people become more curious about the engine behind his success. One question that keeps popping up from my readers is:
“Is Asake under Empire?”
Is Asake Under Empire?
Asake is not signed as an artist to Empire in the traditional sense, but his music is
officially distributed globally through Empire Distribution.
This means Empire handles the worldwide promotion, licensing, streaming, and international rollout of his songs.
However, Asake’s real label — the place he is officially signed as an artist — is
YBNL Nation, owned by Olamide.
YBNL has a global partnership with Empire, and Asake benefits from that structure.
For clarity:
- Olamide (YBNL) = Asake’s primary record label
- Empire = International distribution partner
Now let me break this down fully so you understand exactly how this arrangement works and why it changed Asake’s entire career.
Understanding Asake’s Label Structure
Before Asake became the superstar we know today, he was already pushing music independently for years.
What he lacked was a system strong enough to project him globally.
The YBNL Signing Changed Everything
Once Olamide signed him to YBNL, Asake suddenly gained:
- Access to a powerful in-house team
- High-level producers like Magicsticks
- Strong music industry connections
- A proven hit-making blueprint
In fact, most of Asake’s signature sounds — the choir backup vocals, the Fuji-Amapiano fusion,
and the smooth but energetic delivery — were refined under this YBNL umbrella.
YBNL + Empire = International Success
Here is the real secret behind why Asake went global almost immediately:
YBNL has a long-term partnership with Empire Distribution.
That means every major artist under YBNL automatically gets international distribution through Empire.
This includes:
- Worldwide streaming platform promotion
- Playlist placements
- Global press and media partnerships
- Tour support
- Royalty collection internationally
So yes, Asake is under Empire — but only in the role of international distribution.
Empire does not control his creative direction, branding, or signing decisions.
Those are handled by YBNL.
Why Many People Get This Confused
If you look at Asake’s official music videos on YouTube, the description usually says “YBNL/Empire.”
This makes people think he has two record labels.
But in reality:
- YBNL = Record Label
- Empire = Distribution Partner
It’s the same structure Fireboy also uses under YBNL.
How Empire Helps Push Asake Internationally
Empire is one of the biggest music distribution companies in the world.
They work with global artists like:
- Kendrick Lamar
- Snoop Dogg
- Tyga
- Black Sherif
- Olamide
- Fireboy
So when Asake joined this network, his music automatically gained global visibility.
Songs like:
- Omo Ope
- Sungba
- Peace Be Unto You
- Terminator
- Joha
started appearing on global playlists because Empire pushed his catalogue beyond Africa.
Does Empire Control Asake’s Money?
No, Empire only earns a percentage from streaming and distribution rights.
Asake’s major royalties and earnings flow first through YBNL,
then the partnership agreement splits the international portion.
Asake still enjoys his:
- Show money
- Brand deals
- Merchandising income
- Tour income
independently under YBNL’s structure.
The Power of Having Both Olamide and Empire
I always tell readers this:
Asake is a product of a perfect partnership — street credibility + global machinery.
Olamide polished his talent and identity.
Empire exported the finished product to the world.
And Asake did his own part by delivering consistent hits without slowing down.
Does Empire Own Asake’s Masters?
No, Empire is a distribution company, not a traditional 360 label.
Ownership of Asake’s masters remains under YBNL unless stated otherwise in their label agreement.
This gives Asake more freedom than many artists who are tied to strict label contracts.
Is Asake Eligible to Leave Empire Later?
Yes, because distribution deals can change depending on contracts.
But considering the success he is gaining worldwide,
there is no real reason for any change soon.
How Asake’s Empire Deal Affects His Albums
Albums like:
- Mr. Money With The Vibe
- Work of Art
were released under the YBNL/Empire structure, which is why they topped charts not only in Nigeria
but also in the U.S, U.K, and several European countries.
The distribution power is part of the reason Asake sold out the O2 Arena in London.
Continue Reading About Asake
If you want to explore more about Asake’s life, career, and personal details,
here are other articles within this cluster:
Final Thoughts
So in summary, Asake is signed to YBNL but distributed internationally by Empire.
This partnership is one of the strongest and most successful structures in African music today.
Asake’s journey shows what happens when raw talent meets the right team and the right global network.
If anything changes about his label structure in the future, I’ll make sure to update this page immediately.
