Bariga isn’t just where Olamide grew up—it’s where his story began. Born on March 15, 1989, Olamide Gbenga Adedeji was raised in a lively part of Lagos where dreams often meet obstacles.
His household was rooted in polygamy, with his mother being the second wife. Among three siblings, his older brother Eniola would later emerge as DJ Enimoney, playing a key role in his career.
Music Sparked Before Fame
Long before he found fame, Olamide already knew what he wanted to do. Writing rap lyrics in Yoruba and English, he performed in the streets for friends who believed in his raw potential.
He enrolled at Tai Solarin University of Education to study Mass Communication but couldn’t complete his education due to financial setbacks. That didn’t deter him from moving full throttle into music.
Eni Duro Breakthrough
2010 marked a significant shift. Olamide dropped “Eni Duro,” a debut single that cracked open the door into Nigeria’s buzzing rap scene.
Signed to Coded Tunes and mentored by ID Cabasa, his performance at The Hip Hop World Awards that year solidified his arrival.
Rapsodi: The Launchpad
In 2011, he released “Rapsodi,” his first studio album under Coded Tunes. Tracks like “Omo To Shan” made rounds on Lagos radio stations, introducing his Yoruba flow to a wider audience.
That same album featured appearances from heavyweights like Wizkid, D’banj, 9ice, and Reminisce, helping him build strong industry relationships early on.
Building YBNL Nation
By 2012, Olamide cut ties with Coded Tunes and created his own label: YBNL Nation. The label became home to some of Nigeria’s biggest talents.
YBNL, which stands for “Yahoo Boy No Laptop,” launched with his second album of the same name, packed with hits like “Stupid Love,” “First of All,” and “Voice of the Street.”
Baddest Guy Ever Liveth and Consistent Album Drops
Olamide wasted no time. In 2013, he released “Baddest Guy Ever Liveth,” a game-changing project that won Album of the Year at The Headies.
The following year, he dropped “Street OT,” featuring street anthems like “Story for the Gods” and “Goons Mi.” Young John, B-Banks, and Pheelz shaped the sound of the album.
Albums That Defined a Decade
His fifth album, “Eyan Mayweather,” arrived in 2015. It stood out for being a solo project with no featured artists, a bold move that still paid off.
He followed it up with a collaboration with Phyno titled “2 Kings,” blending their Eastern and Western Nigerian rap styles seamlessly.
From Glory to Carpe Diem
“The Glory,” released in 2016, pulled in features from Burna Boy, Wande Coal, and Akuchi, with Pheelz behind most of the production.
Olamide dropped “Carpe Diem” in 2020, his first major project under Empire Distribution. Featuring Omah Lay, Fireboy DML, and Peruzzi, the album displayed a refined sound.
UY Scuti: Inspired by Fatherhood
On June 18, 2021, “UY Scuti” was released. Named after one of his children’s favorite stars, the project blended Afrobeat and mellow rhythms, diverging from his earlier, aggressive rap.
By this time, Olamide had become a household name, and there were hints that this might be his final full-length album as a lead artist.
Power Behind YBNL
YBNL wasn’t just a vanity label—it became an influential platform. Artists like Fireboy DML, Asake, Adekunle Gold, and Lil Kesh all had their rise under Olamide’s guidance.
Although several former signees have moved on, the label continues to thrive with a solid partnership deal signed in 2020 with Empire.
Collaborations with Icons
Throughout his career, Olamide has collaborated with the biggest names in African music. From Wizkid to Davido, Phyno to Tiwa Savage, his influence has reached across genres.
His fusion of street language, Yoruba proverbs, and Pidgin English turned his verses into relatable anthems.
Olamide Beyond Music
Olamide has also served as a brand ambassador for major brands like Guinness, Glo, and Sterling Bank. He became the first Nigerian rapper to land a deal with Ciroc.
His endorsement with Goldberg Lager Beer in 2019 added to his brand portfolio, while his 2017 partnership with Sterling Bank marked a rare cross into the financial sector.
Family Life and Privacy
Despite his fame, Olamide keeps his personal life low-key. He’s married to Adebukunmi Aisha Suleiman and they have two sons and a daughter.
