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Olamide Verified artist
Olamide performing at the first edition of his annual OLIC concert
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Background information
Birth name Olamide Gbenga Adedeji
Born 15 March 1989 (age 37)
Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria
Genres Afrobeats, hip-hop, street pop, Afro fusion, Nigerian hip hop, rap, cruise
Occupation(s) Rapper, singer, songwriter, record executive
Instrument(s) Vocals
Years active 2010–present
Labels YBNL Nation, Empire
Spouse(s) Adebukunmi Suleiman-Adedeji
Website Official Site

Olamide Gbenga Adedeji born 15 March 1989), known mononymously as Olamide, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive.[1] Olamide, who is regarded as one of the most influential artistes in Nigeria and Africa, has been crucial to the creative and commercial success of several Afrobeats music stars. He records in Yoruba and English. In 2011, he released his debut studio album, Rapsodi, while signed to ID Cabasa's Coded Tunes. YBNL, his follow-up album, was released under his label imprint "Yahoo Boy No Laptop", also known as YBNL Nation. The album was supported by the singles "First of All", "Voice of the Street", "Stupid Love", and "Ilefo Illuminati". On 7 November 2013, he released his third studio album, Baddest Guy Ever Liveth. The album's singles include Durosoke" and "Yemi My Lover". On 17 July 2013, Olamide became the first Nigerian to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc.[2]

In November 2023, he received his first nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for the song "Amapiano" alongside his signee Asake making him one of the first Nigerian and African rappers to be recognised in that category.[3] In 2025, Billboard magazine listed Olamide as one of its Global Power Players.[4]

Early life and musical beginnings

Olamidé Gbenga Adedeji was born in Bariga, Lagos State,[5][6] on 15 March 1989. He is the second of Pa Adedeji's three children with Ronke Osisanya Adedeji, his second wife. TemmyGold and Eniola Olamilekan (also known as DJ Enimoney) are Olamide's two siblings.[7]

Olamide started his career when he released the debut single, "Eni Duro", in 2010 and "Omo To Shan" with Wizkid. In the same year, he performed at The Hip Hop World Awards.[1] He studied mass communication at Tai Solarin University but dropped out due to financial problems.[8]

Music career

He was signed to ID Cabasa's Coded Tunes record label and was managed by Toni Payne.[1] In 2012, he left Coded Tunes and started his record label YBNL Nation.[9]

2011: Rapsodi

Olamide's debut album, Rapsodi was released in 2011. Its lead single, "Omo To Shan", charted on several radio stations in Lagos and across Nigeria. Olamide's debut offering led to collaborations with numerous artists, including Wizkid, ID Cabasa, 9ice, 2phat, Reminisce and D'banj.[10]

2012: YBNL

Adedeji's second studio album, YBNL, was released in November 2012. Its production was handled by Tyrone, Samklef, 2 Kriss, Pheelz, and ID Cabasa. The album features guest appearances from Davido, Tiwa Savage, Kayswitch, Dammy Krane, Reminisce, Samklef, Buckwylla, Minus 2 and Base One. It was supported by the singles "Ilefo Illuminati", "First of All", "Stupid Love" and "Voice of the Street".[11]

2013: Baddest Guy Ever Liveth

Baddest Guy Ever Liveth is Olamide's third studio album. It was released on 7 November 2013 by YBNL Nation,[12] he recorded the album between 2012 and 2013 and enlisted Pheelz, Buckwyla, Ketchup, Ice Prince, Pepenazi, Endia, Viktoh, B.Banks, Phyno, Pele Pele and Bez to appear as guest artists on it. The album was produced entirely by Pheelz and plugged by Olaitan Salaudeen,[13] except for the thirteenth track, "Sitting on the Throne".[14][15]

Baddest Guy Ever Liveth was supported by four singles: "Durosoke", "Turn Up", "Yemi My Lover" and "Eleda Mi O". Premium Times newspaper included the album on its list of the five yet to be released Nigerian albums of 2013.[16] It was ranked 12th on Afrikka Radio's list of the top 12 best Nigerian albums of 2013.[17] Baddest Guy Ever Liveth won Best Album of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and was nominated for Rap Album of the Year at the 2014 City People Entertainment Awards.[18][19] It won Best Rap Album and Album of the Year at The Headies 2014.[20]

In May 2013, it was reported that Olamide had signed a record deal with DB Records. Olamide took to Twitter to debunk the reports.[21] In an interview with Toolz on NdaniTV's The Juice, he said that it was "too late" for anyone to sign him.[22]

