Olamide "I’m Not Better Than Dagrin "

Twenty-four-year-old fuji/pop rapper, Olamide
Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide has no doubt
taken over the mantle of leadership as far as rap
music is concerned in Nigeria.
Born on March 15, 1989, Olamide never hesitates to
promote his roots, Bariga, Lagos, in his music. In 2010
he hit the limelight when he dropped the lead single
from his debut album, Eni Duro, which transformed
him into an emerging voice on the Nigerian music
scene.
Overnight, the final year student of Mass
Communication from Tai Solarin University became
the beautiful bride as he was courted by established acts
for collabos before breaking away from his mentor, ID
Cabasa, and starting his own label, YBNL Nation.
One thing that sets this rapper apart is his ability to
code switch while on the mic as he flips between
Yoruba and English effortlessly. Olamide has
performed live on big stages all over Nigeria and he is
most definitely a street favorite with the release of his
debut album, Rhapsodi and now, talk about a third
studio album, Baddest Guy Ever Liveth is rife
following the success of his sophomore effort, YBNL.
In this exclusive interview with TAIWO
OLUWADARE, Olamide bares his mind on issues
including the late Dagrin.
Excerpts:
Could you tell us about yourself?
My name is Olamide Adedeji. I'm a native of
Abeokuta, Ogun State. I was born and bred in Bariga,
Lagos. I'm a student of Tai Solarin University where
I'm studying Mass Communication. I'm from a family
of seven.
How did you start out as rapper?
I discovered music was in me while growing up. In
2003 I started writing my own lines and performing at
shows and the rest today is history.
What was growing up like?
Growing up was not that rosy neither was it that bad.
Growing up in the ghetto was quite challenging because
you're looked down on by kids from upscale
neighbourhoods. In the ghetto I was given ghetto
orientation which is never to look down on myself no
matter what.
Tell us about your love life?
I have nothing to say about that.
Late Dagrin seemed to have influenced you a great
deal. What does he mean to you?
He's more like the late Martin Luther King. I call him
Barrack 'O Grin. He is such a blessing to Nigeria. He
really paved the way big time for up-and coming
rappers like myself back in the day. It's not like there
has not been other people before him but his impact
was awesome! Dagrin is a great artiste and I respect
him; he is a legend.
Lately you have become so big. How are you filling the
vacuum Dagrin left behind?
I don't know. It is depend on people's perspective. I
just live my life the way I feel and besides, I'm not the
only rapper in the industry. There are others like Lord
of Ajasa. However I'm only doing my thing. Now
people are comparing me to Dagrin and that feels great.
I see it as a blessing from God. I can't say I'm the best
rapper; that would be ridiculous. It's like saying Jay Z
is the best rapper. However, it's not like Jay Z is better
than B.I.G but people see the love they have for B.I.G
in Jay Z. B.I.G died when he started making money and
people were heartbroken. And Jay Z can never open his
mouth and say 'I'm better than B.I.G.' The same thing
applies to me too. I can't say I'm better than Dagrin.
How do you get inspiration for your music?
I discovered a long time ago that rap music is all
around me so I draw a lot of inspiration from my
environment. I just feel comfortable being a rapper as
opposed to singing. Seeing rap icons like Dagrin and
the love he had for the art just overwhelms me.
How do you handle your female fans?
(laughter)We dey try. Behind every successful man
there is a woman. For me it's not just about a woman
but women so I take advantage of it positively. I don't
sleep with my female fans; I treat them like my sisters.
What's been your happiest moment?
God has done many things for me. I can't tell which
moment is the happiest but one I can remember was the
release of my first album, Rhapsodi. I was so happy
when it was released. That album registered my name
in the annals of the history of rap music in Nigeria.
What was it like meeting I.D Cabasa?
I met I.D Cabasa when I went to record with a friend in
a studio. We met each other and struck the right chords
and the connection took off from there. That's how I
ended up having his support. And ever since, he's been
giving me that special big brotherly love.
What's your advice for up-and-coming artistes?
My advice is that they should put God first and do less
of unnecessary hard work.
If not rap what would you be doing?
For now, I don't see myself leaving the rap world. I
would rather be running a rap music label.
What is the meaning of Ilefo Illuminati
It is slang in my neighbourhood in Bariga, Lagos. Ilefo
simply means swag.
There is talk that you belong to illuminati. How true is
this?
I have been correcting that impression in all my
interviews and I'm not going to get tired of it. I only
feel I need to keep representing my own people and
communicating with them in a way that they will
understand me. So, I want to tell my people that I don't
belong to illuminati or any secret society.
What has been your challenges?
Wow! It used to be an issue of finance. Right now the
major one we are facing is the issue of piracy. And it's
crazy men! I feel it should stop but I also know it can
never be stopped!
What are your dreams?
I want to be a global brand that is why I'm looking up
to God. It is not by my power but by the grace of God.
I feel honoured and great that I'm one of the top profile
rappers in town.