### Olamide’s Music Career
Olamide began his professional music career in 2010 with the release of “Eni Duro.” The song attracted attention in Nigeria and established him as a promising rapper with a distinctive Yoruba-language style. His performance at the Hip Hop World Awards that year further increased his visibility in the music industry.
In 2011, Olamide released his debut studio album, Rapsodi, while signed to Coded Tunes, the record label associated with producer ID Cabasa. The album featured collaborations with artists including Wizkid and 9ice, helping him establish a foundation for his growing career.
In 2012, Olamide founded YBNL Nation, an independent record label that became central to his artistic and business development. That same year, he released his second album, YBNL, featuring songs such as “First of All,” “Voice of the Street” and “Stupid Love.” The project strengthened his reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading rappers.
His third album, Baddest Guy Ever Liveth, arrived in 2013 and included the popular track “Durosoke.” He followed it with Street OT in 2014, further cementing his position in Nigerian hip-hop.
In 2015, Olamide collaborated with fellow Nigerian rapper Phyno on the joint album 2 Kings. He also released his solo album Eyan Mayweather that year. In 2016, he released The Glory, followed by Lagos Nawa! in 2017.
As Afrobeats and street-pop continued to evolve, Olamide adapted his sound to embrace newer production styles and collaborations. His 2020 album Carpe Diem featured artists including Omah Lay, Fireboy DML and Bella Shmurda. The project included “Infinity” featuring Omah Lay and “Triumphant” featuring Bella Shmurda.
In 2021, he released UY Scuti, followed by Unruly in 2023. In 2024, he released the EP Ikigai / 生き甲斐, Vol. 1, featuring collaborations with artists associated with the evolving Nigerian music scene.
In June 2025, Olamide released his self-titled album, Olamidé, featuring collaborations with artists including Wizkid, Asake, Popcaan and Dr. Dre. The project reflected his continued willingness to explore different sounds while maintaining his influence in Nigerian music.
### Olamide’s Albums
Olamide has built an extensive discography over more than a decade. His albums reflect his development from a Yoruba rapper into a versatile artist and influential music executive.
* Rapsodi (2011): His debut album, featuring collaborations with established Nigerian musicians.
* YBNL (2012): The album that introduced his independent label’s name to a wider audience, featuring “First of All” and “Voice of the Street.”
* Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013): A successful project featuring the hit song “Durosoke.”
* Street OT (2014): An album that continued his exploration of street-inspired hip-hop and Nigerian pop.
* Eyan Mayweather (2015): A solo project demonstrating his confidence and lyrical versatility.
* The Glory (2016): An album reflecting his growing success and experience in the music industry.
* Lagos Nawa! (2017): A project rooted in Lagos culture and street-pop sounds.
* Carpe Diem (2020): An album featuring “Infinity,” “Triumphant” and “Eru.”
* UY Scuti (2021): A project exploring contemporary Afrobeats and melodic influences.
* Unruly (2023): An album featuring songs such as “New Religion” with Asake.
* Olamidé (2025): His eleventh studio album, featuring international and Nigerian collaborators.
He also released the joint album 2 Kings with Phyno in 2015 and the EP Ikigai / 生き甲斐, Vol. 1 in 2024.
### Olamide’s Popular Songs
Olamide has released numerous hit songs throughout his career. His catalogue includes street anthems, dance tracks, reflective records and collaborations with some of Nigeria’s biggest artists.
Some of his popular songs include:
* Eni Duro
* Omo To Shan featuring Wizkid
* First of All
* Voice of the Street
* Durosoke
* Yemi My Lover
* Eleda Mi
* Story for the Gods
* Wo!!
* Science Student
* Motigbana
* Pawon
* Oil and Gas
* Green Light
* Infinity featuring Omah Lay
* Triumphant featuring Bella Shmurda
* Rock
* Hate Me featuring Wande Coal
* Omo Ope featuring Asake
* Amapiano featuring Asake
* Trumpet with CKay
* New Religion featuring Asake
* Hello Habibi
* 99 featuring Daecolm
These songs demonstrate his ability to move between rap, street-pop, melodic Afrobeats and collaborative records while maintaining a recognisable musical identity.