2014: Street OT

On 14 November 2014, Olamide released his fourth album, Street OT, through YBNL Nation.[23] The album is a follow-up to his 2013 Baddest Guy Ever Liveth album.[24] Preceded by the singles titled "Story for the Gods" and "Goons Mi", Street OT features guest appearances from Pasuma, Lil Kesh, Chinko Ekun, Phyno, Don Jazzy, and Reminisce. Its production was handled by Pheelz, B-Banks, and Young Jonn.[25] The ideology of the title of the album is to glorify and show his love for the "streets", a word with which Olamide is synonymous with.[26]

2015: 2 Kings and Eyan Mayweather

Olamide collaborated with Phyno in 2015 to release 2 Kings. It was released through Cloud 9 and the iTunes Store with a little announcement on 1 April 2015 by Penthauze Music and YBNL Nation. The album features collaborations with producers and guest artists such as Wizkid, Lil Kesh, Storm Rex, Pheelz, Major Bangz, B.Banks and Young John.[27] Before recording the album, Olamide and Phyno frequently collaborated on several songs, including "Ghost Mode" and "Dope Money". The album produced the singles "Une" and "Confam Ni", both of which were released in the months leading to the album's release.

Olamide's fifth studio album, Eyan Mayweather, was released on 23 November 2015.[28][29] Released through YBNL Nation with studio production from Pheelz, Young Jonn, B Banks and ID Cabasa, Eyan Mayweather is the follow-up to 2 Kings, a collaborative album by Olamide and Phyno. The album contains 21 tracks with no single feature.[30]

2016: The Glory

The Glory, Olamide's sixth studio album, was released on 23 December 2016. It was released through YBNL Nation with studio production from Pheelz. The album contains 16 tracks and features Phyno, Wande Coal, Burna Boy, Akuchi, and Davolee. The Glory is the follow-up to Eyan Mayweather.[31]

2020: 999 EP, joint venture deal with Empire and Carpe Diem

On 10 February 2020, Olamide released a surprise project, the EP 999[32] tooXclusive gave the project 6/10 rating,[33] while Motolani Alake of Pulse also gave a 5.5/10 review.[34]

Olamide revealed to the public on 18 February 2020 that his record label, YBNL Nation, has signed a joint venture deal with an international distribution company Empire.[35] He further stated that Fireboy DML and any new artist signed to YBNL Nation will join him to benefit from the deal.[35] Olamide's eleventh album, Carpe Diem, was released on 8 October 2020.[36] Carpe Diem contains 12 tracks and features Omah Lay, Fireboy DML, Peruzzi, Bad Boy Timz, Bella Shmurda and Phyno, with production by Young John, Pheelz, P.Priime, ID Cabasa and VStix.[37]

2021: UY Scuti

Olamide announced in March 2021 that he was done working on another album. On 18 April, he announced the album UY Scuti, which was released on 18 June.[38][39] Olamide mentioned that his son was the inspiration on why he titled the album UY Scuti.[40]

On 5 February 2022, Olamide hinted at retirement after the release of his 12th studio album.[41]

2023: Unruly

Olamide released his 10th studio album, Unruly, on 9 August 2023. The album features CKay, Asake, Bnxn, Rema and Fireboy DML.[42]

2024: Ikigai (生き甲斐)

Olamide announced on 26 June 2024 that he had completed work on a seven-track project titled Ikigai.[43] The following day, he released "Project Ikigai" (生き甲斐) featuring collaborations with past and present artists signed to the YBNL record label such as Fireboy DML, Asake, Young John, Pheelz, and Lil Kesh.[44]

2025: Olamidé

On 18 June 2025, Olamide released his self-titled album Olamidé.[45]

Personal life

Olamide is married to Adebukunmi Aisha Suleiman. They have three children together, two boys, Batifeori Maximilliano Adedeji and Tunrepin Myles Adedeji, and a daughter, Mowaririfunoluwa Celine Adedeji.[46] Media personality Maria Okanrende, who at the time worked at The Beat 99.9 FM has claimed to have a child with him.[47]

