Asake Joins Gamma Following Three-Year Run with EMPIRE

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When Asake burst onto the Nigerian music scene in February 2022 through Olamide’s YBNL imprint, his rise was swift and spectacular. Within days, he dropped his debut EP Ololade Asake, and by year’s end, he had joined forces with EMPIRE to release his record-breaking debut album Mr. Money With The Vibe. Over the next three years, Asake, backed by YBNL and EMPIRE, solidified his status as a dominant force in Afrobeats, delivering hit after hit with Work of Art and Lungu Boy.

Now, in 2025, the artist once hailed as the genre’s most thrilling new voice is charting a bold new course. Asake has officially parted ways with EMPIRE and launched his own imprint, Giran Republic, marking a fresh chapter powered by a new global distribution partner: Gamma, the Larry Jackson-led music and media powerhouse. This strategic shift signals more than just a label change—it marks Asake’s evolution from breakout act to music mogul in the making.

 

The Rumblings: A Quiet Exit, A Louder Message

In early 2025, whispers began circulating online: was Asake leaving YBNL? Has the EMPIRE partnership run its course? Neither Olamide nor Asake offered clarity. Instead, Asake did what only Asake does: he spoke through music.

On February 11, he dropped Why Love under his own newly launched imprint: Giran Republic. Notably absent? YBNL. But EMPIRE was still on the metadata.

Then came July 24th. Another surprise drop: Badman Gangsta featuring Tiakola, produced by P Priime. This time, EMPIRE was missing too.

 

Enter Gamma: The New Global Machine Behind Giran Republic

TurnTable was the first to investigate the metadata discrepancy and confirmed what many had suspected: Asake’s latest single was distributed by Gamma, the media and music tech company co-founded by ex-Apple Music executive Larry Jackson.

Osi Dirisu, Head of Label & Operations at gamma. Africa confirmed the deal.

“Yes, it’s a distro deal between Gamma and the Giran Republic,” Dirisu stated.

“Asake is the first of many talents we will be working with.”

While tight-lipped on whether an album is in the works, Dirisu’s “No comment” smirk may have said more than words.

This move positions Asake not just as a successful artist but as a business entity, a self-made brand now in control of his narrative and future. With the Giran Republic as his base and Gamma as his distribution engine, the new chapter is one of autonomy, ambition, and calculated global reach.

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Asake 2.0: Not a Reinvention, But a Recalibration

What makes this pivot especially remarkable is that Asake isn’t trying to recover from a slump; he’s elevating from a position of strength. His brand remains sharp, and his style is still trendsetting. His appeal is still cross-continental.

He’s graced the Grammys, walked through Paris Fashion Week, and earned collabs with Burna Boy, J Hus, Olamide, Tiakola, and Young Jonn, with his visuals and sound continuing to set industry benchmarks.

If Why Love was Asake’s subtle declaration of independence, then Badman Gangsta is his power move, his quiet roar announcing a new era.

Asake’s journey, from the streets of Lagos to global charts, is far from over. If anything, it’s just been rebooted. With Gamma in his corner and the Giran Republic as his new kingdom, Mr. Money isn’t just blowing up anymore; he’s building an empire of his own.

 

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Has Asake left YBNL?

While no official statement has been released, Asake’s latest releases under Giran Republic without YBNL’s label credit strongly suggest he has parted ways with the label that launched his career.

Q: What happened to his deal with EMPIRE?

Asake’s latest single, Badman Gangsta, was not distributed by EMPIRE but by Gamma, indicating a likely end to the EMPIRE partnership.

Q: What is Gamma?

Gamma is a global multimedia and music distribution company co-founded by Larry Jackson, former Head of Global Creative at Apple Music. It focuses on artist empowerment and content ownership.

Q: What is the Giran Republic?

Giran Republic is Asake’s independent label imprint, under which he has begun releasing music. It appears to be his base for future projects and collaborations.

Q: Is Asake working on a new album?

While nothing has been confirmed, industry insiders suggest that a new project is in the pipeline, possibly supported globally by Gamma.

Q: Is this a downgrade or an upgrade?

Neither. It’s a strategic evolution. Asake is now playing the long game, building a sustainable brand, increasing control over his music, and expanding into global markets with the right partners.