5 Surprising Facts You Didn’t Know About Olamide, the Nigerian Music Mogul

Olamide, the YBNL Boss, remains an influential figure in the Nigerian music industry, with his career continually making waves. Recognized as one of the top rappers in the country, Olamide’s impact on indigenous rap and the music scene as a whole is undeniable. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a powerhouse in the industry has inspired many, and there are plenty of interesting facts that music lovers may not know about the superstar. Here are five top facts that every Olamide fan should know:

1. Olamide Attended TASUED
Before becoming the renowned artist we know today, Olamide was a student at Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, where he studied Mass Communication. His academic journey laid the foundation for his storytelling and communication skills in music.

2. Olamide’s First Record Deal Was with Coded Tunes
In 2011, Olamide signed his first record deal with ID Cabasa’s Coded Tunes label. It was here that he released his debut album, Rapsodi. The album featured major collaborations with artists like Wizkid, Reminisce, 9ice, and D’Banj. The hit song Omo To Shan, featuring Wizkid, became a fan favorite and helped propel Olamide into the limelight.

3. Olamide Owns YBNL, His Own Record Label
Olamide didn’t stop at just making music—he also created his own record label, YBNL (Yahoo Boy No Laptop), which has become a dominant force in the Nigerian music industry. The label’s success was solidified with the release of his second studio album, YBNL, in 2012. Since then, YBNL has been home to top artists like Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, Asake, Viktor, and more.

4. He Co-Wrote a Song with Tiwa Savage
Olamide isn’t just a rapper; he’s also an accomplished songwriter. One of his notable collaborations was co-writing the hit song 49-99 with Tiwa Savage. Tiwa Savage shared in a 2019 interview that Olamide played a key role in creating the track before Pheelz produced it. The collaboration highlighted Olamide’s versatility in the music industry beyond just his rapping skills.

5. Olamide Was the First Nigerian Act to Sign with Ciroc
In 2013, Olamide made history by becoming the first Nigerian artist to sign as an ambassador for the luxury alcoholic beverage, Ciroc. He joined global superstars like Rick Ross and DJ Khaled in representing the brand, solidifying his position as one of the most influential figures in Nigerian entertainment.

Olamide’s journey from a Mass Communication student to a music mogul has been nothing short of extraordinary. These five facts only scratch the surface of his impact on Nigerian music and culture.