Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide has no doubt
taken over the mantle of leadership as far as rap
music is concerned in Nigeria.
Born on March 15, 1989, Olamide never hesitates to
promote his roots, Bariga, Lagos, in his music. In
2010 he hit the limelight when he dropped the lead
single from his debut album, Eni Duro, which
transformed him into an emerging voice on the
Nigerian music scene.
Overnight, the final year student of Mass
Communication from Tai Solarin University became
the beautiful bride as he was courted by
established acts for collabos before breaking away
from his mentor, ID Cabasa, and starting his own
label, YBNL Nation.
One thing that sets this rapper apart is his ability to
code switch while on the mic as he flips between
Yoruba and English effortlessly. Olamide has
performed live on big stages all over Nigeria and he
is most definitely a street favorite with the release
of his debut album,Rhapsodi and now, talk about a
third studio album, Baddest Guy Ever Liveth is rife
following the success of his sophomore effort,
YBNL.
Excerpts:
Could you tell us about yourself?
My name is Olamide Adedeji. I'm a native of
Abeokuta, Ogun State. I was born and bred in
Bariga, Lagos. I'm a student of Tai Solarin
University where I'm studying Mass
Communication. I'm from a family of seven.
How did you start out as rapper?
I discovered music was in me while growing up. In
2003 I started writing my own lines and performing
at shows and the rest today is history.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was not that rosy neither was it that
bad. Growing up in the ghetto was quite challenging
because you're looked down on by kids from
upscale neighbourhoods. In the ghetto I was given
ghetto orientation which is never to look down on
myself no matter what.
Tell us about your love life?
I have nothing to say about that.
Late Dagrin seemed to have influenced you a
great deal. What does he mean to you?
He's more like the late Martin Luther King. I call him
Barrack 'O Grin. He is such a blessing to Nigeria. He
really paved the way big time for up-and coming
rappers like myself back in the day. It's not like
there has not been other people before him but his
impact was awesome! Dagrin is a great artiste and
I respect him; he is a legend.
Lately you have become so big. How are you
filling the vacuum Dagrin left behind?
I don't know. It is depend on people's perspective. I
just live my life the way I feel and besides, I'm not
the only rapper in the industry. There are others like
Lord of Ajasa. However I'm only doing my thing.
Now people are comparing me to Dagrin and that
feels great. I see it as a blessing from God. I can't
say I'm the best rapper; that would be ridiculous.
It's like saying Jay Z is the best rapper. However,
it's not like Jay Z is better than B.I.G but people see
the love they have for B.I.G in Jay Z. B.I.G died
when he started making money and people were
heartbroken. And Jay Z can never open his mouth
and say 'I'm better than B.I.G.' The same thing
applies to me too. I can't say I'm better than
Dagrin.
How do you get inspiration for your music?
I discovered a long time ago that rap music is all
around me so I draw a lot of inspiration from my
environment. I just feel comfortable being a rapper
as opposed to singing. Seeing rap icons like Dagrin
and the love he had for the art just overwhelms me.
How do you handle your female fans?
(laughter) We dey try. Behind every successful man
there is a woman. For me it's not just about a
woman but women so I take advantage of it
positively. I don't sleep with my female fans; I treat
them like my sisters.
What's been your happiest moment?
God has done many things for me. I can't tell which
moment is the happiest but one I can remember
was the release of my first album, Rhapsodi. I was
so happy when it was released. That album
registered my name in the annals of the history of
rap music in Nigeria.
What was it like meeting I.D Cabasa?
I met I.D Cabasa when I went to record with a friend
in a studio. We met each other and struck the right
chords and the connection took off from there.
That's how I ended up having his support. And ever
since, he's been giving me that special big
brotherly love.
What's your advice for up-and-coming
artistes?
My advice is that they should put God first and do
less of unnecessary hard work.
If not rap what would you be doing?
For now, I don't see myself leaving the rap world. I
would rather be running a rap music label.
What is the meaning of Ilefo Illuminati?
It is slang in my neighbourhood in Bariga, Lagos.
Ilefo simply means swag.
There is talk that you belong to illuminati.
How true is this?
I have been correcting that impression in all my
interviews and I'm not going to get tired of it. I only
feel I need to keep representing my own people and
communicating with them in a way that they will
understand me. So, I want to tell my people that I
don't belong to illuminati or any secret society.
What has been your challenges?
Wow! It used to be an issue of finance. Right now
the major one we are facing is the issue of piracy.
And it's crazy men! I feel it should stop but I also
know it can never be stopped!
What are your dreams?
I want to be a global brand that is why I'm looking
up to God. It is not by my power but by the grace of
God. I feel honoured and great that I'm one of the
top profile rappers in town.
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone from Etisalat. Enjoy high speed mobile broadband on any of our Easyblaze plans. Visit www.etisalat.com.ng for details.
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