CELEB OF THE WEEK: BADOO CROONER – OLAMIDE

This week on CELEBRITY OF THE WEEK , we would be featuring one of the fastest rising rap artist , someone who really believes in himself, the ENI DURO crooner , versatile rap style, free spirited delivery and creative lyrical ability.

23 year old Olamide Adedeji was born On the 15th of March 1989 . A native of Ogun State . He is from a family of 7 where he is the 2nd to last child. He was named Olamide which literately means “Wealth has come”. No doubt that name was given to the 22 year old more in hope than certainty, well ladies and gentlemen the prophecy has come to pass. He grew up in the heart of Bariga , Mainland , Lagos. Currently studying Mass Communication.

Olamide fell in love with Rap music as early his primary school days. Soon, he discovered he also had the talent to Rap and began to nurture that talent in the year 2000. He decided to pursue a career in music  he replied

“I found out I was gifted in it so I had to explore it, it’s my life, my hustle, my world”. In 2010 fresh faced Olamide performed on arguably the biggest stage in the Nigerian Music scene; “The Hip Hop World Awards”.

Since then he has featured on songs like “Im grateful” by Maiojoe, “Take me there” by Jahbless and he has dropped some nostalgic lines on the collaborative track between him, Zara, and Adol called “Naija Hail”

Olamide is an artist who is loved by many Nigerians for his originality and being proud of his culture and tribe. Also called Young Erikina, the artiste has demonstrated much versatility in his songs, Eni Duro and Bend down Low, to the extent that he has broken into the league of the big players. Since then he has been feeding us with hits after hits and in the process, upgraded his brand from budding underground Hip-Hop act to a swanky Rapper who is now a household name.

Baddo Lee came straight out of his Lee Temple and has colossally grown into one of Nigeria’s biggest Rap artistes. Olamide has been feeding To us, he is one of the few Nigerian artistes that followed the road less travelled. Determined to live his dream driven by rapping in his mother’s tongue. He is arguably, the only artiste that has become so successful after ticked off as a replica. So the question now is, What is working for Olamide?

ENI DURO; the breakout single from his Debut Album has become an anthem for the streets, clubs, lecture halls and conference room.

Olamide is signed onto ID CABASA’s CODED TUNEZ Record label and managed by Industry heavy weight Toni Payne. The un-assuming Olamide has performed at almost every major event in Lagos this year and continues to headline shows left right and center.

What makes  Olamide  a favorite amongst his rising number of fans is that he raps in a unique blend of Yoruba and English with lyrics that will leave the listener both speechless and intrigued. Olamide’s dexterity is one of the many things that endear him to his fans.

One minute he is delivering his rap in fluent English and the next he switches effortlessly into Yoruba. Ambitious Olamide will tell you he is still on his way there and if given a chance would fancy collaborations with International Superstars; Jay-Z, Ludacris, Drake, and Lil’ Wayne.

Where Olamide is silent his songs speak for him, Eni Duro, Apa ti jabo and Omo toh shan (featuring Wizkid) are currently on heavy rotation in several Radio stations and Music TV channels within and outside Nigeria. His Debut Album sees a bevy of Nigerian hip hop artistes making guest appearances, some of which are; ID CABASA, LORD OF AJASA, 9ICE, REMINICE, WIZKID, TERRY THA RAPMAN and management mate ADOL.

 

Focused entirely on his chosen career path when asked for his other interests asides music Olamide replied

“Music is all I know and all I do”.

The Rapper comes complete with a mission statement

“I am here to preach realness generally and make the youths believe in whatever they do and what little they have because with God everything is possible”.

In an industry filled with Artistes spitting in American accents whether real or imagined it is a relief to have at least one artiste we can call 100% Naija. Olamide is the new face of Nigerian Hip Hop; Young, Talented, Dedicated, True to his Calling and he is set for bigger and better things.

Being a versatile artist, he not only raps, but also writes for different genres of music such as Hip Hop, R&B, Reggae and Pop. Although his mentor is Jay-Z, he also appreciates music from the likes of Ludacris, Birdman, and Lil Wayne.

Olamide has performed live on big stages all over Nigeria and he is most definitely a street favorite. It is safe to say, the streets love him and he loves them back. His music is gaining serious mass appeal and his rap style is being enjoyed by many.

“Olamide is here, just like the first day of the year.” This is how this young talent introduces himself in his hit track “Eni duro” and without a doubt, just like the first day of the year he is going to be seen for a very long time.

On the 13th of july ,  Olamide signed  an endorsement deal reportedly worth millions of naira with alcoholic drink, Ciroc Ultra Premium vodka.With this endorsement deal, the Yoruba rhyme-master, joins international stars like French Montana, Rick Ross, DJ Khaled, Ray Jay, and Funkmaster Flex as an ambassador for the alcoholic beverage.

 

Related Articles

• VIDEO: Olamide On The Juice (gkollinsblog.wordpress.com)
• “The Baddest Guy Ever Liveth”! Check out ‘Baddo Lee’ Olamide on the Cover of Mystreetz Magazine’s New Issue (ameboshrine.wordpress.com)
• Fally Ipupa, Olamide, 2face to join D’banj for DKM 5-star concert (leactualiteblog.wordpress.com)
• MUSIC: TispyAraga – Gbo Yoruba Ft Olamide (slonpeeper.wordpress.com)