Olamide

Real Name: Olamide Gbenga Adedeji
Alias Name: Baddo, Baddo Sneh, Young Erikina
Date of Birth: March 15, 1989
Hometown: Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria
Label: YBNL Nation / EMPIRE
Genre: Hip Hop, Afrobeats, Street Pop, Afro-fusion

Olamide Bio

Olamide Gbenga Adedeji (born March 15, 1989), professionally known as Olamide (popularly “Baddo”), is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive who has remained one of the defining voices of Nigerian street pop and indigenous rap for over a decade. Widely recognised for pushing Yoruba-forward lyricism into mainstream Afrobeats and hip-hop, he is also the founder of YBNL Nation, a label credited with developing multiple major Nigerian stars.

Early Life & Education

Born and raised in Bariga, Lagos State, Olamide grew up around Lagos’ street culture, which became central to his sound and storytelling. He studied Mass Communication at Tai Solarin University of Education before focusing fully on music.

Career Beginnings

After early underground work, he broke through in 2010 with “Eni Duro,” then released his debut album Rapsodi (2011). His consistency and street-rooted anthems quickly established him as a leading force in Nigerian rap and pop.

Rise to Stardom & YBNL Era

Olamide’s run of yearly projects—YBNL (2012), Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013), Street OT (2014), Eyan Mayweather (2015), The Glory (2016), and Lagos Nawa (2017)—cemented him as a hitmaker with deep cultural impact. Alongside his solo success, he built YBNL Nation into a powerhouse imprint in Nigerian music.

Recent Run (2020–2025)

In the 2020s, Olamide expanded into more melodic Afrobeats and Afro-fusion across Carpe Diem (2020), UY Scuti (2021), Unruly (2023), and the surprise EP Ikigai / 生き甲斐 (2024). He followed with his self-titled album Olamidé (2025), continuing his evolution while keeping his street-pop roots intact.

Notable Recognition

Grammy recognition: “Amapiano” (Asake feat. Olamide) nominated in the Best African Music Performance category at the 2024 Grammys.
NAACP Image Awards: “Amapiano” (Asake feat. Olamide) nominated for Outstanding International Song.
African Entertainment Awards USA: Ikigai Vol. 1 won Album of the Year (2024)

Legacy & Influence

Olamide is widely credited with helping define Nigeria’s modern street-pop and indigenous rap sound, bridging grassroots culture with mainstream success, and shaping the next generation through both collaborations and label leadership.