Nigerian rap icon Olamide has opened up about a pivotal moment in his career, revealing that his collaboration and relationship with Afrobeats superstar Wizkid played a crucial role in sustaining his music journey after parting ways with his former record label.
Speaking in a recent interview, Olamide candidly shared:
“When I dropped out of my label, it was my record with Wizkid and the relationship we had that made my journey easier in the industry.”
The revelation sheds light on a significant chapter in Olamide’s rise to stardom. After exiting Coded Tunes, the label under which he released his debut album Rapsodi in 2011, the rapper faced uncertainty about his future in the highly competitive Nigerian music industry.
However, his early collaboration with Wizkid, particularly on tracks like Omo To Shan, not only expanded his audience but also positioned him as one of the most promising young talents of the time. The synergy between the two artists created a buzz that helped Olamide quickly gain ground as an independent act.
Olamide’s praise for Wizkid underscores the value of genuine relationships in the music world — a space often marked by rivalries and shifting alliances. “It wasn’t just the record; it was the relationship,” he emphasized, suggesting that the mutual respect and support they shared transcended music and offered him both emotional and professional stability.
Their friendship stood in contrast to frequent speculation of rifts among top Nigerian artists, highlighting instead the collaborative spirit that has helped push Afrobeats to global prominence.
Since that crucial period, Olamide has built an empire with his independent label YBNL Nation, nurturing stars like Fireboy DML, Asake, and Lil Kesh. His story, from being a label drop-out to a kingmaker in the industry, is now considered one of Afrobeats’ most inspiring success arcs.
Music fans across Nigeria and beyond have reacted to his comments with admiration, calling it a powerful reminder of humility, gratitude, and the impact of solidarity in an artist’s formative years.
Both Olamide and Wizkid have gone on to become juggernauts in their respective lanes — one defining the streets with indigenous rap, the other reshaping Afrobeats on a global scale. Their early collaborations remain timeless, and Olamide’s tribute serves as a poignant look back at a bond that helped shape the sound and future of Nigerian music.
