Olamide: Staying True to His Roots Over Chasing Foreign Validation

When conversations about Nigerian hip-hop legends surface, one name that consistently commands respect is Olamide Baddo.

From his breakout in the early 2010s to becoming one of Nigeria’s most influential cultural figures, Olamide Gbenga Adedeji has built his legacy on authenticity, consistency, and a fearless embrace of his Yoruba roots.

As the founder of YBNL Nation, Olamide is not only behind a catalogue of timeless street anthems but has also discovered and nurtured some of the country’s biggest modern stars — including Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, and Asake.

Authenticity Over Validation

What truly sets Olamide apart isn’t just his ability to create hits or dominate charts; it’s his refusal to conform. In an era when many Nigerian artists switched to English or westernized their sound for international appeal, Olamide doubled down on the streets that shaped him.

His command of Yoruba — rich, expressive, and unapologetically local — remains one of his strongest artistic trademarks.

“I Have to Stay True to Myself”

Speaking on the importance of cultural identity, the rapper reflected on what drives his creative direction:

“Growing up and seeing the likes of Awilo Longomba and Brenda Fassi… These people never tried to infuse English by force or anything. They were just doing their thing. The key thing is to identify your audience. Once you do that, the rest of the world will catch up eventually. So I have to stay true to myself no matter what.”

The 36-year-old added proudly:

“I’m a Naija boy. If I want to wear my Agbada or Dashiki, I will do it. Let them know my heritage, my lineage, my culture, my food. I’m comfortable in my skin — Yoruba boy with the H-factor and all that — and I’m proud of it.”

That statement perfectly sums up Olamide’s philosophy — a blend of street confidence, cultural pride, and self-belief that has guided his rise from Bariga to global acclaim, without diluting his essence.

Global Impact Born from Local Confidence

Olamide’s approach challenges the notion that global success must come from Western validation. His defiance of that idea has redefined Nigerian rap and inspired a new generation of artists to stay rooted while still dreaming global.

Today, his influence can be seen in artists like Asake, who seamlessly fuses Yoruba lyrics with amapiano beats, and Fireboy DML, whose sound blends Afrobeats and soul with effortless authenticity.

As the industry continues to evolve, Olamide’s story serves as proof that the most powerful path to going global — is sometimes by staying local.