Twenty-two-year-old fuji/pop rapper, Olamide Adedeji, 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.
CONTACT Mr David Mark call +2348053103764 or WhatsApp him through this number +2348053103764 or email: illuminatisociety79@gmail.com, Hello everyone My name is Andrea Scott am from California i am here to give a testimony on how I join the illuminati brotherhood, I was trying to join this organization for so many years now,I was scammed by fake agent in south Africa and Nigeria,I was down,I could not feed my self and my family anymore and I tried to make money by all miss but all invail, I was afraid to contact any illuminati agent because they have eat my money,One day I come across a post of someone giving a testimony, thanking a man called David Mark of being helping him to join the illuminati brotherhood, then I look at the man email and the phone number that was written there, it was a nigeria number I was afraid to contact him because a nigerian agent eat my $6000 and go away with the money then I was very tired, confused and I decided to contact the person that was given the testimony and i called him and I communicated with him on phone calls before he started telling me his own story about when he wanted to join, he told me everything to do, then I made up my mind and called the agent called David Mark and he told me everything to do, and I was initiated, surprisely I was given my benefit of being a new member of the great illuminati brotherhood I was so happy, For those of you trying to join this organization this is your opportunity for you to join CONTACT MR David Mark call +2348053103764 or WhatsApp him +2348053103764 or email: illuminatisociety79@gmail.com.
ReplyDeleteCONTACT Mr DAVID MARK IS A NICE MAN... call(+2348053103764) or add him on WhatsApp(+2348053103764) I was thinking that illuminati is not real, But today with Mr David Mark I now believe that illuminati is real, when you come across wrong person’s you will think that life is not real but when you are with the real one you will experience the goodness of your life, To Mr David Mark has made me discovered my purpose of life. Welcome to the great brotherhood of Illuminati 666: . WhatsApp mr David Mark , from , Nigeria, and every other Country’s on how to join the Illuminati brotherhood to get rich and famous, You may be a politician, business man/woman ,musical artist, student, footballer or whatever occupation you do, you want to be rich, powerful and famous in life. Illuminati can grant all your heart desires join the Illuminati to become rich and famous in life, Illuminati will make you achieve all your dream to become rich and protected all the days of your life…… BENEFIT GIVEN TO A NEW MEMBER WHO JOIN THE ILLUMINATI a cash reward of usd $2.5million USD a new sleek dream car valued at USD $70,000.00USD a dream house build in any country of your own choice one month holiday (fully paid) to your dream tourist destination.One year golf membership package a V I P treatment in all airports in the world a total lifestyle change access to bohemian grove monthly payment of $10,000USD into your bank account every month as a member, one month booked appointment with top 5 world leaders and top 5 celebrities in the world» JOIN ILLUMINATI YOUR FINANCIALDIFFICULTIES ARE BROUGHT TO AN END. WE SUPPORT YOU BOTH FINANCIALLYAND SPIRITUALLY TO ENSURE YOU LIVE A COMFORTABLE LIFE . IF YOU ARE INTERESTED CONTACT Mr David Mark on WhatsApp (+2348053103764) Or call him (+2348053103764) email him on : illuminatisociety79@gmail.com For immediately response… My Regard to mr David Mark.......
ReplyDeleteI want to use this opportunity to thank Mr Charles ANTHONY who finally helped me to become a full member of the Great Illuminati Brotherhood and now i am living my life in happiness. and I was once indigent and live my life in extreme poverty and the standard of living became so poor and low that I even taught of killing myself, and he told me to get ready for my initiation day and that all new members has a certain reward of $ 100000 USD on your initiation day. so i was initiated to the Illuminati world and few days i was awarded a contract worth of Thousands of Dollars, in my business i am doing very well right now, I did exactly what i was ask to do and today the story has change, I am a living testimony, my dream and all the wealth, fame, success and riches, i have ever desired is been made a reality. All the same thanks to Mr Charles Anthony who made my dreams a reality by helping me become a member of the great Illuminati. Hurry up now you can whats-app him on +2348119132137 or email. johndavid2135@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteCONTACT Mr Justin Scott call (+2347031524375 or WhatsApp him through this number +2347031524375 or email: illuminatiworldofsociety1@gmail.com Hello everyone My name is Andrew Ronald Am from Liberia I am here to give a testimony on how I joined the illuminati brotherhood, I was trying to join this organization for so many years now,I was scammed by fake agent in south Africa and Nigeria,I was down,I could not feed my self and my family anymore and I tried to make money by all miss but all invail, I was afraid
ReplyDeleteto contact any illuminati agent because they have eat my money,One day I across a post of someone giving a testimony, thanking a man called Justin Scott of being helping him to join the illuminati brotherhood, then I look
at the man email and the phone number that was written there, it was a nigeria number I was afraid to contact him because a nigerian agent eat my $5000 and go away with the money then I was very tired, confused and I decided to contact the person that was given the testimony and i called him and I communicated with him on phone calls before he started telling me his own story about when he wanted to join, he told me everything to do, then I made up my mind and called the agent called Justin Scott and he told me everything to do, and I was initiated, surprisely I was given my benefit of being a new member of the great illuminati brotherhood I was so happy,For those of you trying to join this organization this is your opportunity for you to join CONTACT MR Justin Scott call ( +2347031524375 or WhatsApp him +2347031524375 or email: illuminatiworldofsociety1@gmail.com