Olamide music

Olamide Gbenga Adedeji is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive. Known mononymously as Olamide, he is one of the most influential figures in African music, shaping the careers of numerous Afrobeats stars. He records in both Yoruba and English, blending streetwise lyrics with infectious melodies. His debut album Rapsodi (2011) was released under ID Cabasa's Coded Tunes. He then founded his own imprint YBNL Nation and released the album YBNL (2012) with hits like "First of All." His third album Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013) produced "Durosoke" and "Yemi My Lover." In July 2013, he became the first Nigerian to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc. Across his career, he has released over a dozen studio albums.

In November 2023, Olamide earned his first Grammy nomination for the song "Amapiano" alongside his signee Asake, making him one of the first Nigerian rappers recognized in that category. In 2025, Billboard named him one of its Global Power Players. Beyond his own music, he has mentored artists like Fireboy DML, Asake, and Lil Kesh. With a career spanning over a decade, Olamide remains a dominant force in Afrobeats and hip-hop, constantly evolving while staying true to his roots. [edit]

Olamide was raised in Bariga, a bustling neighborhood in mainland Lagos. He grew up in a polygamous household as the second of three children born to his father's second wife, Ronke Osisanya Adedeji. From his teenage years, he showed a strong interest in music after discovering he could compose rap songs. His first audience was his siblings and neighborhood friends, whom he performed for regularly. At age 13, he visited ID Cabasa's studio with a friend. Cabasa was immediately impressed by Olamide's lyrical depth and began mentoring him, eventually making Olamide one of the first artists signed to Coded Tunes.

He attended primary and secondary school in Lagos, then enrolled at Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijagun, Ogun State, to study Mass Communication. Financial difficulties forced him to leave before completing his degree. He initially rapped in English to stand out but later switched to indigenous Yoruba rap, a decision that proved pivotal. His career officially launched in 2010 when he released his debut single "Eni Duro," which became a hit and earned him a performance at the Hip Hop World Awards that same year. [edit]

After the success of "Eni Duro" in 2010, Olamide released his debut album Rapsodi in 2011 under Coded Tunes, featuring guest appearances by Wizkid, Pheelz, and 9ice. In 2012, he founded his own label YBNL Nation and released the album YBNL, supported by singles "First of All" and "Stupid Love." His third album Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013) included the hits "Durosoke" and "Yemi My Lover." That same year, he became the first Nigerian to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc.

In 2018, his song "Science Student" contributed to the Nigerian government's ban on codeine. He released Carpe Diem in 2020 under Empire Distribution, marking his first widespread international release. In 2023, he received his first Grammy nomination for "Amapiano" with Asake at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. In 2025, Billboard listed him as one of its Global Power Players. As of 2026, he has released 11 studio albums and continues to mentor artists under YBNL Nation. [edit]

Olamide is known for his "street pop" music style, blending Afropop, dancehall, and hip-hop. He raps and sings in both Yoruba and English, with streetwise lyrics and infectious melodies. The media portrays him as one of the most influential figures in African music, a hitmaker, and a mentor to younger artists. He is active on Instagram, X (Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube, and is described as one of the most followed African rappers on social media. His fandom does not have a widely known name, but his annual OLIC (Olamide Live In Concert) draws large crowds. [edit]

Olamide commands a massive, organic following that spans Nigeria and the global African diaspora. While his fanbase lacks a single official moniker like the Beyhive or Swifties, they are widely known by the street cred of their leader's label, often rallying as 'Baddos' or under the banner of YBNL Nation. This community is defined by digital loyalty rather than organized campaigns; there are no documented birthday billboards funded by fans or specific charity drives bearing his name in the current records. Instead, the connection is forged through direct social media engagement and the sheer volume of streams for hits like 'Rock Me Gentle.' The audience treats his releases as cultural events, flooding platforms with support without the need for formalized rituals. His influence extends beyond music into the very fabric of Nigerian youth culture, where his 'street pop' style set the template for a generation of artists. He remains a mentor figure whose protégés now headline major festivals, creating a lineage of success that keeps his relevance unshaken. This enduring presence is quantified by his standing in the global hierarchy of fame. According to the iFANN Global Fame Rankings, Olamide is currently the 24th most famous person in Nigeria, holding steady from the previous cycle. He also holds the title of the 52nd most famous person from Nigeria on the global stage, holding steady. Within his specific genre, he stands as the 17th most famous person in Afrobeats, holding steady. These placements reflect a career built on consistent output and deep cultural resonance.[edit]

Olamide joined YouTube in late 2013 and by early 2015 had close to 15,000 subscribers and almost five million views. His label YBNL stands for "Yahoo Boy No Laptop." He switched from rapping in English to indigenous Yoruba rap, a move that became the foundation of his success. His song "Science Student" (2018) contributed to the Nigerian government's ban on codeine. He is one of the first Nigerian and African rappers to receive a Grammy nomination. His protégés include major stars like Fireboy DML, Asake, Adekunle Gold, and Lil Kesh. A legendary moment in his career involves his annual OLIC concerts, which have grown into massive stadium-filling spectacles that draw tens of thousands of fans annually. Another iconic story from the streets is his ability to turn local slang and everyday struggles into anthems that define the sound of modern Lagos. Fans still retell tales of his surprise drop performances where he would show up unannounced at clubs, turning a regular night out into an unforgettable party.[edit]

Olamide is the second of Pa Adedeji's three children with his second wife, Ronke Osisanya Adedeji. He has an older brother, Eniola Olamilekan (known professionally as DJ Enimoney), and a younger sister, TemmyGold. He is married to Adebukunmi Aisha Suleiman, and they have three children together. His first son, Batifeori Maximilliano, was born in 2015. The family maintains a relatively private life, though Olamide occasionally shares glimpses on social media. [edit]

Olamide has collaborated extensively with ID Cabasa, who discovered and mentored him. He has worked with Wizkid, Pheelz, 9ice, Reminisce, and D'Banj. Through YBNL Nation, he has mentored and launched the careers of Asake, Fireboy DML, Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, and others. He has a distribution deal with Empire Distribution. [edit]

Olamide is married to Adebukunmi Aisha Suleiman. The couple has three children together, including a son named Batifeori Maximilliano born in 2015. They maintain a relatively private family life, with Olamide occasionally sharing glimpses on social media. No other confirmed public romantic relationships have been reported by credible sources. As of 2026, Olamide is married to Adebukunmi Aisha Suleiman. [edit]

As of 2026, iFANN Editorial Team estimates Olamide's net worth at $12 Million. His wealth accumulates primarily from music sales and streaming revenue generated by over 11 studio albums and numerous singles. His record label YBNL Nation generates income through artist management, publishing, and production. He has endorsement deals, including a landmark partnership with Cîroc in 2013. Live performances and his annual OLIC concerts add significant earnings. His distribution deal with Empire has expanded his international reach. While specific figures for real estate or investments are not public, his consistent output and label success suggest a diversified income stream.[edit]

Olamide has won multiple awards at The Headies, including Best Rap Single, Album of the Year, and Lyricist on the Roll. He has also won at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards, City People Music Awards, Soundcity MVP Awards, and AFRIMA. His production work has been recognized at The Beatz Awards. He earned a Grammy nomination in 2023. [edit]