Percy Onyeka
Spotify has named Nigerian rapper, musician, and record executive, Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as “Olamide,” as the most influential street pop artiste of his time.
Spotify’s Editor for West Africa, Benewaah Boateng, announced the recognition in a statement made on Thursday in Lagos.
Boateng emphasized the impressive rise of the subgenre “Street Pop” within Nigeria’s music landscape, indicating its progressive ascension into popular music.
She lauded Olamide’s extraordinary contribution to this rise, emphasizing his critical role in bringing Street Pop to global recognition as a unique music genre.
“Olamide is the most influential street pop artist of his generation, and he has been consistently lauded for his role in bringing street pop to mainstream recognition as a distinct music genre.
“Since the debut of his hit single, ‘Eni Duro,’ he has been a constant cultural force, popularising dance styles like ‘Shakiti Bobo’ and street lingos such as ‘Baddo Sneh’ and ‘Pepper Dem.’
“Through his record label YBNL, Olamide has also played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s brightest street pop talents.
“The influence of Street Pop on the Nigerian music landscape in 2023 is clearly and undeniably significant.
“This is just the beginning of Street Pop going mainstream and we cannot wait to see how it continues to grow,” she said.
