6 years, 6 solo albums. That’s the biggest credential of Olamide’s career so far. The rapper has been on a wave since 2011, and today, he is the king of these streets.
For conversations about Nigerian music to be held, Olamide’s name will have to be placed in the thick of the discussion and studied for wise nuggets.
Olamide sits at the top of the local food chain, stretching his arms via rap to the farthest ends of the country and ruling via the sounds that come from him. He has done this for the past 6 years. 6 amazing years where fans have witnessed his growth, and tracked it via all of his albums and more.
You could still taste the grit and rawness in “Rapsodi”, and compare it to the inward reflection of the rapper in “The Glory”. You could draw parallels from his subject matter, the quest to matter in a world where people fall down in their millions, never to rise again. All of these can be gleaned off his dedication to making bodies of work.
In 2016, Olamide once again controlled his narrative, working hard and releasing “The Glory” album. He also had to deal with transitioning Lil Kesh from just his successful protégé, to being a man with an independent mission. And then there was the headache of releasing Adekunle Gold’s album, and signing two artists – Temi Ovwasa and Davolee. It was quite the year for him.
Add that up with his annual concert, “Olamide Live In Concert (OLIC)”, which attracts stadium-worthy crowds to the venue, and you gain perspective on how much growth and achievement went down in 2016.
It’s a new year again. The music industry marches forward in building and refining itself, and you can’t help but wonder to what degree Olamide will be a part of it. Where he has led from the Hip hop front in earlier years, 2016 saw him crack open the pop market, and together with Phyno, evolved their art into a version of pop that is as satisfying as all the others.
2017 offers a new chance for the rapper to push forward new music, but not before he deals with the small matter of milking “The Glory” album. Olamide’s album, which was released in December 2016 contains many great songs. These songs can stand alone as singles, and maximize the commercial value of the project.
And after he wraps up that phase, it’s back to the studio again for the Baddo. Olamide has enough in the tank to walk at the front of the music in this country. His ability to adapt and evolve is not in question, and as the business go, he has his hands on it.
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