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Former YBNL artists that were at odds with Olamide
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Artists who were formerly signed to YBNL who has issues with Olamide
Olamide is one of the greatest music brands in the industry, having catapulted a slew of artists to prominence through his record label, YBNL.
Over the years, the YBNL chairman has signed various young artists to his record label. While some of them went on to achieve even greater success after leaving his record label, others are still having difficulty breaking into Nigeria’s fiercely competitive music scene.
However, several of the former YBNL artists have occasionally criticised their former record label head on social media, accusing him of lacking the managerial abilities to support their musical success (or “blow,” in Nigerian terms).
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Xino
Xino is unquestionably the most disappointing YBNL signing. The Plateau State-born musician, who was signed virtually at the same time as Chinko Ekun, recorded two singles on the label, “TTYL” and “Nakam,” before departing under contentious circumstances in 2016.
Upon his exit from the label, the singer gave an exclusive interview to Showtime where he took swipes at Olamide, “YBNL management and other labels in Nigeria need to adopt an entrepreneurial system that focuses on artiste development because there is zero fan base in Nigeria.
“Beyonce’s husband, Jayz, is an undisputed boss because he understands this concept and creates acts that last to create others too.
I’m engaging in other money-making options, music is just an option and one that I love very much; I never asked to be signed on to YBNL, so I’m not bothered as much. But for the sake of those who dig my songs I’m coming with something soon, something cooking with Kiddominant is dropping soon.”
Nonetheless, he attempted some conciliation in 2017 by attempting to mend fences with the label and Olamide.
He wrote on his Instagram page that, “Mood, feeling like Baddo right now, I want to take this time out to apologize, first to @baddosneh for the rash things I said last year.
“I was bitter over how things took a turn, I guess I owe all of you an apology and I humbly ask that you guys overlook what I said and see me for who I really am, a happy, fun-loving and jonzing pretty boy. I also apologize to the whole YBNL team and take responsibility for my words.
I love @baddosneh as a big bro and how creative he has inspired me to want to be better. I guess I was really missing the crew; I love you guys. Thanks for not judging me and taking time out to read this. I want to get accolades and shit, but I want to get it with the people who were there for me.”
Davolee
Davolee was signed by Olamide in November 2016. This occurred following the exodus of Chinko Ekun, Lil Kesh, Viktoh, and Adekunle Gold. The label required some new blood, which it gladly received.
During the time he was assumed to be on the label, he released two truly impressive songs, 2017’s B-Banks-produced ‘Festival Bar‘ and 2018’s ‘Cirocing.’ His talent was always obvious, but it was never really supported by any hits.
Following the label’s signing of Picazo Rhap, Fireboy DML, and Yomi Blaize, signs of a split became clear.
He claimed he never had a contract with YBNL in a November 2018 interview with Naijaloaded TV.
However, Davolee let loose in February 2021 after writing on his Twitter page that “Olamide is mad.”
This occurred as a result of a tweet from MTV Base West about a programme called #YBNLRaised songs to recognise Olamide’s contribution to the music industry. The addition of “Festival Bar,” a song by Davolee, to the playlist, upset the singer.
Later, he tweeted MTV Base to express his displeasure with having his name appear beside anything relating to Olamide. An Olamide fan tried to interfere and got dragged by Davolee, alongside the YBNL boss as he said they are both mad.
Lyta
Olamide discovered Lyta while he was out on the streets. During his time with the label, he dropped the hit singles “Self Made” and “Time,” both of which featured Olamide, on September 19, 2018. He arrived at YBNL a little before Picazo, Yomi Blaize, and Fireboy DML.
However, following rumours that he was leaving YBNL earlier in the year, he finally appeared on Naijaloaded TV to announce the end of his mixed association with YBNL. He stated during the interview that despite receiving between 50,000 and 80,000 Nairas for performances, the label never provided him with a written contract.
He said, “I don’t have any deal with YBNL or Olamide. Olamide saw me on the street and helped me, I don’t have any written contract with him… YBNL and Olamide with always be part of my story. God bless Olamide, thank you for everything. No love lost.
“Yes, I was getting benefits. The used to pay me for shows. Sometimes 80k, 60k to 50k. But when I dropped my songs, ‘Temi’ and ‘Selfmade,’ I didn’t get anything.”
Olamide also responded and claimed that YBNL has a promotion calendar that Lyta was unwilling to follow. When other artists started getting their shine, the rapper claimed Lyta became unhappy. So, to avoid “bad energy” Olamide claims he unfollowed Lyta on Instagram.
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Temmie Ovwasa
Temmie Ovwasa, also known as YBNL Princess, is a singer and songwriter from Nigeria. In August 2015, she signed to a record deal with the Olamide-owned record label. She left YBNL in 2020 due to a disagreement with Olamide.
Temmie recently accused Olamide of placing her in a box while she was still signed to YBNL on social media. Temmie claims that Olamide transported her from Ilorin to Lagos at the age of 18, gave her a platform, and then rejected every event and offer she received.
Additionally, she disclosed that the YBNL leader confined her in his home and forbade her from releasing music.
The controversial singer was actually replying to a fan who asked if she was still in touch with Olamide.