Veteran producer Samklef has stirred fresh debate in the Nigerian music community after asserting that YBNL founder Olamide has contributed more to the growth of the industry than celebrated producer and Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy.
The comment followed intense criticism directed at Olamide after he openly described Wizkid as “the greatest Afrobeats artist after Fela.”
In a series of posts shared on 𝕏 on Saturday, Samklef faulted the backlash and insisted that Olamide’s legacy in the industry is being undervalued.
According to him, the rapper has consistently challenged the traditional power structures in Nigerian music and deserves respect for opening doors for new artists and redefining the industry’s landscape.
“Anybody talking down on Olamide is ungrateful,” Samklef wrote. “His influence shook the system. Even Don Jazzy had to take notes. After that Headies drama, Olamide changed a lot of things and broke the hold of industry gatekeepers. That’s why Don Jazzy now moves differently. After Wizkid, Olamide is the true king of the streets.”
Both Don Jazzy and Olamide are widely celebrated for their contributions to talent development and their pivotal roles in shaping modern Afrobeats.
Don Jazzy, through the now-defunct Mo’Hits Records — co-founded with D’banj — helped launch the careers of Wande Coal, D’Prince, and Dr Sid. After the group’s split, he established Mavin Records, which has since produced some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Tiwa Savage, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Johnny Drille, Rema, and Ayra Starr.
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Olamide, on the other hand, has built YBNL Nation into one of the country’s most respected talent incubators, nurturing acts such as Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, Asake, and several rising stars.
Samklef’s comments have reignited long-standing conversations about leadership, influence, and legacy within Nigeria’s fast-evolving music industry — a debate that is likely far from over.