They live on Lagos Island, and he often credits his wife for being a strong support system since the early days of his career.
Olamide Net Worth
Over the years, Olamide has built a fortune from music, endorsements, and investments in YBNL. His net worth is estimated to be between $15 million and $20 million.
He reportedly earns millions per show, placing him among the richest rappers in Nigeria.
How Much Does Olamide Charge Per Show?
Olamide’s booking fees vary, but recent reports place his show charges at an average of N4 million.
He performs at events weekly and earns a good sum as one of Nigeria’s most booked artists, similar to how much Wizkid charges per show.
Awards and Recognition
He has received over 50 nominations and bagged more than 20 awards. Some of his top wins include The Headies, Nigerian Entertainment Awards, and TooXclusive Awards.
With accolades like Best Rap Album, Best Collaboration, and Artist of the Year, his shelf of trophies continues to grow.
His Garage Says It All
From a Lamborghini Aventador worth over N200 million to a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Olamide enjoys the perks of his hard work.
Other rides in his collection include a Range Rover Sport V8, Toyota Camry, and a Rolls Royce Phantom.
Still Controversial, Still Respected
People either love him or don’t get him, but no one can ignore Olamide’s presence. Some critics have labeled his lyrics aggressive or arrogant.
But fans argue it’s just the energy and confidence that come with street-born artistry. Either way, he’s created a unique lane in Nigerian hip-hop.
Looking Ahead
Though Olamide has hinted that his next album might be his last, he continues to work with rising stars. His focus appears to be more on mentoring and building the next generation.
Whether he’s in the booth or behind the scenes, his influence in Nigerian music is undeniable and still unfolding.
Studio Albums
Year | Album/Project | Key Details | Featured Artists/Producers |
---|---|---|---|
2011 | Rapsodi | Debut album; lead single “Omo To Shan” received wide radio play. | Wizkid, ID Cabasa, 9ice, 2phat, Reminisce, D’banj |
2012 | YBNL | Second studio album, released after leaving Coded Tunes and starting YBNL Nation. | Davido, Tiwa Savage, Reminisce, Samklef, Kayswitch, Dammy Krane, Pheelz, ID Cabasa |
2013 | Baddest Guy Ever Liveth | Third album; produced by Pheelz with guest features and multiple award wins. | Ice Prince, Phyno, Pepenazi, Ketchup, Endia, Viktoh, Bez, Buckwyla, Pele Pele |
2014 | Street OT | Fourth album themed around street culture; followed Baddest Guy Ever Liveth. | Lil Kesh, Don Jazzy, Pasuma, Chinko Ekun, Phyno, Reminisce |
2015 | 2 Kings | Collaborative album with Phyno, released via Cloud 9/iTunes. | Wizkid, Storm Rex, Lil Kesh, Pheelz, Major Bangz, B.Banks, Young John |
2015 | Eyan Mayweather | Fifth solo album; 21 tracks, no features. | Producers: Pheelz, Young Jonn, B Banks, ID Cabasa |
2016 | The Glory | Sixth studio album, 16 tracks; continued street-oriented themes. | Phyno, Wande Coal, Burna Boy, Akuchi, Davolee |
2020 | 999 EP | Surprise EP released in February; received mixed reviews. | Producers: Not fully listed; 6/10 rating (TooXclusive), 5.5/10 (Pulse) |
2020 | Carpe Diem | Eleventh studio album; released after joint venture deal with Empire. | Fireboy DML, Omah Lay, Peruzzi, Bella Shmurda, Bad Boy Timz, Phyno; Producers: Pheelz, VStix, ID Cabasa, Young John, P.Priime |
2021 | UY Scuti | Announced in April, released in June; inspired by his son. | Not specified in detail; solo-focused |
2023 | Unruly | Tenth studio album; features several pan-African artists. | CKay, Rema, Fireboy DML, Bnxn, Asake |
2024 | Ikigai (生き甲斐) | 7-track project featuring past and present YBNL collaborators. | Fireboy DML, Asake, Young John, Pheelz, Lil Kesh |
2025 | Olamidé | Latest studio album released in June 2025. | Not specified |
From the streets of Bariga to global stages, he turned every struggle into a verse and every win into an opportunity.
Article updated 3 hours ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.