Laziness, greed made Asake lose gigs worth $4m in 2024, ex-manager Tunde Phoenix claims
Tunde Babalola, the London-based music promoter known as Tunde Phoenix, has called out his former client Asake in a lengthy Instagram rant.
Tunde, Asake’s former strategist, claimed the singer turned down numerous lucrative performance offers in 2024, allegedly due to unwillingness to share earnings with his team.
The music promoter listed several declined offers, including a national show with global stars (close to $1 million per show).
Tunde accused Asake of being lazy, claiming he only performed 11 shows in 2024. He alleged that Asake’s work ethic led to lost opportunities worth over $4 million last year.
“Oh, a show which I will not mention because it’s not publicly announced. But as soon as it’s public, I will reference it. A national show with global stars, which I won’t mention out of respect for the other parties involved,” he wrote.
“Figure: 1st offer: Six figures and not $500K × 3 shows + Name your production cost. 2nd offer: We really, really want [him] nationally—name your price. Okay, close to $1 million per show because we want him. Me and @iamstevenator.
“Embarrassing as it turns out, he declined. They were so disappointed, and their words to us—I can’t say it. These are powerful people in touring. Steve, the truth will set you free.
Tunde Phoenix and Asake
“Africa Tour Offers: 4 shows = $3 million + Private Jet + Production + Logistics for the band + Accommodation for all (top-notch, of course). But because of GREED and not wanting to break anyone off, you said ‘cancel the tour’.
“@iamstevenator, the truth will set you free. P.S: Africa had bigger offers, way bigger—because he never toured. Now him and GIRAFFE… Never mind.
“Asake 2-set offer 24/25. Dates: (To be mutually agreed) November 1st or 2nd, 2024 (1) and February 2025 (2). Venue: Sky 2.0 – Dubai (1,000 – 1,500 capacity). Set length: 20 minutes. Fee: $400,000 + accommodation, flights, transfers, and ground transport.
“Accommodation, transport, and all logistics to be provided per show. Payment terms: 50% of the total fee ($200,000) is required immediately upon confirmation. The remaining 50% balance is due one week before the shows. The Dubai offer he turned down. Imagine what this is? Evil behavior.
“Flytime Fest – ₦000,000,000 (Not ₦200M, way more). Lagos Countdown – Whatever it takes as the son of the soil. Bless you, Ma. You tried everything, and we delivered everything, but to no avail.
“Oando oil end of year – $000,000 (more than $400K) with Bizzle. Oh no, just a DJ and no band for 30 minutes. Tony Elumelu end of year – pretty much, what would it take? Plus many more offers, totaling more than at least $4M.
“This guy will say he did a world tour and is tired. Bro, you did 11 shows in the whole year of 2024—as an artist aiming for mega stardom in your I’m here to stay year, this is pathetic.”
