Olamide: Biography, Life, Music & More
Full Name: Olamide Adedeji
Stage Name: Olamide (also called Baddo or BaddoSneh)
Date of Birth: March 15, 1989
Place of Birth: Bariga, Lagos, Nigeria
Nationality: Nigerian
Occupation: Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Executive
Genres: Afrobeats, Hip-Hop, Rap, Street-Hop
Years Active: 2010 – Present
Record Label: YBNL Nation (CEO), Empire (Partnership)
Early Life & Background
Olamide was born and raised in Bariga, Lagos, Nigeria. He developed an interest in music at a young age and began rapping in Yoruba and Pidgin English. His unique blend of street-hop, indigenous rap, and Afrobeats set him apart in the Nigerian music industry.
He studied Mass Communication at Tai Solarin University of Education but dropped out due to financial constraints to focus on music.
Musical Career
Breakthrough & Rise to Fame (2010–2013)
Olamide’s big break came in 2010 when he released his debut single “Eni Duro,” which caught the attention of many in the Nigerian music industry. This led to his debut album Rapsodi (2011) under Coded Tunes, where he worked with producer ID Cabasa.
His second album, YBNL (2012), was a game-changer, featuring hits like:
🔥 First of All
🔥 Voice of the Street
🔥 Stupid Love
🔥 Ilefo Illuminati
This album established him as a leading force in indigenous rap, blending Yoruba, English, and Pidgin in a unique style.
YBNL Nation & Continued Success (2014–2018)
After leaving Coded Tunes, Olamide founded his own record label, YBNL Nation (Yahoo Boy No Laptop), in 2012. Under YBNL, he released multiple albums and signed artists like Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, and Asake.
Some of his biggest hits from this era include:
✅ Durosoke (2013)
✅ Bobo (2015)
✅ Lagos Boys (2015)
✅ Who You Epp? (2016)
✅ Wo!! (2017)
✅ Science Student (2018)
These songs became street anthems, solidifying his “King of the Streets” status.
Global Expansion & Afrobeats Influence (2019–Present)
From 2019 onwards, Olamide expanded his sound, moving from street-hop to mainstream Afrobeats while mentoring new artists.
His albums 999 (2020), Carpe Diem (2020), and UY Scuti (2021) showed a more mature and versatile Olamide, with songs like:
🔥 Infinity (feat. Omah Lay)
🔥 Rock
🔥 Loading (feat. Bad Boy Timz)
🔥 Triumphant (feat. Bella Shmurda)
In 2023, he dropped Unruly, further solidifying his legacy. He also played a key role in the rise of Asake, who has dominated the Afrobeats scene under YBNL.
Personal Life
Olamide keeps his personal life private but is known to have a long-term partner, Adebukunmi Aisha Suleiman, with whom he has children. Despite his fame, he remains humble and focused on helping young artists succeed.
Legacy & Impact
✅ One of Nigeria’s most consistent and influential artists
✅ Founder of YBNL Nation, which has produced stars like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, and Asake
✅ Has released over 10 albums and countless hit singles
✅ Recognized for shaping the street-hop movement and influencing Nigerian rap
Awards & Achievements
🏆 Headies Awards – Multiple wins, including Album of the Year
🏆 Nigerian Entertainment Awards – Best Rap Act
🏆 MTV Africa Music Awards – Best Hip-Hop
🏆 City People Entertainment Awards – Rap Artiste of the Year
🏆 Afrimma Awards – Best Male West Africa
Conclusion
Olamide is a true legend in Nigerian music. From indigenous rap to Afrobeats, he has remained consistent, influential, and a major hitmaker. Whether through his own music or through YBNL artists, his impact on the industry is undeniable.
