popularly known as Olamide has no doubt taken over the
mantle of leadership as far as rap music is concerned in
Nigeria.
Born on March 15, 1989, Olamide never hesitates to promote
his roots, Bariga, Lagos, in his music. In 2010 he hit the
limelight when he dropped the lead single from his debut
album, Eni Duro, which transformed him into an emerging
voice on the Nigerian music scene.
Overnight, the final year student of Mass Communication
from Tai Solarin University became the beautiful bride as he
was courted by established acts for collabos before breaking
away from his mentor, ID Cabasa, and starting his own label,
YBNL Nation.
One thing that sets this rapper apart is his ability to code
switch while on the mic as he flips between Yoruba and
English effortlessly. Olamide has performed live on big stages
all over Nigeria and he is most definitely a street favorite with
the release of his debut album,Rhapsodi and now, talk about a
third studio album, Baddest Guy Ever Liveth is rife following
the success of his sophomore effort, YBNL.
Excerpts:
Could you tell us about yourself?
My name is Olamide Adedeji. I'm a native of Abeokuta,
Ogun State. I was born and bred in Bariga, Lagos. I'm a
student of Tai Solarin University where I'm studying Mass
Communication. I'm from a family of seven.
How did you start out as rapper?
I discovered music was in me while growing up. In 2003 I
started writing my own lines and performing at shows and the
rest today is history.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was not that rosy neither was it that bad. Growing
up in the ghetto was quite challenging because you're looked
down on by kids from upscale neighbourhoods. In the ghetto I
was given ghetto orientation which is never to look down on
myself no matter what.
Tell us about your love life?
I have nothing to say about that.
Late Dagrin seemed to have influenced you a great deal. What
does he mean to you?
He's more like the late Martin Luther King. I call him Barrack
'O Grin. He is such a blessing to Nigeria. He really paved the
way big time for up-and coming rappers like myself back in
the day. It's not like there has not been other people before
him but his impact was awesome! Dagrin is a great artiste and
I respect him; he is a legend.
Lately you have become so big. How are you filling the
vacuum Dagrin left behind?
I don't know. It is depend on people's perspective. I just live
my life the way I feel and besides, I'm not the only rapper in
the industry. There are others like Lord of Ajasa. However
I'm only doing my thing. Now people are comparing me to
Dagrin and that feels great. I see it as a blessing from God. I
can't say I'm the best rapper; that would be ridiculous. It's
like saying Jay Z is the best rapper. However, it's not like Jay
Z is better than B.I.G but people see the love they have for
B.I.G in Jay Z. B.I.G died when he started making money and
people were heartbroken. And Jay Z can never open his
mouth and say 'I'm better than B.I.G.' The same thing applies
to me too. I can't say I'm better than Dagrin.
How do you get inspiration for your music?
I discovered a long time ago that rap music is all around me
so I draw a lot of inspiration from my environment. I just feel
comfortable being a rapper as opposed to singing. Seeing rap
icons like Dagrin and the love he had for the art just
overwhelms me.
How do you handle your female fans?
(laughter) We dey try. Behind every successful man there is a
woman. For me it's not just about a woman but women so I
take advantage of it positively. I don't sleep with my female
fans; I treat them like my sisters.
What's been your happiest moment?
God has done many things for me. I can't tell which moment
is the happiest but one I can remember was the release of my
first album, Rhapsodi. I was so happy when it was released.
That album registered my name in the annals of the history of
rap music in Nigeria.
What was it like meeting I.D Cabasa?
I met I.D Cabasa when I went to record with a friend in a
studio. We met each other and struck the right chords and the
connection took off from there. That's how I ended up having
his support. And ever since, he's been giving me that special
big brotherly love.
What's your advice for up-and-coming artistes?
My advice is that they should put God first and do less of
unnecessary hard work.
If not rap what would you be doing?
For now, I don't see myself leaving the rap world. I would
rather be running a rap music label.
What is the meaning of Ilefo Illuminati?
It is slang in my neighbourhood in Bariga, Lagos. Ilefo simply
means swag.
There is talk that you belong to illuminati. How true is this?
I have been correcting that impression in all my interviews
and I'm not going to get tired of it. I only feel I need to keep
representing my own people and communicating with them in
a way that they will understand me. So, I want to tell my
people that I don't belong to illuminati or any secret society.
What has been your challenges?
Wow! It used to be an issue of finance. Right now the major
one we are facing is the issue of piracy. And it's crazy men! I
feel it should stop but I also know it can never be stopped!
What are your dreams?
I want to be a global brand that is why I'm looking up to God.
It is not by my power but by the grace of God. I feel honoured
and great that I'm one of the top profile rappers in town.
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