Olamide, that’s his name – the newly crowned King of Street music.
The crown was given by popular online music streaming service – Spotify.
The platform acknowledged Olamide Adedeji, the Nigerian rapper and singer commonly known as “Olamide,” as the ‘most influential street pop artist of his generation.’
According to Benewaah Boateng, Spotify’s Editor for West Africa, Olamide has been a key figure in bringing Street Pop into the mainstream as a distinct music genre.
Boateng pointed out Olamide’s consistent impact since his debut hit, “Eni Duro,” highlighting his role in popularizing dance moves like “Shakiti Bobo” and introducing street slang such as “Baddo Sneh” and “Pepper Dem.”
Olamide, through his record label YBNL, has also played a significant part in discovering and nurturing talents within the street pop scene.
Street Pop, a blend of Afrobeats, Highlife, Hip-hop, Fuji, Apala, indigenous sounds, and contemporary elements, has gained recognition for its catchy rhythm and lyrics reflecting the daily experiences of Nigerians facing street challenges.
Olamide’s ninth position in the top 10 artists in Nigeria underlines his influence in the music industry.
Other noteworthy artists in the genre include Seyi Vibez and Zinoleesky, making substantial contributions.
The genre’s potential growth suggests that street pop could become the next global phenomenon, following in the footsteps of Afrobeats.
Culled in by F.Felix
