- Olamide, born Olamide Gbenga Adedeji on 15 March 1989 in Bariga, Lagos, records mostly in Yoruba.
- He founded YBNL Nation in 2012, which later signed Fireboy DML and Asake.
- His album Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013) won Album of the Year and Best Rap Album at the 2014 Headies.
The short answer
Olamide is a rapper, singer, songwriter and record executive who made Yoruba-language rap a mainstream force in Nigeria. From Bariga, a Lagos community known for its street energy, he built a career on honest storytelling and then built a label that helped launch a new wave of stars. That is why many people call him the godfather of the new wave.
Early life and first steps
Olamide Gbenga Adedeji was born in Bariga, Lagos, on 15 March 1989. He decided on a music career very young, and released his debut single, “Eni Duro”, in 2010 with the Coded Tunes label. His first album, Rapsodi, followed in 2011. His rapping in Yoruba, which many Nigerians speak and understand, connected strongly with ordinary listeners.
YBNL Nation
In 2012 Olamide left Coded Tunes and founded his own label, YBNL Nation, with the name standing for “Yahoo Boy No Laptop”, a slogan about earning a living honestly. The label grew quickly. Its roster has included Lil Kesh and, later, Fireboy DML and Asake. In February 2020, YBNL announced a joint venture with Empire Distribution.
Key albums
| Album | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rapsodi | 2011 | Debut album |
| YBNL | 2012 | Second album and the label’s name |
| Baddest Guy Ever Liveth | 2013 | Featured “Durosoke”; won Album of the Year and Best Rap Album at the 2014 Headies |
| Street OT | 2014 | Another Album of the Year winner at the Headies |
| Eyan Mayweather | 2015 | Hit-filled follow-up |
| 2 Kings (with Phyno) | 2015 | A collaborative project with Igbo rapper Phyno |
He has continued to release music, including the EP Ikigai in 2024 and an album in 2025.
Why Yoruba rap matters
- It showed that artists do not have to switch to English to reach a big audience.
- It gave local slang and street stories a national stage.
- It helped open the door for artists who mix Yoruba, English and Pidgin. Read about the roots in fuji and juju.
- It proved that a strong regional identity can travel.
Business firsts and influence
In July 2013, Olamide became the first Nigerian artist to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc. He is widely seen as one of the most influential figures in Nigerian music, both as an artist and as a talent-spotter. The YBNL model of finding raw talent, building an identity and releasing steady projects remains a template for independent labels. For anyone planning a label, see record label deals explained.
Olamide at The O2, London
Olamide has announced a show at The O2 in London on 25 March 2027, with ticket links through AXS, Ticketmaster and Cokobar and details at olamide.london. We cover the announcement in our Entertainment News story. Always buy tickets from the official links.
Lessons for artists
- Be proud of your language and your community.
- Release music consistently, and let your audience grow with you.
- If you build a team, treat young artists fairly and clearly. See how independent artists earn royalties in Nigeria.
- Protect your work with proper agreements. See how to protect your music copyright.
Career timeline
- 1989: born in Bariga, Lagos.
- 2011: releases his debut album Rapsodi.
- 2012: releases the album YBNL and builds the label of the same name.
- 2013 and 2014: releases Baddest Guy Ever Liveth and Street OT.
- 2022: helps launch Asake, who signs to YBNL.
- 2024: “Amapiano” with Asake is nominated at the Grammys.
- 2027: scheduled to perform at The O2, London, on 25 March.
Where to start listening
- Rapsodi: his debut, which shows his raw, street storytelling.
- Baddest Guy Ever Liveth: a confident, popular album from his peak early years.
- “Amapiano” with Asake: a recent and Grammy-nominated example of how he works with new talent.
Common questions
- What does YBNL mean? Yahoo Boy No Laptop, the name he gave his label and movement.
- Which artists came through YBNL? They include Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML and Asake.
- Does he rap in English? He raps mostly in Yoruba and Nigerian Pidgin, with some English.
Quick facts
- Born 15 March 1989 in Bariga, Lagos
- Debut single “Eni Duro” in 2010
- Founded YBNL Nation in 2012
- Baddest Guy Ever Liveth won two Headies in 2014
- Raps mainly in Yoruba, with a London O2 show planned for 25 March 2027
Key points to remember
Olamide’s story is about voice, loyalty and building a platform for others. Facts in this profile were checked against reference sources in October 2026. Chart positions, awards and release dates can change, so check official pages for the latest details. Continue with our profiles of Asake and Fireboy DML, two artists he helped launch.
