Olamide Biography: Age, Career, YBNL Record Label and Achievements

Olamide Gbenga Adedeji, known professionally as Olamide or Olamide Baddo, has established himself as one of the most influential figures in the Nigerian and African music industries. Beyond his success as a recording artist, he has transitioned into a pivotal role as a record executive, shaping the trajectory of the Afrobeats genre through the development of new talent.

Born on March 15, 1989, in Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria, Olamide’s musical identity was heavily influenced by his upbringing in Bariga. He began his academic pursuits at Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, where he studied Mass Communication. Although financial constraints prevented him from completing his studies, his passion for music led him to pursue a professional career full-time.

Career Beginnings and Musical Evolution

Olamide entered the professional music scene in 2010 with the release of his breakout single Eni Duro, which became a street anthem and established his credibility within the Nigerian music landscape. In 2011, he released his debut studio album, Rapsodi, while signed to ID Cabasa’s Coded Tunes label. This project featured Wizkid and introduced him to a mainstream audience.

Following his debut, Olamide distinguished himself by pioneering indigenous rap, blending the Yoruba language with English and street-inspired sounds. This unique approach made his music highly relatable to a broad demographic within Nigeria. He maintained a rigorous release schedule, producing multiple successful albums including Baddest Guy Ever Liveth in 2013, Street OT in 2014, and Eyan Mayweather in 2015.

His discography continued to evolve with the release of The Glory in 2016 and Lagos Nawa in 2017, which blended rap with Afropop. More recent projects such as Carpe Diem (2020), UY Scuti (2021), and Unruly (2023) marked his transition toward a more global crossover appeal.

The Establishment of YBNL Nation

In 2012, Olamide founded his own record label, YBNL Nation, also known as Yahoo Boy No Laptop. The label served as a strategic turning point, allowing him to move from being a solo performer to building a comprehensive musical ecosystem. The album YBNL was released under this imprint and featured singles such as First of All, Voice of the Street, Stupid Love, and Ilefo Illuminati.

Through YBNL Nation, Olamide has acted as a mentor and executive, identifying and nurturing a diverse roster of artists. The label has been instrumental in the creative and commercial success of several stars, including:

• Asake
• Fireboy DML
• Adekunle Gold
• Lil Kesh
• Chinko Ekun
• Temmie Ovwasa
• Picazo
• Lyta
• Limerick
• Yomi Blaze
• Viktoh

His role as an executive expanded further through a partnership with Empire, which helped introduce artists like Asake and Fireboy DML to international audiences.

Industry Recognition and Global Reach

Olamide’s contributions to music have earned him significant international and domestic recognition. In July 2013, he became the first Nigerian artist to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc. In November 2023, he received his first Grammy nomination at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards for the song Amapiano, recorded alongside his signee Asake, making him one of the first Nigerian and African rappers to be recognized in that category.

His professional achievements are further highlighted by his inclusion in Billboard magazine’s 2025 list of Global Power Players. Domestically, he has received accolades from The Headies, the Nigerian Entertainment Awards (NEAs), and the City People Entertainment Awards.

Olamide’s legacy is defined by a combination of artistic consistency and a commitment to elevating other musicians. By balancing his own career as a rapper and singer with his responsibilities as the CEO of YBNL Nation, he has remained a central figure in the evolution of African music on the global stage.