Popular Nigerian Afrobeats star Asake has gone viral on social media after a video showed him attempting to reach the sacred Black Stone at the Kaaba during the Umrah pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.
In the circulating clip, the singer—whose real name is Ahmed Ololade—was seen among thousands of pilgrims gathered at the Grand Mosque in Mecca. People around him appeared to lift him in an effort to help him get closer to the Black Stone, a revered Islamic relic set into the corner of the Kaaba.
However, the massive crowd of worshippers surrounding the Kaaba made it difficult for the singer to reach the stone, as many other pilgrims were also trying to approach the sacred site during prayers and religious rites.
The video quickly spread online, sparking mixed reactions from fans and religious commentators. While many praised the singer for participating in the spiritual journey during the holy month of Ramadan, some Islamic scholars reminded pilgrims that touching the Black Stone is a recommended act but not compulsory during Umrah or Hajj.
Asake is currently in Saudi Arabia performing Umrah, the lesser Islamic pilgrimage, which Muslims often undertake during Ramadan for spiritual reflection and prayers.