Discography

Main articles: Olamide discography

Studio albums

Collaborative albums

EPs

Awards and nominations

Year Event Prize Recipient Result Ref
2025 Billboard Music Awards Global Power Player Himself Won [48]
2024 African Entertainment Awards USA Album of the Year Ikigai Vol. 1 Won [49]
NAACP Image Awards Outstanding International Song "Amapiano"
with Asake)
Nominated [50]
2023 66th Annual Grammy Awards Best African Music Performance "Amapiano"
(with Asake)
Nominated [51]
2022 The Headies Carpe Diem Best Rap Album Won [52]
Headies Viewer's Choice "Infinity" (featuring Omah Lay) Nominated
Album of the Year Carpe Diem Nominated
Best Male Artist Himself Nominated
Best Rap Single "Loading"
(featuring Bad Boy Timz)
Nominated
2021 All Africa Music Awards Song of the Year "Infinity"
(featuring Omah Lay)
Nominated [53]
Best West African Artiste (Male) Himself Nominated
Album of the Year Carpe Diem Nominated
Net Honours Most Played Hip Hop Song "Loading"
(featuring Bad Boy Timz)
Nominated [54]
Most Searched Musician (Male) Himself Nominated
2020 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival Listeners' Choice "Oil & Gas" Nominated [55]
2018 The Headies Best Street-Hop Artiste "Wo" Nominated [56]
Best Rap Album The Glory Nominated
Artiste of the Year Himself Nominated
Song of the Year "Wo" Nominated
Headies' Viewer's Choice Nominated
2016 Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEAs) Album of the Year Eyan Mayweather Won [57]
Rap Act of the Year Himself Won
MTV EMA 2016 Best African Act Himself Nominated
MOBO Awards Best African Act Himself Nominated [58]
2015 City People Entertainment Awards Rap Artist of the Year Himself Won [59]
Artist of the Year Won
African Muzik Magazine Awards West Africa Artist of the Year Won [60]
The Headies Best Street-Hop Artiste Won [61]
Artiste of the Year Won
Best Pop Single "Bobo" Nominated
TooXclusive Awards Certified Banger of the Year "Bobo" Won [62]
Video Wonder of the Year "Melo Melo" Won
Artiste of the Year Himself Won
Male Artiste of the Year Himself Won
Best Street Hop Track "Bobo" Nominated
"Reggae Blues"
(HarrySong featuring Olamide, KCee, Iyanya & Orezi)
Nominated
"Ladi"
(Olamide & Phyno featuring Lil Kesh)
Nominated
Best Hip-Hop Track "Local Rappers"
(Reminisce featuring Olamide & Phyno)
Won
Mixtape of The Year 2 Kings
(Olamide & Phyno)
Won
Album of the Year Street OT Won
2014 The Headies 2014 Artiste of the Year Himself Nominated [63]
Best Rap Album Baddest Guy Ever Liveth Won
Album of the Year Won
Best Rap Single "Dope Money"
(featuring Phyno)
Nominated
2014 Channel O Music Video Awards Most Gifted West "Turn Up" Won [64]
2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Rap Act of the Year Himself Nominated [65]
MTV Africa Music Awards 2014 Best Hip Hop Nominated [66]
City People Entertainment Awards Musician of the Year (Male) Nominated [67]
Rap Artiste of the Year Nominated
Most Popular Song of the Year "Eleda Mi" Nominated
Rap Album of the Year Baddest Guy Ever Liveth Nominated
World Music Awards World's Best Male Artist Himself Nominated [68]
World's Best Live Act Nominated
World's Best Entertainer of the Year Nominated
2013 Nigeria Music Video Awards Video of the Year "Durosoke" Nominated [69]
Best Afro Hip Hop Video Won
The Headies 2013 Song of the Year Nominated [70]
Best Street Hip-Hop Artiste Won
Best Rap Single Nominated
"Ghost Mode"
(Phyno featuring Olamide)
Nominated
Artiste of the Year Himself Nominated
Lyricist on the Roll "Voice of the Streets" Nominated
Best Rap Album YBNL Won
Album of the Year Won
2013 Nigeria Entertainment Awards Best Album of the Year Won [71]
Best Rap Act of the Year Himself Nominated [72]
Music Video of the Year "Voice of the Street" Nominated
Best Indigenous Artiste Himself Won [71]
Best Collabo "Ghost Mode"
(Phyno featuring Olamide)
Won
2012 The Headies 2012 Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year Himself Nominated [73]
Best Rap Single "Young Erikina" Nominated
Best Rap Album Rapsodi Nominated
2011 The Headies 2011 Next Rated Himself Nominated

