Nigerian rap superstar and music executive Olamide Adedeji, widely known as Olamide Baddo, has said he is now entering a new phase of his life where he intends to priorities himself after years of supporting other artists. The YBNL boss made this known during a recent interview with Flow 98.7 FM, where he spoke openly about personal growth, self-care, and the next chapter of his career.
Olamide, who has spent more than a decade shaping the Nigerian music industry, explained that although he has enjoyed helping many young artists rise to fame, he now feels the need to focus more on his own well-being and personal fulfilment.
“Right now, I’m at the phase in my life where I’m really trying to give myself undivided attention,” he said. “All my life I’ve been trying to be there for people and also trying to do my stuff. But right now, I’m really just trying to focus on myself 100 percent.”
Olamide is widely respected in Nigeria and across Africa for his impact on the music industry. Beyond his own success as a rapper, he is celebrated for discovering and nurturing several of today’s biggest stars. His record label, YBNL Nation, has become one of the most influential platforms in Afrobeats, street pop, and contemporary Nigerian music.
Through YBNL, Olamide introduced the likes of Lil Kesh, Young Jonn, Pheelz, Fireboy DML, Lyta, Asake, and Adekunle Gold to mainstream audiences. Many of these artists credit Olamide for giving them their big break and guiding them at the early stages of their careers.
The rapper has also supported several others through strategic collaborations and features. Acts such as Zlatan Ibile, Naira Marley, Portable, and Bella Shmurda gained wider recognition after appearing on songs with him. In many cases, those features turned out to be pivotal moments that shaped their careers.
Because of his influence, some fans often refer to Olamide as “the kingmaker” or “industry machine,” noting that every artist he works with seems to find success shortly after.
Despite his massive contributions to the careers of others, Olamide admitted that balancing his own creative journey with his desire to help everyone around him has not always been easy. He said he has spent most of his career trying to “be there for people,” sometimes at the expense of his personal needs.
Industry watchers say the rapper’s new focus on self-prioritisation may signal a shift in how he manages his time and energy going forward. While Olamide has not announced plans to retire or step back completely, his comments suggest he intends to slow down, take care of himself, and pay attention to his own interests outside music.
In recent years, Olamide has hinted at wanting to live a quieter life, especially after becoming a family man. He has spoken in past interviews about valuing privacy and stability, and this latest statement appears to align with that direction.
The Nigerian music scene is known for its rapid pace, strong competition, and constant demand for new content. Many entertainers often face pressure to keep producing hits while also managing business responsibilities, touring schedules, and public expectations.
For someone like Olamide — who has played active roles as an artist, label boss, talent scout, mentor, and collaborator — the pressure is even heavier. Music analysts say his commitment to helping others succeed may have required him to put aside personal rest and self-care to meet the needs of those depending on him.
His recent admission has been praised by many fans online, who say it is important for celebrities to acknowledge when they need space and time for themselves.
Even as he plans to focus more on his personal growth, Olamide’s legacy in Nigerian music remains strong. Since releasing his debut album Rapsodi in 2011, he has consistently delivered hit songs and influential albums, becoming one of the most decorated and respected rappers in the country.
His ability to blend Yoruba rap, street pop, and Afrobeats has made him a household name. Songs like “Eni Duro,” “First of All,” “Durosoke,” “Science Student,” and “Wo” remain classics that shaped modern street culture.
Through his label, he has also changed the sound of Afrobeats globally. Fireboy DML, one of YBNL’s biggest exports, has achieved international success with hits like “Peru,” while Asake has become one of the most streamed artists in Africa following his breakout year under YBNL.
Although Olamide did not reveal specific details about his next moves, fans are hopeful that his new personal focus may come with fresh music or new creative projects. His last studio album, Unruly, released in 2023, was widely praised and sparked discussions about whether he might retire soon. But Olamide has kept his plans close to his chest, saying only that he moves at his own pace.
What appears clear, however, is that the award-winning rapper wants a healthier balance between his life, his music and his responsibilities.
For many listeners, Olamide’s message is a reminder that even those who give the most sometimes need to step back and care for themselves.
