Nigerian comedian and actor Ayodeji Makun, popularly known as AY, has recalled an old Instagram message he received from Afrobeats star Asake years before the singer rose to international fame.

AY shared the throwback after attending Asake's sold-out concert at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, part of the singer's "In God We Trust" tour. Reflecting on how far Asake's career has come, AY revealed that the singer had sent him a direct message back in 2019 asking for support — a message he admits he never saw at the time.

"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," he said.

In the video, AY displayed the old message, in which Asake introduced himself by his real name, Ololade, and asked the comedian to listen to and support one of his songs.

"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 had also appealed directly for help, "KING AY, Help a son sir. May God bless you and your family. I love you KING AY."

AY was quick to clarify that he wasn't sharing the message to claim any credit for Asake's success, attributing it instead to talent, hard work and divine grace.

"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.

Watching Asake perform to a packed Houston crowd, AY said, was a powerful reminder of the singer's journey — from an upcoming artiste seeking a shoutout to a globally recognised performer. He used the moment to urge people to treat others, especially those seeking opportunities, with kindness and respect.

"The truth is that the person asking to be seen today may become the person the whole world will celebrate tomorrow. So be good to people, respect their dreams, never look down on anyone because you simply cannot tell what tomorrow brings," he said.

AY also revealed that after the show, Asake's management brought him backstage, where the singer personally came over to greet him — a gesture he said showed that success hadn't changed the singer's humility.

"Ah Asake, you were simply phenomenal," AY said, before congratulating him on his growing influence at home and abroad: "Nigeria celebrates you, Africa celebrates you and the world is seeing all your doings and workings right now."



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