See also

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 Olamide's Biography. Biography Home:Olamide Personal Data. Retrieved 10 November 2023
  2. Alonge, OsagieNET EXCLUSIVE: Olamide becomes first Nigerian ambassador for CIROC. The NET. 13 July 2013. Retrieved 10 November 2023
  3. 2024 GRAMMY Nominations: See The Full Nominees List. www.grammy.com. Retrieved 11 November 2021
  4. Billboard names Olamide among 2025 global power players. The Punch. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2025
  5. Oloworekende, WaleNigerian rapper Olamide: 'People have a very limited understanding of the ghetto'. The Guardian. 16 June 2021. Retrieved 27 February 2022
  6. Detect, MindOlamide Biography, Net Worth & More'. DetectMind. 16 June 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022
  7. I was sleeping when I heard about my mother's death – DJ Enimoney. The Punch. 25 March 2018. Retrieved 20 November 2021
  8. Why I dropped out of school – Olamide. The Guardian. 26 August 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2021
  9. The NET onOlamide leaves ID Cabassa's Coded Tunes – DailyPost Nigeria. Dailypost.com.ng. 3 July 2012. Retrieved 19 March 2014
  10. Enitan KehindeWizkid And Olamide Perform Smash Hit "Omo To Shan" 10 Years After Debut. bhmng.com. 11 December 2021. Retrieved 11 March 2025
  11. Akinloye, DimejiOLAMIDE – YBNL [ Album Review]. 12 February 2013. Retrieved 10 November 2023
  12. Baddest Guy Ever Liveth by Olamide. iTunes. 7 November 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2014
  13. Olaitan Salaudeen celebrates Olamide Baddo's musical journey. The Guardian. 5 April 2024. Retrieved 13 July 2024
  14. Rapper Olamide Releases 3rd Studio Album 'Baddest Guy Ever Liveth'. Pulse Nigeria. 7 November 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2014
  15. Olamide: "Baddest Guy Ever Liveth" Album Art and Tracklist. miabaga. 1 November 2013. Retrieved 20 March 2016
  16. Five yet-to-be-released Nigeria music albums to look forward to. Premium Times. 21 October 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2014
  17. 12 BEST ALBUMS OF 2013 IN NIGERIA. Afrikkaradio. 31 December 2013. Retrieved 4 January 2014
  18. Nigerian Entertainment Awards; Full List of Winners. Daily Times of Nigeria. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 2 September 2014
  19. Who won what at City People Entertainment Awards 2014. The NET. 24 June 2014. Retrieved 29 July 2014
  20. Ochugba, MaryThe Headies unveils 2014 nominees. Business Day. 10 October 2014. Retrieved 17 October 2014
  21. Nigeria: I'm Not Signed to D'Banj's Record Label, Olamide Reveals. allAfrica.com. Vanguard. 13 May 2013. Retrieved 30 October 2014
  22. D'banj Never Talk Well Well: Olamide Denies Being Signed To DB Records. 360Nobs.com. 13 May 2013. Retrieved 10 November 2023
  23. Ofugara, OvieOlamide Reveals "Street OT" Album Art + Release Date. NotJustOk. 15 October 2014. Retrieved 10 November 2023
  24. Showemimo, DayoOlamide set to drop 4th album in November. The NET. 6 October 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2015
  25. Music Review:Olamide – Street OT. Should You Bump This. 25 November 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2015
  26. Showemimo, DayoAlbum Review: Olamide retains the seat on the throne with 'Street OT'. The NET. 5 December 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2015
  27. Rappers release tracklist, release date, artwork for '2 Kings'. Pulse. 1 April 2015. Retrieved 1 April 2015
  28. Lawal, AdemolaEyan Mayweather: 5 things you should know about Olamide. 18 November 2015. Retrieved 20 November 2015
  29. Tijani, MayowaJega is a song on Olamide's new album, 'Eyan Mayweather'. TheCable. 17 November 2015. Retrieved 20 November 2015
  30. Abimboye, MichaelOlamide To Drop Fifth Studio Album in Five Years. 17 November 2015. Retrieved 20 November 2015
  31. The Glory : Olamide drops 6th studio album. Vanguard. 20 December 2016. Retrieved 9 January 2024
  32. Olamide Releases HIs Surprise EP "999". The Guardian. 11 February 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020
  33. [Album Review Olamide's "999 EP" Is Just A Point Above Average & Can't Stand The Test of Time...]. tooXclusive. 17 March 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020
  34. Olamide's '999 EP' is ambitious yet lacks balance and great execution [Album Review]. Pulse Nigeria. 11 February 2020. Retrieved 2 August 2020
  35. 35.0 35.1 Alake, MotolaniWhat does the EMPIRE joint-venture deal mean for Olamide and YBNL? [Opinion]. Pulse Nigeria. 19 February 2020. Retrieved 6 December 2022
  36. AbusiOlamide Shares Tracklist & Release Date For Carpe Diem Album. Novice2STAR. 1 October 2020. Retrieved 8 October 2020
