Nigerian rap icon Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide Baddo, has paid tribute to the late indigenous rapper DaGrin, acknowledging his profound influence on his career and the Nigerian rap scene as a whole.
In a viral video shared online, Olamide described DaGrin’s 2009 album, C.E.O (Chief Executive Omoita), as a “timeless masterpiece” that continues to inspire generations of artists across Nigeria.
According to the YBNL Nation boss, the album remains one of the few rap projects that nearly everyone in South-West Nigeria can recite word for word — a testament to DaGrin’s cultural impact and lyrical genius.
“DaGrin’s ‘C.E.O’ album is a timeless project. That’s the only rap album almost everybody in the South-West can sing word for word,” Olamide said. “He influenced a lot of rappers. Whenever we need motivation, we go back to his music.”
Olamide further revealed that revisiting DaGrin’s songs helps him overcome creative blocks, describing the late rapper’s work as an “eternal source of motivation.”
DaGrin — born Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun — tragically passed away in April 2010 following a fatal car accident in Lagos.
Despite his short career, his artistry left a lasting mark on the Nigerian music industry. His groundbreaking C.E.O album fused Yoruba, Pidgin, and English, pioneering a wave of indigenous rap that continues to shape the genre today.
Olamide on International Validation
In a separate interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra, Olamide stated that he is not seeking international validation. He explained that his focus remains on understanding his audience and creating authentic music, believing that global recognition will naturally follow.
“Knowing my audience was key,” he said. “I’m not desperate for international validation — the world will always catch up.”
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Olamide, who has consistently championed indigenous rap and nurtured emerging talents through YBNL, continues to uphold the legacy of DaGrin while carving his own path as one of Africa’s most influential artists.
