Tag: Olamide

Music executive and rapper Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide Baddo, has announced a shift in focus towards personal growth and self-care.

In a recent interview on Flow 98.7FM, Olamide revealed that he is currently prioritising his own well-being, marking a departure from his long-standing habit of prioritising the needs of others.

He said, “Right now, I’m at the phase in my life where I’m really trying to give myself undivided attention.

Read Also: I have helped more in the industry than Olamide, Don Jazzy, others – Portable claims

“All my life, I’ve been trying to be there for people and also trying to do my stuff. But right now, I’m really just trying to focus on myself 100 percent.”

As the founder of YBNL, Adedeji has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous artists, including Lil Kesh, Young John, and Asake.

His collaborations with notable artists such as Zlatan Ibile and Naira Marley have also contributed to his influential status in the music industry.

Rapper Olamide has addressed the misconception surrounding his personality, clarifying that he’s often misunderstood as being shy when, in fact, he’s just laid back.

In a recent interview on Ada’s Room podcast, Baddo shed light on the difference between the two, explaining that shyness implies a lack of confidence and charisma, whereas his laid-back nature is a deliberate choice to prioritise his energy.

“One thing I wish people could understood about me is I am not shy, I am just laid back,” he said.

The host asked: “What is the difference between shy and laid back?”

Olamide responded: “Shy is when you don’t have the confidence and the charisma to stand people or look them in the eye or have conversations with them.

“But being laid back is you just don’t want to be bothered. People think I am shy but I am not.”

Rapper Olamide has expressed comfort with being an indigenous artist, stating that he is not desperate to go international.

In an interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra, he emphasised the importance of staying true to oneself and identifying one’s audience.

Olamide proudly affirmed his Nigerian heritage, saying, “I’m a Naija guy, Yoruba boy… and I’m proud about it.”

Read Also: Olamide is my inspiration, says Bolu The Rapper

According to him, staying authentic is key to success, and that his music will eventually reach a broader audience if he remains true to himself.

“You have to identify your audience. Once you identify your audience, the rest of the world will catch up eventually. So, I have to stay true to myself and no matter where it is, what it is, I mean, in this world, I have to stay true to myself.

“I’m comfortable in my skin. I’m a Naija guy, Yoruba boy, I have H-Factor and all that, and I’m proud about it. You just have to stay true to yourself,” he said.

Rapper and singer Olamide has said that he recognised Asake’s exceptional talent and unique sound from their very first meeting.

Speaking in a recent interview, Olamide admitted that while he knew Asake was gifted, he did not anticipate the massive success his music would later achieve.

“I did not know he was going to go that wild, but I knew Asake was one of one. From the sound and everything. I have never heard anything close to that before. His authenticity and his craftsmanship,” Olamide said.

He further praised Asake’s natural drive and strong work ethic, noting that the singer never needs to be pushed to put in effort.

“Asake is not the dude you try and convince to put in effort because he is already putting effort.

“That is why I respect him so much. And I thought it would be a nice thing for us to partner”, he said.

Olamide attributed his decision to sign Asake to his label, YBNL, to these qualities.

According to Olamide, his approach to mentoring artists involves giving them the freedom to create beautiful music without unnecessary pressure.

Read Also: ‘Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy troublesome’ – Olamide

“Honestly, I do not put such pressure on my guys. I try as much as possible not to put pressure on them. I just tell them to make beautiful music. If it is awesome, it is going to fly. It might not fly. It might fly in 10 years, 20 years. And we are still seeing that in real life now”, he said.

He opined that good music will eventually stand the test of time, even if it doesn’t gain immediate popularity.

Olamide cited examples of his own songs that didn’t gain traction initially but are now appreciated.

“My songs from 10 years ago probably did not pop then. But we knew it was good music”, he said.

Asake’s journey with YBNL began in February 2022, and he recently parted ways with the label to establish his own label, Giran Republic.

Afrobeats icon Olamide, popularly known as Baddo, has opened up about his relationship with fellow superstars Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.

In a recent interview with Adesope Live, he described the trio as his friends but jokingly tagged them as “too troublesome.”

While acknowledging their camaraderie, Olamide noted that they don’t always agree on everything — something he considers a natural part of friendships.

“Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy are all my friends, but they are just too troublesome. They are cool dudes; it’s just that sometimes many people can’t align on so many things, and that’s fine,” he said.

On the hotly debated Afrobeats “Big 3” ranking, which often features Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, the YBNL boss made it clear he is unbothered by his exclusion.

Olamide, known for hits like ‘Story for the Gods’, stressed that his priority remains making music that connects with his fans rather than chasing accolades or rankings.

Rapper and music executive Olamide has said that managing a record label comes easier to him than being an artist.

Speaking in an interview with YouTuber Korty EO, the YBNL Nation founder explained that his experience as an artist helps him relate better with the musicians under his label, making it easier to guide and manage them effectively.

“It’s way much easier for me being a music executive than an artist because I’m an artist, so I understand the needs of creatives,” Olamide said.

Read Also: Bariga LCDA renames ‘Charly Boy’ bus stop after Olamide

“I know the way we think, I know the way we see things. I know when we are in our element, when we want to run mad, when we’re getting high on our own supply, or high on fame, life, money, and success. So it’s easier for me to deal with creatives. I try not to bite more than I can chew.”

Responding to the ongoing debate about rappers transitioning into singing, Olamide said: “You can’t box me and call me a rapper — I love music.”

Under his label, YBNL Nation, Olamide has discovered and nurtured several successful artists, including Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, and Asake, reinforcing his reputation as one of Nigeria’s most influential music executives.