 2015, claimed during an interview on the *Honest Bunch Podcast* with Nedu Wazobia that he never received the promised N7.5 million, brand-new car, or a two-week trip to Dubai.

In a viral video circulating on social media, the singer expressed his frustration, revealing that he struggled financially despite being declared the champion of the popular talent show.

“I came outside of the *Nigerian Idol* platform with zero naira in my account,” he lamented. Speaking in pidgin English, he added, “As *Nigerian Idol* winner, I go waka all through Lagos, go for interviews without food for belle despite winning N7.5 million.”

He further alleged that when he inquired about his prizes, organisers gave excuses, claiming they were still *branding* the car.

“What they announced on national TV be say I won N7.5 million with a brand-new car and a two-week trip to Dubai. I go through hell after winning the show,” he said.

The allegations have sparked outrage among fans and the music community, with many calling on the show’s organisers to respond.

*Nigerian Idol*, a music talent reality show, has produced several winners over the years, but K-Peace’s claims raise questions about the fulfilment of prize commitments.

As of now, the organisers of *Nigerian Idol* have yet to respond to the accusations.