Olamide Recognized as Billboard’s 2025 Global Power Player — A Testament to Nigerian Music’s Global Rise Introduction In a landmark moment for Nigerian music and the global Afrobeats movement, rapper and record label boss Olamide has been officially recognized as one of Billboard’s 2025 Global Power Players. This prestigious accolade highlights Olamide’s remarkable influence—not just as a performer but as a visionary executive shaping the international music landscape. Who Is Olamide? Olamide Adedeji, known simply as Olamide, burst onto Nigeria’s music scene over a decade ago with his distinctive street-style rap and Yoruba lyrics. He quickly became a household name thanks to his raw lyricism, catchy hooks, and ability to blend traditional sounds with contemporary beats. But Olamide’s impact extends beyond his solo career. In 2012, he founded the independent record label YBNL Nation (Yahoo Boy No Laptop), which has been pivotal in launching some of the brightest stars in Afrobeats. Why...
YBNL Nation: The Nigerian Music Powerhouse Shaping Afrobeats Globally Introduction In the vibrant world of Nigerian music, few record labels have made as significant an impact as YBNL Nation. Founded by celebrated rapper Olamide in 2012, YBNL (an acronym for Yahoo Boy No Laptop) has evolved from a bold, edgy startup into one of Africa’s most influential music labels. This blog post explores YBNL’s history, its transformational role in the Nigerian music scene, and the incredible roster of artists fueling its global rise. The Birth of YBNL YBNL was founded in 2012 by Olamide Adedeji, a native of Bariga, Lagos, who had already begun making waves with his street-savvy rap style. The label’s name, “Yahoo Boy No Laptop,” was a deliberate, provocative statement challenging the stereotype of Nigerian youth involved in internet fraud ("Yahoo Boys"). Instead, Olamide emphasized authenticity, talent, and hustle—building success through music and creativity without shortcuts. Olamide’s ...