Olamide Biography: From Bariga Streets to Afrobeats Kingmaker

Olamide Adedeji, known professionally as Olamide or Baddo, born on March 15, 1989, in Bariga, Lagos, Nigeria, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive. Renowned for his Yoruba-infused hip-hop and Afrobeats, Olamide has shaped the Nigerian music industry as both an artist and a mentor through his label, YBNL Nation.

As of 2025, he has released 12 studio albums, one collaborative album, four EPs, and numerous hit singles, earning him the title “Voice of the Street.”

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Born to Yoruba parents in Bariga, a gritty suburb of Lagos, Olamide grew up in a modest household. His father was a businessman, and his mother a shop owner. Raised with two brothers, Olamide developed an early love for music, influenced by local Fuji and hip-hop sounds. He began rapping in his teens, performing at local shows and recording at studios like Unique Studios in Bariga. While studying Mass Communication at Tai Solarin University of Education, he prioritized music, dropping out to pursue it full-time. His early hustle included releasing tracks under ID Cabasa’s Coded Tunes, where he honed his craft alongside artists like 9ice.

Rise to Stardom

Olamide’s breakthrough came in 2010 with the single “Eni Duro” under Coded Tunes, blending Yoruba lyricism with street slang, which resonated with Nigerian youth. In 2011, he signed with ID Cabasa and released his debut album, Rapsodi, featuring hits like “Omo To Shan” and “Eni Duro.” The album’s success led him to found YBNL Nation in 2012, launching his second album, YBNL, with chart-toppers “First of All” and “Ilefo Illuminati.” His raw storytelling and vernacular rap cemented his status as a street icon.

Artistic Evolution

Olamide’s music fuses hip-hop, Afrobeats, Fuji, and Amapiano, often sung in Yoruba and Lagos pidgin, reflecting Bariga’s hustle. His annual album releases from 2011 to 2016 showcased versatility:

2011 – Rapsodi: Introduced his Yoruba rap style.
2012 – YBNL: Featured party anthems like “First of All.”
2013 – Baddest Guy Ever Liveth: Included the global hit “Durosoke.”
2014 – Street OT: A street anthem collection with “Story for the Gods.”
2015 – Eyan Mayweather: Showcased lyrical depth with “Bobo.”
2016 – The Glory: A reflective hip-hop project.
2017 – Lagos Nawa: Captured Lagos’ vibrancy.
2018 – YBNL Mafia Family: A collaborative label project.
2020 – Carpe Diem: Featured the Grammy-nominated “Infinity” with Omah Lay.
2021 – UY Scuti: Explored Afrobeats and Amapiano.
2023 – Unruly: His 10th solo album, blending old-school rap and new sounds.
2024 – Ikigai: A reflective album addressing personal growth, with a second volume planned for 2025.

Olamide pioneered the use of Yoruba in mainstream rap, paving the way for indigenous artists. He also mentored stars like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, and Asake through YBNL Nation, earning him the moniker “Kingmaker.”

Discography

Below is a table summarizing Olamide’s solo studio albums:

Title	Release Date	Notable Tracks
Rapsodi	February 2011	“Eni Duro,” “Omo To Shan”
YBNL	November 12, 2012	“First of All,” “Ilefo Illuminati”
Baddest Guy Ever Liveth	November 7, 2013	“Durosoke,” “Yemi My Lover”
Street OT	November 14, 2014	“Story for the Gods,” “Goons Mi”
Eyan Mayweather	November 23, 2015	“Bobo,” “Melo Melo”
The Glory	December 26, 2016	“Pepper Dem Gang,” “Letter to Milli”
Lagos Nawa	November 17, 2017	“Wo!,” “Shine”
Carpe Diem	October 8, 2020	“Infinity,” “Loading”
UY Scuti	June 18, 2021	“Rock,” “Jailer”
Unruly	August 9, 2023	“Jinja,” “New Religion”
Ikigai	June 26, 2024	“Metaverse,” “Uptown Disco”

Additional works include the collaborative album 2 Kings (2015) with Phyno, four EPs, and hits like “Motigbana” (2018) and “Pawon” (2019).

