Olamide: 10 Interesting Facts About The Nigerian Rapper

Olamide Adedeji, better known by his stage name Olamide Baddo, is a force to be reckoned with in the African music scene. He is known for his infectious rap verses and his dedication to promoting Nigerian talent. Here is a collection of ten interesting facts to discover the man behind the music, his remarkable achievements, and the lasting impact he continues to have on the world of Afrobeat

1.) Ciroc Ambassador:  In a major move for Nigerian music, Olamide became the first Nigerian artist to be officially named a brand ambassador for Ciroc vodka. This prestigious partnership solidified his status as a powerhouse in the African music industry.

2.) Early Label Days:  Olamide’s initial foray into the music industry came under the wing of ID Cabasa’s Coded Tunes record label. This partnership resulted in the release of his debut album, “Rapsodi,” in 2009. However, Olamide sought creative independence and ultimately left Coded Tunes in 2012.

3.) Building YBNL:  In 2012, Olamide took a significant step towards artistic autonomy by founding his own record label, YBNL Nation. This move allowed him full creative control and provided a platform to launch his own music as well as nurture the careers of up-and-coming Nigerian artists. The label’s first release was the aptly titled “YBNL” album in the same year.

4). Dropped out of school:  Life threw Olamide a curveball when financial constraints forced him to leave his studies at the Tai Solarin University of Education incomplete. While this undoubtedly presented a challenge, Olamide chose to prioritize his musical aspirations, a decision that ultimately paid off as his career took flight.

5.) He wrote a song together with Tiwa Savage: Beyond his rapping skills, Olamide has established himself as a gifted songwriter as well. Notably, he collaborated with the talented singer Tiwa Savage to co-write the hit song “49-99” in 2019.  In an interview that same year, Tiwa Savage revealed that a significant portion of the song was already written by Olamide before she came on board. She elaborated on how she added her own creative touch and tweaked certain parts to make the song her own. This collaboration highlights Olamide’s songwriting abilities and his versatility as a musical artist.

6.) Grammy Recognition:  In 2023, Olamide etched his name in history by becoming the first Nigerian rapper to receive a Grammy Award nomination. This prestigious recognition came for his collaborative song “Amapiano” with rising star Asake. The song was nominated in the newly established “Best African Music Performance” category at the 66th Grammy Awards.

7.) Streaming Domination: Olamide reigns supreme when it comes to streaming numbers on Spotify. He is the African rapper with the most streams on the platform, surpassing a staggering 630 million streams. This immense popularity can be attributed to his impressive discography, which includes a remarkable ten solo albums, each packed with chart-topping hits.

8.) Headies Champion: Olamide solidifies his place as a legend in the Nigerian music scene with his unmatched record at The Headies, the country’s most prestigious music award ceremony.  He holds the undisputed title for the most Headies wins by any artist, having secured a remarkable 15 awards throughout his career. This incredible achievement has earned him multiple distinctions within the award’s history.

9.) Olamide’s reign at The Headies extends beyond his wins. He has etched his name even deeper into the award’s history by becoming the only artist to win Album of the Year while also having signed two subsequent winners. In 2021, Fireboy DML, a signee on Olamide’s YBNL Nation label, secured the Album of the Year award for his sophomore album “Apollo.” This achievement marked a significant moment for Olamide’s influence and the success of his record label.  The following year, at the 16th Headies ceremony, history repeated itself when another YBNL signee, Asake, took home the Album of the Year award for his debut album “Mr. Money With The Vibes.”

10). He has 10 solo albums: Olamide’s artistic journey is documented through an extensive and impressive musical catalogue.  He boasts a collection of ten solo albums, each showcasing his unique style and lyrical prowess.  Furthermore, he has delved into collaborative projects, resulting in two albums created alongside other talented artists.  Adding to this diverse discography is a single EP, demonstrating his willingness to experiment and explore different musical formats.  This vast collection of music continues to grow, with the highly anticipated release of his new album, “Ikigai,” slated for 2024.

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