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.
In this exclusive interview with TAIWO OLUWADARE,
Olamide bares his mind on issues including the late
Dagrin.
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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