Spotify names Olamide Most Influential Street Pop Artiste of His Time

While the name ‘Olamide Adedeji’ might not readily ring a bell in the minds of many people, the street lingo ‘Baddo’ would. Popularly known by his stage name “Olamide”, the Nigerian rap maestro, singer, and record executive is a common feature in the Nigerian music scene.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Spotify’s Editor for West Africa, Benewaah Boateng, revealed that Spotify recognised Olamide as the most influential street pop artist of his time. Boateng commended Olamide for significantly promoting the sub-genre “Street Pop” within the Nigerian context.

She called Olamide “a constant cultural force”- and rightly so. The rapper has, since the debut of his hit single, embraced a unique style that consists of a smooth blend of Yoruba and English. Street lingos such as “Baddo Sneh” and “Pepper Dem” and dance styles like “Shakiti Bobo” owe their origin to the singer who has, in his way, brought Street Pop to the limelight.

About this, Boateng said, “Olamide is the most influential street pop artiste of his generation, consistently praised for his role in elevating Street Pop to mainstream recognition as a distinct music genre”.

“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 remarked. Boateng also praised Olamide for leveraging his record label YBNL, to discover and nurture some of the country’s brightest street pop talents. It may be safe to say that Olamide is living up to his ‘Baddo’ title!

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