  37. Apple MusicCarpe Diem - Album by Olamide. AppleMusic. 10 December 2021. Retrieved 11 January 2024
  38. 'I just completed my album yesterday,' says Olamide. Pulse Nigeria. 17 March 2021. Retrieved 19 March 2021
  39. Olamide 'UY Scuti Wave' Full Album. OutNow.com.ng. 14 May 2021. Retrieved 14 May 2021
  40. 'UY Scuti': Olamide Speaks on Latest Album, Credit.... allnews.ng. Retrieved 26 November 2021
  41. Olamide hints at retiring after 12th album. The Nation. Retrieved 11 February 2022
  42. BellaNaija.comOlamide Drops New Album "Unruly" featuring CKay, Asake, BNXN, Rema & Fireboy DML | Listen. BellaNaija. 9 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023
  43. Adebiyi, AdeayoOlamide announces surprise project 'Ikigai' with guest features from Asake & Fireboy. Pulse Nigeria. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024
  44. Udugba, AnthonyOlamide's new project "IKIGAI (生き甲斐)" and what it means. BusinessDay. 26 June 2024. Retrieved 27 June 2024
  45. Olamide has released his keenly-expected, self-titled album | Pulse Nigeria. www.pulse.ng. Retrieved 2025-08-09
  46. Nigerian rapper, Olamide welcomes 2nd child with his fiancee in the US – P.M. News. P.M. News. Retrieved 20 November 2021
  47. Maria Okanrende Drags Out Olamide. This Day. 11 January 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2021
  48. Thom DuffyBillboard’s 2025 Global Power Players Revealed. Billboard. 19 May 2025. Retrieved 20 September 2025
  49. African Entertainment Awards USA: All the winners. Music in Africa. 11 November 2024. Retrieved 27 September 2025
  50. Meredith KileNAACP Image Awards 2024: See the Complete List of Nominees. Entertainment Today. 25 January 2024. Retrieved 20 September 2025
  51. Malia MendezHere’s the complete list of 2024 Grammy nominees. Los Angeles Times. 10 November 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2025
  52. Headies 2022: All the winners. Music in Africa. 5 September 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2025
  53. Afrima 2021 – The Class of 2021. Afrima. Retrieved 10 November 2023
  54. Net Honours – The Class of 2021. The NET. 9 June 2021. Retrieved 7 September 2021
  55. Damola DurosomoBurna Boy, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Teni & More Win Big at 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards. The NET. 13 January 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2025
  56. Ohunyon, EhisWizkid, Davido, Simi, and Mayorkun are among the big winners at the 12th edition of the Headies Music Awards.. Retrieved 7 May 2018
  57. NEA 2016: Adekunle Gold, Olamide, Kiss Daniel, others win big. PulseNg. 6 September 2016. Retrieved 14 November 2016
  58. 2016 MOBO awards nominations revealed. Music Week. 21 September 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2025
  59. Adunni AmodeniFull List Of Winners At City People Awards 2015. Legit.ng. 18 August 2015. Retrieved 20 September 2025
  60. Adeyiga AbisoyeHeadies Awards 2015: Full List Of Winners. Channels T. 2 January 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2025
  61. Adeyiga AbisoyeHeadies Awards 2015: Full List Of Winners. Channels T. 2 January 2016. Retrieved 20 September 2025
  62. Jim DonnetttooXclusive AWARDS 2015 – WINNERS!. tooXclusive. Retrieved 20 September 2025
  63. OzoneThe Headies Awards 2014 – Full Winners List. 36NG. 15 December 2014. Retrieved 20 September 2025
  64. Channel O Africa announces Music Video Awards nominees. Mail & Guardian. 5 September 2014. Retrieved 12 September 2014
  65. Abimboye, MichealPop duo, Skuki, reject Nigerian Entertainment Awards nomination. Premium Times. 31 May 2014. Retrieved 1 June 2014
  66. Mafikizolo, Uhuru, Davido lead nominations for MTV Africa Music Awards. Sowetan LIVE. Retrieved 17 April 2014
  67. Who won what at City People Entertainment Awards 2014. The NET. 24 June 2014. Retrieved 29 July 2014
  68. D'banj, Tuface, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Davido, Kcee Nominated at World Music Awards. Channelstv.com. 20 February 2014. Retrieved 17 April 2014
  69. Flavour is the biggest winner at Nigerian Music Video Awards 2013. The NET. 16 November 2013. Retrieved 25 February 2014
  70. Olamide Heads The Headies. This Day. 29 December 2013. Retrieved 19 March 2014
  71. 71.0 71.1 Olamide emerges the biggest winner at NEA 2013 [Full Winners List]. The NET. 3 September 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2014
  72. Nigerian Entertainment Award announces 2013 nominees. Premium Times. 31 May 2013. Retrieved 20 August 2014
  73. Elebe, DamiHeadies Awards 2012. Connectnigeria.com. 29 August 2012. Retrieved 19 March 2014