Olamide Gbenga Adedeji, known professionally as Olamide, is one of Nigeria’s most influential music artists. Emerging from the streets of Bariga, Lagos, he quickly ascended from underground sensation to mainstream trailblazer. Blending Yoruba, English, and Pidgin with raw street narratives and vibrant rhythms, Olamide redefined Nigerian music by giving street-hop a powerful and permanent voice.
With a prolific catalog, label leadership under YBNL Nation, and a reputation for discovering new talent, Olamide is more than an artist—he is a cultural force. The following 20 songs highlight the pivotal moments, sonic innovations, and lyrical milestones that continue to define his career and impact.
1. Eni Duro
Released in 2010, Eni Duro marked Olamide’s explosive debut. With machine-gun flows and unfiltered confidence, the track established him as a serious lyrical contender. Its success signaled the arrival of a new voice from the streets, unapologetic and magnetic.
2. Omo To Shan (featuring Wizkid)
This collaboration with Wizkid expanded Olamide’s appeal. While rooted in street-hop, Omo To Shan introduced a smoother, melodic delivery that would become a core element of his evolving sound.
3. Voice of the Street
On Voice of the Street, from the YBNL album, Olamide lays out his mission as the spokesperson for everyday Nigerians. The lyrics reflect hustle, pain, and ambition, capturing the heart of his core audience with raw honesty.
4. First of All
First of All is a playful, club-ready anthem that became an internet sensation. Its minimalist beat, catchy hook, and humorous delivery demonstrate Olamide’s gift for creating viral hits while staying rooted in street culture.
5. Stupid Love
Blending street slang with a love theme, Stupid Love showcases Olamide’s ability to inject romantic narratives with energy and grit. The track’s bounce and accessible lyrics made it a commercial favorite.
6. Durosoke
Durosoke elevated Olamide’s artistry by embracing deeper Yoruba expression and more experimental production. With its unconventional flow and mystical vibe, the track demonstrated his creative courage.
7. Turn Up
Turn Up is a celebration of nightlife and high energy. Olamide commands the beat with swagger, crafting a party anthem that reflects Lagos’ vibrant music scene.
8. Anifowose
Sampling the iconic Wasiu Ayinde track, Anifowose is a deeply personal reflection on Olamide’s struggles and journey. The song blends Fuji elements with introspective rap, offering one of the most heartfelt performances of his career.
9. Sitting on the Throne
This track presents Olamide as an undisputed king of the rap game. His verses are laced with assertiveness and metaphorical dominance, reinforcing his place at the top.
10. Story for the Gods
With Story for the Gods, Olamide shifted toward sensual themes over an Afrobeat-influenced beat. The song’s controversial yet catchy chorus made it one of the most discussed tracks of 2014.
11. Bobo
Bobo marked a sonic transition, blending street sensibilities with refined Afropop. Its danceable groove and lyrical balance appealed to a wide demographic, solidifying Olamide’s commercial success.
12. Lagos Boys
A tribute to Lagos’ vibrant lifestyle, Lagos Boys is rich in slang and boasts a braggadocio tone. The beat is grounded in local rhythms, and the visuals emphasize Yoruba street fashion, further asserting cultural pride.
13. Melo Melo
On Melo Melo, Olamide strips back the bravado and delivers a poignant ballad about love and gratitude. Sung entirely in Yoruba, the track is a testament to his versatility and emotional depth.
14. Who You Epp? (featuring Wande Coal & Phyno)
This viral anthem tapped into Nigeria’s hustle mentality. With countless remixes and freestyles, Who You Epp? became a cultural catchphrase, reinforcing Olamide’s influence on street vocabulary and youth identity.
15. Abule Sowo
Released on his birthday, Abule Sowo blends celebration and storytelling. It features witty lines and clever delivery, reaffirming Olamide’s mastery of street-smart lyricism.
16. Motigbana
With Motigbana, Olamide experimented with electronic and trap elements while maintaining his street edge. The song’s fusion of genres showcased his ability to evolve without losing his core identity.
17. Science Student
This controversial track sparked national conversation. While its bounce and chorus made it a dance-floor hit, the lyrics drew attention to drug culture, prompting public debate and criticism. Olamide later clarified it was a social commentary rather than glorification.
18. Poverty Die
Poverty Die is both a spiritual and motivational anthem. Fusing prayerful lyrics with energetic percussion, the track calls for prosperity and ambition, resonating widely during the festive season.
19. Infinity (featuring Omah Lay)
From the Carpe Diem album, Infinity blends sensual lyrics with Omah Lay’s signature melodies. It quickly became a fan favorite, reflecting Olamide’s successful collaboration with the new generation of Afrobeats stars.
20. Rock
A standout track from UY Scuti, Rock introduced a softer, romantic side of Olamide. With minimalist production and melodic vocals, the song highlights his transition into a more mature, Afro-fusion sound.
Olamide’s musical journey reflects relentless creativity, cultural pride, and street-level authenticity. These 20 tracks chronicle his transformation from underground rapper to genre-defining icon. His influence extends beyond music, shaping slang, fashion, and the evolution of Nigerian pop culture across generations.