Ahmed Ololade, widely known as Asake, has shed light on the hurdles faced by individuals with tattoos in securing employment opportunities in Nigeria. The acclaimed Afrobeats artist, sporting a prominent neck tattoo himself, disclosed the pervasive stereotypes surrounding tattoos in the country, which hinder job prospects and entrepreneurial endeavors.
In an exclusive feature in the latest issue of GQ magazine, Asake candidly addressed the limitations imposed by societal perceptions of body art in Nigeria. “In Nigeria, if you have a tattoo on your neck, you can’t work anywhere. I can’t work for any company. I can’t sell anything,” he lamented, highlighting the profound impact of these preconceptions on personal and professional aspirations.
Furthermore, Asake delved into the misconception surrounding his ascent to stardom, refuting the notion of overnight success. Despite garnering widespread recognition within a relatively short span, the artist emphasized the years of dedication and hard work preceding his breakthrough. “You have to understand: I got there in two years, but I’ve been working for years. People are counting the days you’re successful. They don’t count the days you’ve been working towards it. Nobody gives a fvck about that,” Asake asserted, underscoring the importance of perseverance and resilience in the pursuit of one’s dreams.