Olamide Reveals Why He Signed Many Artists To His Label
Nigerian rapper and record executive Olamide has opened up about his motivation for signing many artists to his label, YBNL Nation. In a video interview with Apple Music, the hip-hop star said he was overwhelmed by the money he was making from his music career and wanted to share it with other talented musicians.
“The money was becoming too much for me,” Olamide said. “I was like, ‘What am I going to do with all this money?’ I thought about buying cars and houses, but that’s not me. You know, I’m not materialistic. I love music more than anything else. So I decided to use the money to invest in other artists, to give them a platform to showcase their skills and make their dreams come true.”
Olamide, who started his career in 2010 with the hit single “Eni Duro”, has been one of the most influential artists in Africa. He is known for his fast-paced rap and ability to blend English and Yoruba languages in his music. He has released 10 studio albums and won several awards, including the Headies, MTV Africa Music Awards, and Nigerian Entertainment Awards.
Also, he founded YBNL Nation in 2012 after leaving his former label, Coded Tunes. Since then, he has signed and mentored many artists, such as Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, Chinko Ekun, and Temmie Ovwasa. Some of them have left the label after fulfilling their contracts, while others are still under his management.
Olamide said he does not regret signing so many artists, even though some people criticized him for doing so. He said he believes in giving opportunities to young and talented musicians who need guidance and support.
“I don’t care what people say about me. I know what I’m doing. And, I know the kind of talent I see in these artists. They are amazing. They have the potential to be great. And, they just need someone to believe in them and push them forward. That’s what I’m doing. I’m not just a boss to them. I’m a brother, a friend, a mentor,” he said.
He also said he is proud of the achievements of his signees, both past and present. He said he is happy to see them grow and succeed in their careers.
“I’m proud of all of them. They are doing well. They are making good music. And, they are making money. They are making an impact. They are representing the culture. At the same time, they are inspiring others. What more can I ask for? I’m fulfilled,” he said.
Olamide is currently promoting his latest album, UY Scuti, which was released on June 18. The album features 10 tracks and collaborations with Fave, Jaywillz, Phyno, and Layydoe. He said the album is a reflection of his growth and versatility as an artist.
“This album is different from my previous albums. It’s more mature, more diverse, more experimental. It’s not just rap or Afrobeats. And, it’s a fusion of different genres and sounds. It’s a vibe,” he said.
He also said he is looking forward to expanding his fan base and reaching out to more audiences across the world with his music.
“I want to take my music to the next level. I want to connect with more people from different countries and cultures. And, I want to show them what Nigerian music is all about. I want to make them feel what I feel when I make music,” he said.
You can watch the full video interview of Olamide on Apple Music.
