Sister of Deceased Concertgoer Criticizes Asake for Video Tribute Incident

Rachel, a sister to the late Rebecca Ikumelo, recently criticised Nigerian artist, Ahmed Ololade popularly known as Asake, for a tribute made to the deceased during his Sunday concert in London. 

In a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Rachel wrote, “What a sorry excuse of a ‘tribute’ from @asakemusik. My sister lost her life at your show and you haven’t spoken to a single member of my family since. But you can hold another concert in London less than 9 months later and play her videos as a ‘tribute’? RIP Rebecca Ikumelo”.

Asake’s 2022 concert stampede

Recall that Asake had to end his sold-out performance at the O2 Academy Brixton after a huge number of followers who did not have tickets attempted to force access to the venue.

Police reported that eight people were transported to hospitals while two more who suffered fewer injuries were attended to at the scene as a result of the stampede.

One such person transported to the hospital was Rebecca Ikumelo, Rachel’s sister. Rebecca, a 33-year-old Nigerian mother of two, was pronounced dead in a hospital after being critically injured in the stampede.

The deceased was popular on TikTok for sharing videos about her journey in taking care of her autistic son.

Also, Gabrielle Hutchinson, who was performing her duties as one of the hired security personnel for the occasion that evening died a few days later.

Asake sends condolences to the deceased family

In a statement, Asake said, “I am devastated by the news that Rebecca Ikumelo, who was in critical condition since Thursday, has sadly passed away. My sincerest condolences to her loved ones at this time. Let us please keep her family in our prayers. I have spoken to them, and will continue to do so.”

His video tribute to the deceased

The Afrobeat star had another electrifying and energetic performance at his sold-out 20,000-capacity 02 Arena concert in London, United Kingdom on the 20th of August,2023. Before commencing his show, he paid tribute to his deceased fans. 

Asake displayed pictures and videos of Ikumelo and Hutchinson and urged anyone with information about the incident to contact the police. But Rachel who tagged the video tribute as a sorry excuse said Asake did not seek her family’s consent.

She wrote, “My point is, he should not be using her videos or giving a ‘tribute’ without speaking to my family beforehand for consent. I hope you’re getting paid to ride for Asake like this.” 

Asake’s earnings and wealth

Asake who performed most of his hit songs at the 02 Arena concert in London, sold out all the tickets for his first-ever concert at the 20,000-capacity stadium. Reports suggest that this achievement is expected to rake in as much as N2.86 billion.

This is because the tickets range in price from £43 (about N43,000) to £143.85 (about N143,000) as reported by the official ticket partner for O2 Arena, Stereoboard and Axs.

The YBNL/Empire singer reportedly has an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. He makes his money through his songs, endorsements, partnerships, and other ventures. Newsmen reports say Asake’s tour tickets range from 3 million naira to 10 million naira.

For shows, the Afrobeats star reportedly charges within the range of $7,500-$14,999. He has a Duplex in Lagos, a Range Rover Velar and a Lamborghini to his name.

His tracks, including the popular ‘Lonely at the Top,’ have garnered millions of streams on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.