Despite Being Regarded as Nigeria’s Greatest Rapper, Olamide Refuses to Be Boxed as a Hip-Hop Artist

Olamide Baddo, widely celebrated as Nigeria’s greatest rapper, continues to defy conventional labels by refusing to be confined solely to the hip-hop genre. In a candid interview with Content Creator and Producer Korty EO, the legendary Nigerian musician opened up about his artistic identity, his approach to music, and his role as a successful business executive in the Nigerian music industry.

A Love for Music Beyond Genres

 

“Beat the Pressure: A Comprehensive Guide to Lowering Blood Pressure Naturally.”

Buy book from Gumroad or Paystack

Olamide expressed that his passion transcends the boundaries of any single musical classification. “I fell in love with music. You can’t box me and call me a rapper or tell me ‘this is what Olamide is into.’ I love music, and you’re not going to tell me when to make XYZ sound,” he asserted. This sentiment reveals his desire to explore and experiment freely with sound, rather than be restricted by the expectations that come with being labeled strictly as a rapper.

Blending Hip-Hop with Afrobeats and Fuji

Throughout his illustrious career, Olamide has masterfully blended his deep hip-hop roots with other popular Nigerian genres like Afrobeats and Fuji, creating a unique sound that resonates with diverse audiences. His recent self-titled album, “Olamide,” underscores this versatility by featuring several pop tracks that highlight his hitmaking prowess beyond rap.

Balancing Creativity and Business Acumen

While Olamide is well-known as a formidable label executive, running one of Nigeria’s biggest music labels, YBNL Nation, he acknowledges the challenges of balancing business and creativity. “Sometimes, being too business-minded can limit creativity because you start to think about whether some things will work once the idea comes to your head instead of just doing it,” he explained. Nevertheless, he values the synergy of being both a creative artist and a savvy businessman, believing that this combination fuels his sustained success.

A Prolific Songwriter and Mentor

Olamide’s influence extends beyond his performances; his songwriting skills have been pivotal in launching and shaping the careers of other artists, notably Asake, an award-winning superstar signed under YBNL. He shared that he enjoys writing music even more than performing, emphasizing his commitment to nurturing talent and contributing to the evolution of Nigerian music.

A Legacy of Hard Work and Divine Blessings

With a career spanning over 15 years, Olamide has amassed numerous accolades and established himself as one of Nigeria’s most decorated musicians and successful label bosses. His latest album adds another milestone to his legacy, which he attributes to relentless hard work and divine blessings.

Conclusion

Olamide’s journey challenges the constraints of genre classification, illustrating that true artistry is about passion, innovation, and growth. His refusal to be boxed as merely a hip-hop artist reflects his broader vision for music and his influential role in shaping Nigeria’s contemporary soundscape. Fans and industry observers alike eagerly anticipate what this versatile artist will create next.

For those interested, Olamide’s full interview with Korty EO is available on the “Flow With Korty” platform, providing deeper insights into his music, business philosophy, and vision for the future.

 

💔 “She said she loved me. And for fifty-two years, I believed her.” 💔

Buy The Book "The Longest Lie: A Husband’s Journey Through Love, Betrayal, and Redemption" From Gumroad