Olamide: I’m Proud to Be a Yoruba Boy, Not Desperate to Go International

Kehinde Adeleye
Nigerian rapper and YBNL boss, Olamide, has said he feels no pressure to chase international fame, stressing that he is comfortable being an indigenous artist.
In an interview with BBC Radio 1Xtra, Olamide said his priority is staying true to himself and to his Nigerian roots, rather than seeking validation from global audiences.
“I’m a Naija guy, Yoruba boy… and I’m proud about it,” he said. “You have to identify your audience. Once you identify your audience, the rest of the world will catch up eventually.”
The award-winning rapper explained that authenticity has been key to his success, noting that his sound and language reflect his identity and upbringing.
“I’m comfortable in my skin. I’m a Naija guy, Yoruba boy, I have H-Factor and all that, and I’m proud about it. You just have to stay true to yourself,” Olamide said.
Over the years, Olamide has built a loyal fanbase with his fusion of Yoruba rap and street-inspired anthems, shaping Nigeria’s contemporary hip-hop culture. His consistency, he said, is a reminder that originality remains more powerful than imitation.