Olamidé Opens Up On Grief, Growth & Redefining His Sound

When you mention the name Olamidé, it often conjures up images of street anthems, genre-bending hits, and a relentless work ethic that transformed Nigerian rap. But in a rare, emotionally charged interview with Flow with Korty, the YBNL boss peeled back the layers to reveal the man behind the music, a son mourning the loss of both parents, an artist breaking free from labels, and a creator reborn through evolution.

For over a decade, Olamidé has been a symbol of resilience and self-determination. But in his interview with Korty, the usually reserved artist shared a deeply personal truth: he is still grieving.

 “I miss being able to hear my mom’s voice and my dad’s voice,” he said, visibly holding back emotion. Reflecting on his father’s quiet sacrifices, he continued, “He was stressing to make ends meet for us… but I never for once saw his struggle. He never made it show.”

For fans who have watched Olamidé’s steady rise from the streets of Bariga to international stages, this moment offered a glimpse into the emotional fuel behind some of his most introspective work—particularly on projects like UY Scuti and his recently released Ikigai EP.

Despite his iconic status in Nigeria’s hip-hop scene, Olamidé is no longer interested in being categorized.

“You can’t box me and call me a rap artiste,” he declared, making it clear that his love for music transcends genre. “I want to do fuji or pop, or blues or R&B, I don’t care.”

And true to his word, his discography reflects that fearless experimentation. While albums like YBNL and Baddest Guy Ever Liveth were rooted in street rap, later projects like Carpe Diem and UY Scuti explored softer, melodic terrains with Afro-fusion and R&B influences. His latest project, the Ikigai EP, is perhaps his most eclectic yet, a sonic journey that embraces vulnerability, reflection, and the freedom to simply create without constraints.

Olamidé’s story is one of pure grit. Born and raised in Bariga, Lagos, he emerged in 2010 with Eni Duro—a hard-hitting street anthem that quickly established him as a voice for the underrepresented. Since then, he’s dropped over 10 studio projects, each one a step in a remarkable artistic evolution.

But his legacy isn’t just about music. As the founder of YBNL Nation, he has built a platform that has launched some of the biggest names in the Nigerian music scene, including Fireboy DML, Adekunle Gold, and Asake. Known for his fair contracts and mentorship, Olamidé has earned respect not just as a boss, but as a builder of dreams.

In a music industry often clouded by clout-chasing and online beefs, Olamidé remains refreshingly drama-free. He’s stayed out of controversies and beefs, choosing instead to focus on building a lasting legacy. His message to the new generation is clear: “Focus on making music, create legacy, leave drama alone.”

It’s advice he himself has modeled. His journey has always been about longevity over virality, soul over spectacle.