As Nigerian rapper and music executive Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide Bado, turns 37 today, his place in music history is already secure. For more than a decade, the artist has shaped the sound, culture, and structure of the Nigerian music industry.
From championing street rap to building one of the country’s most influential record labels, Olamide has consistently released hit songs, helped create stars, mentored upcoming artists, and pushed Nigerian music to bigger global stages.
With 11 studio albums, international collaborations, and a growing list of successful protégés, his impact stretches far beyond his own career.
A career built on consistency
Since breaking into the mainstream in 2011, Olamide has built one of the most consistent catalogues in Nigerian music.
The rapper has released 11 studio albums across more than a decade. These include Rapsodi, YBNL, Baddest Guy Ever Liveth, Street OT, Eyan Mayweather, The Glory, Lagos Nawa, Carpe Diem, UY Scuti, Unruly, and Olamide.
Each project reflects a different stage in his artistic evolution, from indigenous rap rooted in Yoruba street culture to genre-blending Afrobeats.
Beyond the music, Olamide is also known for his relentless work ethic. For many years, he released new projects almost every year, building a reputation as one of Nigeria’s most hardworking artists.
His influence has also crossed borders. In 2025, he performed to a sold-out crowd at the OVO Arena Wembley in London.
The birth of YBNL
One of Olamide’s biggest contributions to the Nigerian music scene is the creation of his record label, YBNL Nation.
Founded in 2012, the label, whose name means “Yahoo Boy No Laptop” quickly became a breeding ground for new talent.
Through YBNL, Olamide has built a reputation both as a rapper and as a music executive with a keen eye for talent.
Several artists who passed through the label went on to become some of the most successful names in Nigerian music.
Adekunle Gold: From YBNL to global acclaim
One of the earliest breakout stars from YBNL was Adekunle Gold.
Initially signed to the label in the mid-2010s, Adekunle Gold rose to prominence with songs like Sade and later evolved into one of Afrobeats’ most versatile artists.
His career has continued to grow internationally. In recent years, he has performed with orchestras abroad and achieved a major milestone by selling out the National Theatre Lagos, becoming the first Nigerian artist to do so.
The achievement reflects the global reach of an artist whose early career was nurtured under Olamide’s mentorship.
Asake’s global rise
Another success story is Asake, whose rise has been one of the most remarkable in recent Nigerian music history.
Signed to YBNL in 2022, Asake became a global star with a unique fusion of Afrobeats, amapiano and Fuji.
His music has dominated charts and streaming platforms. One of his songs, why love emerged the most streamed tracks on Apple Music in 2025.
The singer has also sold out major venues across the world and earned a nomination at the Grammy Awards.
Beyond his solo achievements, Asake has collaborated with international stars such as Travis Scott and Central Cee.
Fireboy DML’s international crossover
Another artist whose career blossomed under Olamide’s mentorship is Fireboy DML.
The singer quickly gained popularity with his melodic style and emotionally driven songs.
Fireboy later expanded his global reach through collaborations with international artists, including British pop star Ed Sheeran.
His success has helped reinforce YBNL’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most effective talent-development platforms.
Helping artists beyond his label
Olamide’s influence is not limited to artists he officially signed.
Several Nigerian musicians have credited him for supporting or amplifying their careers in the early stages.
Among them are Zlatan Ibile, Ayo Maff, Hot kid, Bella Shmurda, Young John, Pheelz, Ashidapo, and TI Blaze among others.
Through collaborations, mentorship and industry connections, Olamide has helped emerging artists gain visibility.
This willingness to uplift younger musicians has earned him a reputation as one of the most supportive figures in the Nigerian music industry.
A lasting legacy
More than a decade after his breakthrough, Olamide’s influence continues to shape Nigerian music.
His catalogue of albums, his ability to adapt to changing musical trends and his commitment to mentoring younger artists have all played a role in building his legacy.
At 37, the rapper remains both a cultural figure and a powerful industry force.
