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The return of Yahoo boy no laptop, Olamide

– How he re-gained his Street Credibility

The first quarter of 2013 paraded myraid of talents and monstrous hit songs, but indigenous ‘Yoruba’ rapper, Olamide Adedeji’s performance so far is exceptional! After experiencing volcanic eruption that almost claimed his then promising career, the lyricst has returned in a surprising way and music pundits have started feeling the heat of his many soothing songs.

All the songs in his YBNL album, an acronym of Yahoo Boy No Laptop are bang, not to talk of his energetic collaborations, mostly Ghost Mode where he engaged in lyrical war with another rap monster, Phyno. Findings have shown that Badoo, as Olamide is fondly called has the highest number of hit-making collaborations, including The Game, Panumo, Iba di e featuring Phenom, Davido and D’Banj.

The Young Erikina, one of Olamide numerous mysterious names, also featured Lord of Ajasa in Kelegbe, Danny Young in Omo Lepa, 2Kriss in Tuale, Konga in Ewo won and KudaKudz in Kosere in Moscow, to mention few. His Go Down Low single, which has popular lines, First of All, Introduction… has become street slogan, and was later adopted by Etisalat, one of Nigeria’s telecommunications outfits, in their TV and radio commercials.

“I’m not surprised that Olamide is one of the hottest artistes right now”, said one of his close associates, adding, “His rise to stardom was inevitable, bound to happen. Don’t forget, he was here before but along the line, something happened and his lost focus. I think he’s back and I’m sure he has the talent, passion and the right push. A good formula for success and of course God is in his favour.”

The Bariga, Lagos born rapper first stormed the industry in 2010 with his smashing single, Eni Duro. His style of music, likened with the late DaGrin, is unique. He was rated one of the hottest artistes to watch in that year alongside Wizkid and Ice Prince.

Unfortunately for him, his success story changed! He was allegedly involved in a breach of contract with his ex-manager, Toni Payne that almost marred his career, and for almost a year, he was cut-out of the social radar before he picked up his pieces when he dropped his most anticipated album in November, 2012. Since then, the rapper has shown that he has become a force to reckon with when it comes to street songs. His many songs are among the top raining in major clubs and fun spots.

His recent demonstration of his prowess has wooed multiple-awards winning artiste, DBanj and there are speculations that the Koko-Master might sign him into his DB Records. Olamide featured in D’banj’s DKM compilation, and was pictured together with him at the OTC finale concert in Houston where they both performed! From what D’banj’s brother, K-Switch twitted recently, welcoming Olamide into DB Records, it seems the alleged romance between the duo was true. But the rapper was quick to deny signing into DB Records.

“@olamide_YBNL I own My own record label and you even know it. I ain’t signed to DB Records on even know it. Lol #KingShit”

“I think joining D’Banj would give him proper exposure outside Nigeria, which to me is the next step for him”, an industry source argued, adding, “the impression that D’Banj needs a great artiste like Olamide to maintain his relevance in the industry is a lie. He’s a great singer. D’Banj has not released an album in five years, yet he’s still waxing stronger.

“The same people that criticise him will still run after him. D’Banj doesn’t know how to sing, but he’s making big money. What people don’t know is that lyrics can be bought so far you have money. They did it to 2face, there was a time they said 2face is finished but look at him today, he’s the biggest music star. So, I think Olamide and D’Banj are perfect,” the source concluded.

With Olamide’s consolidated efforts, which has shown that he has really staged a big come-back, he’s no doubt very close to the top of the ladder. He’s currently said to be earning between N2 and N3 million per show depending on the magnitude. He earns less in some cases.

One of the major challenges that might hinder his ambition to succeed in the industry, according to observers, is getting a formidable management team that will help package his brand. Multiple sources have allegedly accused the manager, Tony Nwokolo of poor managerial skill. We learnt that he hardly picks calls nor reply text messages for enquiries, especially about the artiste.

A source said, “Olamide failed to utilise his first opportunity because there was a conflict of interest between him and his ex-Manager Toni Payne and later, 2Phat. He has got the opportunity again, what is left for him is to get to a good management or record label that will help manage him to the top so that his rising career will not go down low.

  • RASHEED ABUBAKAR

This story was first published in ENCOMIUM Weekly on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

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