Biography

Olamide Gbenga Adedeji, known mononymously as Olamide, is a titan of Nigerian music—a rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive whose influence spans over a decade and reshaped the landscape of street-hop and indigenous rap in Africa.

Hailing from Bariga, Lagos, Olamide first caught the nation's attention with his debut single, Eni Duro, in 2010. Fluent in both English and Yoruba, he bridged street slang and commercial appeal with unmatched authenticity. His debut album, Rapsodi, was a critical success, but it was 2011’s YBNL—his self-titled sophomore project—that birthed a cultural movement.

Known as the “Voice of the Street,” Olamide popularized the raw, energetic Lagos sound that inspired the rise of new-school artists. Through tracks like Durosoke, Bobo, Wo!!, and Science Student, he carved a lane where street credibility meets radio dominance. His ability to fuse indigenous rap with Afrobeat, trap, and even dancehall has made him a genre-bending pioneer.

Beyond music, Olamide founded YBNL Nation, a label that launched the careers of Fireboy DML, Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, and Asake. His role as a mentor and industry tastemaker further solidifies his legacy as more than an artist—he’s a movement builder.

Olamide’s consistency, entrepreneurial mind, and deep cultural connection make him not just a star but a cornerstone of the Nigerian music industry.

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