Nigerian comedian and actor Ayodeji Makun, popularly known as AY, has shared a striking reminder of how quickly people’s fortunes can change, recalling a 2019 message from Afrobeats star Asake seeking his support for his music.
AY made the revelation after attending Asake’s sold-out concert at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, as part of the singer’s In God We Trust tour.
Reflecting on the singer’s remarkable rise, the comedian said he remembered receiving a direct message from Asake in 2019, although he did not see it until much later.
“I remember when this boy sent me a message in my DM on Instagram. I didn’t even get to see this message on time. This was years ago, sometime during 2019,” AY said in a video shared on his Instagram.
The comedian displayed the old message, in which Asake, who introduced himself as “Ololade,” appealed to him to support his music.
“Good Evening sir. I’m OLOLADE. How are you doing sir? I’m here for help, KING AY. I just drop a record titled African Something. You vibing to the song is a lot to my career,” the message read.
Asake further pleaded with AY, writing, “KING AY, Help a son sir. May God bless you and your family. I love you KING AY.”
Years after that message, AY found himself watching the same artiste perform before thousands of fans at a sold-out venue in the United States.
However, the comedian was quick to clarify that he was not sharing the story to claim any credit for Asake’s success.
“I’m not saying all of this to take any credit. That glory belongs to God and his talent and of course the hard work that is put into all of this,” he said.
For AY, the contrast between the young artiste seeking an opportunity in 2019 and the global star commanding a packed arena years later carried a powerful lesson about how people treat others who seek opportunities.
“The truth is that the person asking to be seen today may become the person the whole world will celebrate tomorrow,” he said.
“So be good to people, respect their dreams, never look down on anyone because you simply cannot tell what tomorrow brings.”
AY also revealed that Asake’s management took him backstage after the concert, where the singer personally came over to greet him.
The comedian praised Asake’s humility despite his remarkable rise, describing his performance as exceptional.
“Ah Asake, you were simply phenomenal,” AY said, congratulating the singer.
“Nigeria celebrates you, Africa celebrates you and the world is seeing all your doings and workings right now.”