Olamide isn’t just a rap icon; he’s a career launcher, a cultural plug, and the connect for some of the biggest names in Nigerian music today. As fans get hyped for his upcoming album “Olamide”, which is set to feature Wizkid and even Dr Dre, it’s only right that we reflect on the many artistes he has introduced, supported, or co-signed into stardom.
These are 15 artistes who got their breakthrough thanks to Baddo.
1. Fireboy DML
became a household name after signing to YBNL in 2018. His debut single “Jealous” exploded, and it was clear from the jump that Fireboy was a unique sound in the Afrobeats space. With Olamide guiding him, he dropped critically acclaimed albums and grew from a promising act to an international star.
2. Asake:
went from hustling in obscurity to dominating charts, and it all started when Olamide featured on his breakout single “Omo Ope”.
That single opened the doors to a YBNL contract, and within a year, Asake became the face of street-pop’s new wave.
3. Adekunle Gold
caught everyone’s attention with his cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life”, which he flipped into a highlife hit called “Sade”. Olamide saw the vision, signed him in 2015, and gave him the freedom to develop his unique blend of traditional sound and modern pop.
4. Lil Kesh
was another street-hop sensation who benefited from Olamide’s platform. After the success of “Shoki”, which got a huge remix boost from Baddo, Kesh became a YBNL favourite and a club hitmaker throughout Nigeria.
5. Portable
was already going viral with his raw street energy, but it wasn’t until Olamide jumped on the remix of “Zazoo Zeh” that things went nuclear. The song became a December anthem, and Portable’s career instantly moved from local to nationwide.
6. Bella Shmurda
had already recorded “Vision 2020”, but when Olamide blessed the remix and even funded the video, Bella became the voice of the streets. That moment was the beginning of a fast rise for the LASU-born star.
7. Zlatan Ibile
got his first taste of national attention when he collaborated with Olamide on “My Body”. That track helped fuel the Zanku movement that soon swept across clubs and street parties in Nigeria.
8. Pheelz:
started out behind the scenes as YBNL’s in-house producer, but Olamide helped push him into the limelight. Fast forward to today, Pheelz is not just making beats; he’s dropping chart-topping hits like “Finesse” and performing across the globe.
9. T.I Blaze
gained viral success with “Sometimes”, but Olamide’s feature on the remix turned it into a full-blown hit. The YBNL boss used his influence to push the track across streaming platforms and street playlists.
10. Davolee
was introduced to the public through gritty street freestyles like “Festival Bar”. Olamide didn’t just sign him — he featured him on tracks like “Pepper Dem Gang”, giving Davolee credibility and recognition among hip-hop heads.
11. Picazo Rhap
blew up after Olamide reposted one of his rap freestyles online. He was quickly signed to YBNL, and, even though the partnership didn’t last long, that initial spark gave Picazo the attention needed to build a loyal fan base.
12. Lyta
made his debut with the emotional single “Time”, which featured Olamide himself. His soft vocals and relatable lyrics got him noticed immediately, and YBNL helped shape his early career before he moved on.
13. Temmie Ovwasa, also known as the YBNL Princess, was Olamide’s first major attempt at promoting a female artist. Her soulful debut “Jabole” positioned her as a refreshing voice in a male-dominated space and proved that Olamide was willing to take risks for talent.
14. Chinko Ekun got his first big industry push under YBNL. Known for his rapid-fire Yoruba rap, Chinko stood out and went on to deliver “Able God”, a massive anthem that echoed across campuses and streets.
15. Ajebo Hustlers weren’t signed to YBNL, but their career took a major turn after Olamide posted their single “Barawo” on his Instagram. That one shoutout created a snowball effect, leading to national airplay and major media attention.
These aren’t just random names; they’re living proof that Olamide doesn’t gatekeep success. He’s constantly sharing his platform, his audience, and even his resources to help others rise. Whether it’s signing them, blessing their tracks with a verse, funding their music videos, or simply giving them a shoutout on social media, Baddo has played a crucial role in shaping modern Nigerian music.
Now, as we await “Olamide” the album, the big question is, will he introduce another fresh face? Or will this album be a flex of everything he’s built?
Either way, we’re ready. The kingmaker is back.
