Asake speaks on humility, ego, and respect in the music industry

Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Ahmed Ololade, popularly known to fans as Asake, has opened up about one of the most delicate struggles artists face in the music industry—the thin line between humility and ego.

In a candid interview, the hitmaker reflected on how humility, though often praised in society, can sometimes work against entertainers. According to him, fans and the public don’t always reward humility the way one might expect. Instead, showing confidence—or even a little ego—often earns artists more respect and admiration.

“As an artist, if you’re humble, they take you for granted. But if you have ego, they feel like you’re not accessible, then they like you more,” Asake revealed.

The Mr Money With The Vibe crooner explained that the entertainment industry is largely result-driven. While fans love to celebrate success, very few care about the behind-the-scenes effort, sacrifices, or the struggles that go into making music. In his words, people are usually uninterested in the process but are quick to applaud the outcome.

“People would rather see what you’re doing than showing them. They don’t really appreciate it. Do what you need to do and just go,” he said, stressing that results speak louder than explanations.

Asake further emphasized that artists should focus more on perfecting their craft and less on trying to prove their humility or seek validation. In an industry where perception often matters as much as talent, he believes that maintaining a little distance and exuding confidence can actually increase an artist’s appeal.

Summing up his perspective, Asake reiterated the paradox he has observed: humility often leads to being overlooked, while ego can make an artist appear larger-than-life in the eyes of fans.

“If you are humble as an artiste, they take you for granted, but if you have ego and they feel you’re not accessible, they will like you more,” he concluded.

Through his reflections, Asake shed light on the harsh realities of fame, reminding upcoming talents that in showbiz, the balance between humility and ego isn’t just personal—it can also shape public perception and career growth.