Being at the top of the game is a good feeling.
With the world at your feet, the clouds being your resting place, your throne untouchable, you begin to experience the best of the world. Your finances would soar, everything you touch becomes gold, people would worship your work and adore the very ground upon which you step on.
But deep down, there’s always a nagging voice. A small voice that penetrates through all the razzmatazz, and constantly asks you the question: ‘What next for you’?
Olamide is at that position. He is currently Nigeria’s leading rap star, with five albums in as many years, an abundance of hit songs, fan love and regards. His position is more peculiar when you consider that he is loved by all sides of the Nigerian music consumer. The streets hail him as their champion, the elite are proud to associate with his music, and even outside the country, he isn’t lacking in diasporic love.
Olamide’s story presents inspiration and life lessons. From being a studio rat who lived from hand to mouth, he kept his head low, worked with ID Cabasa, dropped his forst studio album, and never looked back. His fifth album, “Eyan Mayweather” was released in 2015, and it’s symbolic because it marks the era when the street rapper became the absolute ruler of rap music in Nigeria.
But in the midst of all, what’s next for Olamide? How can he improve on perfection and cement his name among the legends of Nigerian music? How can he create a legacy that would outlast him and become the true picture of longevity?
Olamide is the CEO of YBNL Nation, a record label and rap movement that contains a number of acts. Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Viktoh, Chinko Ekun, Xino and DJ Enimoney make up this house. Of all of these names, only Adekunle Gold and Lil Kesh are currently living life to the best of their talent. To grow, Olamide will have to consolidate the good works of these two acts, and see that they realize their inherent potential to be great artistes. He also has to find the right sound and balance for Viktoh, an insanely talented act who has found it challenging to express his true gifts. Other acts, Chinko Ekun and Xino have only provided snippets. These need to be magnified.
On a personal level, one of the perceived limitations of Olamide is the lack of international recognition. Lots of opinions have been shared on the inability of the singer to conquer the continent. There’s a certain truth to it. Olamide’s music as the leader of Hip-hop in Nigeria does not fly on the continent. With predominantly Yoruba lyrics, the rapper relies on the diasporic Nigerians and the Afrobeat sound to push his songs beyond the country, and into different cultures. Once upon a time, M.I ruled pop culture in the country, and his songs still inspire to date. Olamide needs to do more on the continent. Perhaps collaborations would help his music become sellable. A song featuring Cassper Nyovest, AKA, Diamond Platnumz, and Olamide will be one hard tune to ignore.
Olamide’s focus at the moment is on cementing his position, and ensure the longevity of his reign in Nigeria. There’s wisdom in sticking to a formula that wins. But ambition ensures duration of talent, and Olamide has plenty of that. The success of other YBNL stars and the continental growth of his brand are key areas to target.
May his reign be long, and his music be fresh.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate