Full Name: Olamide Gbenga Adedeji
Stage Names: Olamide, Olamide Baddo, BaddoSneh
Born: March 15, 1989
Origin: Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria
Genres: Hip Hop, Afrobeat, Street-Hop
Labels: Coded Tunes (former), YBNL Nation (founder & CEO)
🌟 Who Is Olamide?
Olamide is a Nigerian hip hop artist, songwriter, and music executive who rose from the streets of Bariga to become one of Africa’s most influential rappers. Known for rapping mostly in Yoruba, his native language, and blending street vibes with commercial sounds, Olamide has built a legacy as the “Voice of the Streets.”
His fans affectionately call him “Olamide Baddo” or “BaddoSneh,” and his impact on the Nigerian music industry remains unmatched, particularly for his role in mentoring stars like Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, and Asake under his label YBNL Nation.
🎤 Early Life & Background
Born and raised in Bariga, a suburb of Lagos, Olamide’s love for music started early. Despite financial challenges, he pursued his passion, eventually studying at Tai Solarin University of Education before diving into music full-time.
🚀 Rise to Fame
Olamide’s music journey began professionally in 2010 when he released his debut single “Eni Duro.” The song received massive airplay and instantly positioned him as a rising rap talent. In 2011, he dropped his debut studio album, “Rapsodi”, under Coded Tunes, gaining recognition for his raw street lyrics and Yoruba flow.
Later that year, Olamide launched his own record label, YBNL Nation, and released his second studio album, “YBNL” in 2012. This album included hit tracks like:
- “First of All”
- “Voice of the Street”
- “Stupid Love”
- “Ilefo Illuminati”
These songs became anthems across Nigeria and earned Olamide massive street credibility.
💿 Olamide’s Albums (Discography)
Olamide is one of the most consistent Nigerian artists, releasing a new album almost every year for a decade. Here’s a list of his major projects:
- Rapsodi (2011)
- YBNL (2012)
- Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013)
- Street OT (2014)
- Eyan Mayweather (2015)
- The Glory (2016)
- Lagos Nawa! (2017)
- Carpe Diem (2020)
- UY Scuti (2021)
- Unruly (2023)
- Ikigai (生き甲斐), Vol. 1 (2024)
- (More projects expected in 2025 and beyond)
🎶 Popular Songs by Olamide
Olamide has released several hit singles that have topped charts and dominated radio waves. Some of his most streamed songs include:
- “Infinity” ft. Omah Lay
- “Rock”
- “Loading” ft. Bad Boy Timz
- “Wo!”
- “Motigbana”
- “Science Student”
- “Fada Fada” (with Phyno)
- “Omo Ope” (with Asake)
- “Kana” (with Wizkid)
👑 Legacy & Impact
Olamide isn’t just an artist—he’s a movement. Through YBNL Nation, he’s nurtured and launched the careers of several artists, including:
- Lil Kesh
- Adekunle Gold
- Fireboy DML
- Asake
- Viktoh
- Temmie Ovwasa
His influence is often credited for changing the narrative of Nigerian rap and proving that street-based, indigenous rap can dominate mainstream platforms.
🏆 Awards & Achievements
Olamide has won numerous accolades, including:
- The Headies (multiple wins)
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards
- City People Entertainment Awards
- Channel O Music Video Awards
He’s also one of the first Nigerian rappers to sell out large stadiums and perform to crowds in the tens of thousands across Africa.
🔗 Related Artists
- Phyno – Frequent collaborator on street anthems
- Wizkid – Collaborated on “Kana” and “Kai!”
- Fireboy DML – YBNL signee with global appeal
- Asake – Fast-rising street-pop sensation under YBNL
🙌 Final Thoughts
Olamide’s story is one of grit, talent, and street credibility. From Bariga to Billboard, he continues to evolve while staying true to his roots. Whether he’s rapping in Yoruba or delivering a melodic Afropop banger, Olamide remains an icon in African music.
For more lyrics, updates, and song breakdowns from Olamide, visit our homepage or check out his latest album Ikigai (Vol. 1) released in 2024.