Afrobeats artist Asake’s previous manager, Stephen Nana, widely recognized as Stevenator, has disclosed the factors that led to his decision to separate from the musician.
In a widely circulated interview with UpgradeTV, Stevenator elaborated that Asake’s swift rise to prominence exceeded his capacity to manage the artist effectively, further complicated by personal difficulties in balancing his work and family commitments.
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Stevenator recounted that his entry into artist management was made possible by YBNL Nation huncho, Olamide.
Having never previously met Asake or listened to his music, Stevenator found himself unexpectedly thrust into a demanding role, with little opportunity to adapt due to Asake’s rapid success.
He noted that the pressures of managing a global sensation significantly impacted his personal life, as he identified himself as a family-oriented individual who struggled to maintain connections with his sons while frequently traveling.
He stated: “Olamide called me one day and told me that he had an artiste he would want me to manage. And that was the first time I’m going into management. I don’t know anything about the job. I have been friends with Olamide for over 20 years.
“I never met Asake before. I don’t know anything about him and I have never heard his song before. And I cannot learn the job on the job. Asake blew up so quickly that there was no time to learn the job, so it was back to back.
“The challenge was my family. At a time I had two sons and I did not have time to spend with them. I’m a family guy, I have not been able to be there for my family but still then I still have to make money so they can live a better life.
“Sometimes we are on the road for four to five months. I’m always on my phone with my kids. So I asked them to come to London and my second son refused me to carry him because he doesn’t know me.
“For me to be able to balance my work and family, I have to step down. Asake became way too big that I have to be following him everywhere he goes. So, I’m now a family man, and I love my wife.”
