A Deep Dive into Olamide’s Relationships and Legacy
Nigerian rap icon Olamide, known as Baddo, has shared insights into his relationships with some of Afrobeats’ most prominent figures. In a recent appearance on the Afrobeats Podcast, he described Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy as “troublesome friends,” highlighting that while they may not always agree, their bond remains strong.
Olamide spoke in Yoruba during the interview, offering fans a rare glimpse into his dynamic with the “big four” in the Afrobeats scene. He emphasized that disagreements are natural, but genuine friendship continues to hold them together. “Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy are all my friends; they are just too troublesome. They are cool dudes; it’s just that sometimes many can’t align on so many things, and that’s fine,” he said.
Unexpected Collaboration with Wizkid
The conversation also touched on Olamide’s recent collaboration with Wizkid on the track “Kia.” The partnership came about unexpectedly during the video shoot. Initially, the project was meant to be just “Kia,” but Olamide played Wizkid some unreleased tracks from his album while on set.
During the session, he introduced Wizkid to “Billionaire’s Club,” a song he had only recorded the day before. Wizkid was immediately drawn to the track and insisted on being part of it. “He was like, na this one you for give me… if na say na this one you fist play na this one we go dey shoot. I really like this one, and I was like Ah, I did not think he would like that one. But, actually, I just made that record the day before the shoot.”
Olamide expressed deep gratitude for Wizkid’s support, calling him a “solid dude.” He praised Wizkid’s endless love and encouragement, saying, “I’m grateful to God for Wiz and for his endless love and support. God bless him, man.”
A Decade of Success and Influence
Beyond his personal relationships, the interview reflected on Olamide’s long and successful career. Over the past decade, he has released more than ten projects, embarked on global tours, and collaborated with major artists, including American rap legend Dr. Dre.
Olamide is also recognized as a music executive who has discovered and nurtured some of Afrobeats’ biggest names. Among those he has supported are Fireboy DML, Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Young Jonn, and Asake.
His success is attributed to his faith and perseverance. “Whatever it is you want to be in life, one thing you should not joke with is God. Why are we without Him? Nothing extraordinary can really happen if the universe doesn’t align for you. People shouldn’t undermine how far they can go with the blessings of the Lord and His grace,” he said.
From Struggles to Mentorship
Olamide also reflected on his early struggles and how they shaped his desire to create opportunities for others. He explained that his drive to nurture emerging artists came from a lack of support in his own early years.
When asked about whether he felt a sense of responsibility to mentor others from the beginning, Olamide responded, “I grew up hoping and praying that I could see some opportunities, and I didn’t get them. So I took it upon myself that if I ever make it big, I’m going to create opportunities for others.”
Looking Ahead: A Global Impact
Now regarded as both a trailblazing artist and an influential executive, Olamide remains focused on pushing Afrobeats forward. His upcoming headline show at the OVO Arena in London, scheduled for November 23, 2025, is expected to further solidify his global impact.
Through his music, mentorship, and leadership, Olamide continues to shape the future of Afrobeats, ensuring its growth and influence on the world stage.