In a recent interview, Stephen Nana, popularly known as Stevenator, opened up about his journey managing Afrobeats sensation Asake from 2022 to 2024. He revealed that their professional relationship ended when Asake’s stardom outgrew what he could manage.
Reflecting on the experience, Stevenator described his time with Asake as both challenging and rewarding. He admitted he had to learn on the job, having stepped into the role thanks to YBNL boss Olamide, who took a chance on him despite his lack of prior experience.
Managing Asake, according to him, required making quick decisions—something he found both easy and difficult depending on the situation. Ultimately, the turning point came when the demands of managing a global star began to clash with his responsibilities at home.
“As much as I was working hard to give them a good life, I couldn’t be there as much as I wanted,” he shared. “I bonded with my older son, but my younger son… When I invited my family to London, he didn’t even let me carry him. He didn’t know who I was.”
Faced with the emotional toll and growing pressure, Stevenator realized he couldn’t say no to Asake’s needs, but he also couldn’t continue neglecting his family.
Since stepping down, he has pivoted to running a marketing agency focused on bridging the Nigerian and international music scenes. He’s now working with a new artist—one whose schedule allows him to maintain a better work-life balance.
During his tenure as Asake’s manager, the artist skyrocketed to fame with a string of hit singles and albums. Asake was named the No. 1 Artist of 2024, making history as the first to earn that title three years in a row.
His debut album Mr. Money With The Vibe (2022), sophomore effort Work of Art (2023), and his latest release Lungu Boyall topped the charts. Lungu Boy debuted at No. 1 and held the position for a record-breaking 15 weeks, cementing Asake’s dominance in the music scene.