Tours and Performances

Olamide’s high-energy performances have packed venues globally:

OLIC (Olamide Live in Concert): Annual concerts in Lagos (2014–2019), with international editions in London, the US, and Canada.
YBNL UK Tour (2022): Supported Carpe Diem and UY Scuti.
Carpe Diem US Tour (2023): Headlined major cities, showcasing his global appeal.
Festival Appearances: Regular performer at Afro Nation and other international festivals.

Awards and Achievements

Olamide’s accolades include:

2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards: Best Indigenous Artist and Best Album (YBNL).
2015 Headies Awards: Artiste of the Year and Album of the Year (Eyan Mayweather).
2021 Grammy Nomination: Contributed to Burna Boy’s Twice as Tall and featured on the nominated “Infinity” from Carpe Diem.
2022 All Africa Music Awards: Best Male West Africa and Best OAP/DJ Collaboration for “Tio Tequila.”
Multiple City People and TooXclusive Awards for hits like “Wo!” and “Science Student.”
First Nigerian rapper to chart on the Billboard World Albums with Carpe Diem (number 13).

His influence extends to discovering talents like Asake, whose Mr. Money with the Vibe set streaming records.

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Olamide is married to Adebukunmi Aisha Suleiman, his long-time partner, with whom he has two sons, Maximilian Boluwatife (born 2015) and Tunrepin Myles (born 2019). He keeps his family life private, residing in Lagos. A Manchester United fan, he’s known for his humility and street loyalty. His net worth is estimated at $5–10 million, earned through music, endorsements (Globacom, Ciroc), and YBNL ventures.

Olamide’s philanthropy includes funding education for underprivileged children in Bariga and donating to community projects. In 2020, he supported COVID-19 relief efforts in Lagos, providing food and supplies. His music often addresses social issues like poverty and hustle, inspiring Nigerian youth.

Olamide’s Influence on Popular Culture

Olamide’s Yoruba rap and street anthems have shaped Nigerian pop culture, popularizing phrases like “Baddo” and “Wo!” His music videos, like “Durosoke,” showcase Lagos’ vibrancy, influencing street fashion and dance. With over 5 million Instagram followers (@olamide) and millions of Spotify streams, he engages fans with music drops and relatable humor. His mentorship through YBNL has birthed a new generation of Afrobeats stars, solidifying his cultural impact.

Olamide’s Impact on the Music Industry

Olamide democratized Nigerian music by championing indigenous rap, breaking English-language dominance. YBNL Nation’s success, launching artists like Fireboy DML and Asake, has made it a blueprint for African labels. His annual album releases (2011–2016) set a work ethic standard, while Carpe Diem’s global reach elevated Nigerian rap on world charts. His collaboration with Spotify in 2023 to spotlight West African artists further amplified Afrobeats’ global rise.

Olamide’s Style and Fashion Influence

Olamide’s fashion blends streetwear with Nigerian flair—snapbacks, oversized tees, and Ankara prints. His dreadlocks and gold chains are iconic, inspiring Lagos youth. High-profile appearances, like at Lagos Fashion Week, showcase his evolving style, merging urban and luxury aesthetics. His influence extends to sneaker culture and local designers, making him a trendsetter.

Olamide’s Legacy: The Kingmaker of Afrobeats

Olamide’s journey from Bariga to global stardom reflects resilience, innovation, and mentorship. With over a decade of hits, a Grammy-nominated catalog, and a label that reshaped Afrobeats, he’s a cornerstone of African music. His ability to evolve while staying rooted in the streets ensures his legacy as both an artist and a kingmaker.

Olamide’s Social Media and Online Presence

Olamide connects with fans through social media, sharing music and glimpses of his life. Follow him on:

Platform	Handle/URL
Instagram	@olamide
Twitter	@olamide
YouTube	Olamide
Spotify	Olamide

Conclusion

Olamide’s rise from Bariga’s streets to Afrobeats royalty is a testament to talent, hustle, and vision. With a discography spanning rap and Afrobeats, a label nurturing superstars, and a commitment to his roots, he continues to shape the global music landscape. Olamide remains an enduring symbol of Nigerian resilience and creativity.