Many remember Olamide’s story because the rapper came from the very bottom in society and rose to the top of his game.
From the Bariga neighbourhood in Lagos, the young man born Olamide Adedeji hustled his way into several studios where he would hang with more established artistes until the music label Coded Tunes changed the game for him by providing support with which he released his debut album Rapsodi in 2011.
Under the tutelage of ID Cabasa at Coded Tunes, the aspiring musician was managed by Toni Payne. He also got guidance and support from Lord Of Ajasa and 9ice among others till he was strong enough to fly alone.
There are several key features that contributed to the success in Olamide also known as Baddo or Baddo Sneh, but the unmistakable thing is in his drive, persistence and the ability to move with the times.
By 2012, he left Cabasa and started his own movement with the record label YBNL Nation.
In 2015, the Shakiti Bobo crooner spoke to prolific filmmaker Tunde Kelani via his online TV channel explaining that his mentors in music include K1 De Ultimate, Sunny Ade, Jay Z and 2baba.
First a rapper, he has morphed his style to reflect the pop yearnings of the Nigerian consumer base which has seen him enjoy huge local and international following.
He followed this up closely with YBNL which he dropped under his record label YBNL in 2012. By 2013, he released Baddest Guy Ever Liveth and then Street OT in 2014 and Eyan Mayweather in 2015, a refreshing consistency that makes him the only Nigerian rapper to put out an album every year in the last five years.
His renown has been massive and it surprises him sometimes that he is even as successful as he currently is.
In January, 2016, he told Hip TV that he is grateful to God for the love he gets from the streets, the fans, a love so great money can’t even buy it.
He also talked about being as prolific as he is because of his street roots and influences, adding that in the streets there are no rules.
Armed with a sleek music style, a raw, edgy approach to recording and releasing and a keen business sense, Olamide has grown over the years to becoming one of the most sought after Nigerian artistes today.
He has also spread his reach by giving back to society in several ways, perhaps a reminder that he is still a part of them and a confirmation that he intends to make his overall brand appeal soar
In 2014, he signed up two artistes from the boisterous Bariga neighbourhood where he first was and from where he launched into international prominence.
By virtue of this gesture, Lil Kesh and Viktoh got into his YBNL Nation imprint and Kesh went on to enjoy multiple successes in the songs Shoki, Efejoku, Lyrically and Is It Because I Love You.
Now a star in his own right, speculations are starting to make the rounds that he is set to float his personal music label given he signed a two-year deal with Olamide in 2014. Both parties are yet to respond to the rumours but whatever the case, no one can deny Olamide’s contributions in the careers of Lil Kesh and the potential Viktoh.
DJ Enimoney who is Olamide’s brother has also enjoyed reasonable success as well as their in-house producer Young John.
He is young, driven and passionate about his music. He revealed to Hip TV in January 2016 that his passion is what’s gotten him this far, a passion that was there even before showbiz started paying off and all of that.
He is also close friends with fellow rapper Phyno, an artiste he has collaborated as well as released an album with.
The 27-year-old rapper continues to inspire millions of followers out there, little wonder he was publicly lashed for his infamous rants in January, 2016 after he protested the Headies awards for the category of Next Rated Artiste which was won by Mavin Records artiste Reekado Banks over Lil Kesh, Kiss Daniel and the rest.
Don Jazzy got up stage to receive an award of his and, having perceived Olamide’s rants as an affront on him and his team, gave a resounding response which set everything out of control and blotted the events in several ways, still it remains one of the editions to remember for several reasons.
The issue degenerated between both label heads and was fast becoming a factional contest in the streets given the rapper’s influence until billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote reportedly stepped in and helped restore quiet between Don Jazzy and Olamide.
Blogger Laila Ijeoma broke the news stating that prior to the visit to Dangote’s house, Don Jazzy had remained livid and wasn’t speaking to anyone especially because Olamide had done the exact same thing at the 2014 edition of The Headies after Reekado Banks got the award for Rookie of the year.
Olamide had protested that Lil Kesh wasn’t nominated in that same category only to take things a step further this year as well as in a rather uncouth way.
“I’m told Jazzy has been angry since the incident happened, infact he wasn’t even talking to people. He was angry especially because Olamide did something similar last year when Reekado Banks got the Headies 2014 Rookie award.
PIC 1: Aliko Dangote, Olamide, Don Jazzy and Cecil Hammond. PIC 2: Don Jazzy and Olamide. Credit: Instagram
“Aliko Dangote stepped in for there to be peace. I’m also told that Olamide prostrated himself for Jazzy. Yes, my guy was shocked too when Olamide did that. All thanks to Dangote,” she wrotee
Everything soon settled before long with both stars apologizing for their actions and Olamide holding out the olive branch.
Though unexpected from an artiste of his level of recognition, the Lagos Boys singer doesn’t look like his fame is about to diminish anytime soon. In fact, he still represents major corporate brands in Nigeria and was the first Nigerian artiste to be endorsed by Ciroc.
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