### Olamide and YBNL Nation
One of Olamide’s most significant contributions to the Nigerian music industry is the establishment of YBNL Nation in 2012. The label gave him a platform to release his own music while supporting other artists and helping develop new talent.
YBNL became associated with the rise of several successful musicians, including Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML and Asake. These artists developed individual careers while benefiting, at different stages, from Olamide’s support and the opportunities provided by the label.
His collaboration with Asake, in particular, became an important part of the label’s more recent influence on Nigerian music. Their songs helped connect Olamide’s established audience with a newer generation of Afrobeats listeners.
Through YBNL, Olamide has demonstrated that his impact extends beyond recording music. His work as an executive and talent supporter has helped shape the careers of emerging artists and contributed to the continued development of Nigeria’s music industry.
### Olamide’s Awards and Achievements
Olamide has received recognition for his contributions to Nigerian music throughout his career. His achievements include:
* The Headies: Received multiple awards and nominations over the years, including recognition for his albums and singles.
* Nigeria Entertainment Awards: Earned recognition for his music and contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
* YBNL Nation: Established a record label that has supported several successful Nigerian artists.
* International collaborations: Worked with artists across Afrobeats, hip-hop and other musical genres.
* Grammy recognition: Received a Grammy nomination in the Best African Music Performance category as a featured artist on Asake’s “Amapiano” at the 2024 Grammy Awards.
* Music industry leadership: Recognised for his influence as a rapper, songwriter and record executive.
Olamide’s influence is measured not only by awards and hit songs but also by his contribution to the growth of Yoruba rap, street-pop and the careers of other Nigerian musicians.
### Olamide’s Family and Personal Life
Olamide is married to Adebukunmi Aisha Suleiman. The couple have children together and generally keep much of their family life away from public attention.
Although Olamide is a prominent entertainer, he tends to let his music and professional achievements speak for themselves. His background in Bariga remains an important part of his public identity, and he frequently draws inspiration from Nigerian street culture and everyday experiences.
His relationship with his family and his responsibilities as a record executive have also formed part of his development beyond music. Over the years, he has balanced his career as a performer with his role in nurturing younger talent through YBNL Nation.
### Olamide’s Latest Music and Career
Olamide continues to record music, collaborate with other artists and expand his catalogue. Following the release of Olamidé in 2025, he has remained active with further singles and collaborations in 2026.
His more recent releases include “Formation,” “Zion,” “Come Kulosa,” “Rock Me Gentle” and “Goosebumps.” These releases demonstrate his continued engagement with contemporary Nigerian music and his willingness to explore different sounds.
His longevity in the industry reflects an ability to adapt to changing musical trends while retaining the Yoruba lyricism, street-inspired storytelling and distinctive personality that helped establish his career.
### Conclusion
Olamide’s biography tells the story of a Nigerian artist who transformed his passion for music into a successful career as a rapper, singer, songwriter and record executive. From his breakthrough with “Eni Duro” to albums such as Baddest Guy Ever Liveth, Carpe Diem, Unruly and Olamidé, he has continued to evolve while remaining connected to his roots.
His establishment of YBNL Nation has further strengthened his legacy by helping introduce and develop artists who have gone on to achieve significant success. Through his music, business ventures and support for emerging talent, Olamide remains an influential figure in Nigerian hip-hop and the wider Afrobeats movement.
### Frequently Asked Questions About Olamide
1\. What is Olamide’s real name?
Olamide’s real name is Olamide Gbenga Adedeji.
2\. How old is Olamide?
He was born on 15 March 1989 and is 37 years old as of October 2026.
3\. Where is Olamide from?
Olamide is from Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria.
4\. What did Olamide study?
He studied Mass Communication at Tai Solarin University of Education in Ogun State but left during his third year because of financial difficulties.
5\. What was Olamide’s first hit song?
“Eni Duro,” released in 2010, was his breakthrough song.
6\. What is Olamide’s record label?
He founded YBNL Nation in 2012 and has also released music through Empire.
7\. Who are some artists associated with YBNL Nation?
Artists associated with YBNL at different stages include Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML and Asake.
8\. What is Olamide’s latest album?
His latest studio album is Olamidé, released in June 2025.
9\. What type of music does Olamide make?
His music includes Yoruba rap, Nigerian hip-hop, Afrobeats, street-pop and Afro-fusion.
