Olamide Biography, Net Worth, And Career: From Bariga Boy To Global Star

If you’re a fan of Nigerian music, then you already know the name Olamide Gbenga Adedeji, popularly called Olamide Baddo. This Bariga-born superstar has carried Nigerian street culture on his back and turned it into a global sound. From “Eni Duro” in 2010 to his latest projects with Wizkid, Asake, and Fireboy DML, Olamide has remained consistent, original, and deeply connected to his fans.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into Olamide’s biography, his career highlights, net worth, and influence. We’ll also explore how he became the king of the streets, a label executive, and one of Africa’s most respected rappers.

So, grab a chilled Zobo, sit back, and let’s gist about Olamide the man, the legend, the street king.

Early Life and Background

Olamide was born on 15 March 1989 in Bariga, Lagos State, to Pa Adedeji and Mrs. Ronke Osisanya. He grew up in the heart of Lagos mainland, where the hustle is real, and the street energy is raw.

Unlike many artists with privileged beginnings, Olamide’s story is one of resilience and survival. He attended primary and secondary school in Lagos before gaining admission to Tai Solarin University of Education to study Mass Communication. Unfortunately, financial challenges forced him to drop out. But as Olamide himself would later prove, destiny had bigger plans for him in music.

Olamide’s Music Career

The Breakthrough (2010 – 2012)

Olamide entered the Nigerian music scene in 2010 with the hit track “Eni Duro”, produced under ID Cabasa’s Coded Tunes. The song immediately caught fire, thanks to its mix of Yoruba, English, and pidgin rap. Nigerians felt seen finally, a rapper was speaking their street language!

In 2011, Olamide released his debut album, Rapsodi, featuring collaborations with Wizkid, Reminisce, D’Banj, and more. But he wanted more control over his career. By 2012, he founded YBNL Nation (Yahoo Boy No Laptop), which became both his second album title and his independent record label.

Consistency is King (2013 – 2020)

One thing Nigerians love about Olamide is that he doesn’t take breaks. Between 2012 and 2020, he dropped albums almost every year. Some classics include:

1. Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013) – Home to the massive hit “Story for the Gods.”

2. Street OT (2014) – An album dedicated to the street hustlers, with bangers like “Goons Mi.”

3. Eyan Mayweather (2015) – Pure rap vibes with no guest features.

4. The Glory (2016) – More hits that solidified his dominance.

5. Carpe Diem (2020) – A streaming giant that surpassed 500 million plays worldwide.

During this period, Olamide blessed us with street anthems like “Bobo,” “Wo!!,” “Lagos Boys,” and “Shakiti Bobo.”

New Era and Global Recognition (2021 – Present)

In 2021, he released UY Scuti, a sonically mature album that showed his versatility. But he wasn’t done.

•Unruly (2023): Featured stars like Asake, Fireboy DML, and BNXN.

•Ikigai (2024): A short EP that surprisingly broke into the US Billboard World Albums Chart.

•Olamidé (2025): His 11th studio album, featuring heavyweights like Wizkid, Dr. Dre, and Popcaan. Lead singles like “Kai!” (with Wizkid) and “99” (with Asake, Young Jonn, and Seyi Vibez) dominated charts across Africa.

In 2023, he made history as the first Nigerian/African rapper to earn a Grammy nomination for his collaboration with Asake on “Amapiano.” In 2025, Billboard named him a Global Power Player proof that his influence is beyond Nigeria.

Net Worth – Olamide’s Hustle Money

As of 2025, Olamide’s net worth is estimated at $12 million (about ₦6 billion). Some sources put it higher (around $15–20 million), but what’s clear is that Olamide is among the top 10 richest musicians in Nigeria.

How Olamide Makes His Money

•Music sales & streaming: His albums and singles rack up millions of plays.

•Live performances & tours: He is a crowd-puller at concerts across Africa and beyond.

•Endorsements: Olamide has bagged juicy deals with Cîroc, Guinness, Globacom, iTel, and Goldberg Lager.

•Record Label (YBNL Nation): Home to Fireboy DML, Asake, Adekunle Gold, and Lil Kesh. Their success also contributes to Olamide’s financial empire.

•Investments: Like many wise musicians, he has invested in real estate and businesses.

Awards and Achievements

Olamide’s trophy shelf is stacked! He has won:

•Multiple Headies Awards (Nigeria’s top music awards).

•Nigeria Entertainment Awards (NEA).

•City People Entertainment Awards.

•MTV Africa Music Awards (MAMA).

•Billboard and Grammy recognition (2023–2025).

Olamide’s Impact on Nigerian Music

•Language & Identity: Olamide made Yoruba rap mainstream. Before him, indigenous rappers struggled for airplay.

•Street Pop Pioneer: His slang, energy, and vibe shaped what we now call street-pop or Afro-street.

•Talent Builder: Through YBNL, he has given platforms to Fireboy, Asake, Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, and more.

•Cultural Connector: From Bariga to the world, Olamide shows that you don’t have to change your identity to succeed.

What is Olamide’s real name?

His real name is Olamide Gbenga Adedeji.

How old is Olamide?

Born in 1989, he is 36 years old in 2025.

What is Olamide’s net worth?

Estimated at $12 million (₦6 billion).

Is Olamide married?

Yes, Olamide is married to Adebukunmi Aisha Suleiman, and they have children together.

Who are some artists signed under YBNL?

Fireboy DML, Asake, Lil Kesh (formerly), Adekunle Gold (formerly).

Has Olamide won a Grammy?

As of 2025, he has been nominated but not yet won.

Conclusion

Olamide’s story is one of hustle, talent, and vision. From the crowded streets of Bariga to Billboard charts and Grammy stages, he has carried the Nigerian street voice globally. He isn’t just a rapper; he’s a cultural icon, talent mentor, and business mogul.

For Nigerian audiences, Olamide is more than music, he’s proof that with consistency, authenticity, and grind, you can rise from the trenches to touch the sky. Whether through his own hits or the superstars he has nurtured, Olamide’s influence will be felt for decades to come.