Nigerian rap icon Olamide Adedeji, widely known as Olamide, has opened up about his decision to stay true to his indigenous roots rather than switch to English for international recognition.
Speaking in a candid interview with Eddie Kaddi on BBC Radio 1Xtra, the Local Rapper hitmaker explained that understanding his audience and remaining authentic to his identity has always been his guiding principle.
“Growing up and seeing the likes of Awilo Longomba doing his thing, Brenda Fassi… These people never tried to infuse English by force or anything. They were just doing their thing.
The key thing is you have to identify your audience. Once you identify your audience, the rest of the world is going to catch up eventually. So I have to stay true to myself no matter what it is, where it is in this world,” Olamide said.
The 36-year-old superstar stressed that he has never been desperate for global validation, emphasizing that he feels fulfilled representing his heritage through his music, fashion, and identity.
“I’m a Naija boy. If I want to wear my Agbada and my Dashiki, I will do it. Let them know what I’m really all about — my heritage, my lineage, my culture, my food,” he said proudly.
“You just have to stay true to yourself and that’s the only way you can become comfortable in life. I’m comfortable in my skin — I’m a Naija guy, Yoruba boy. I’ve got H-factor and all that, and I’m proud about it.”
That statement perfectly captures Olamide’s artistic philosophy: a seamless blend of street authenticity, cultural pride, and unshakable self-belief.
From Bariga to the global stage, Olamide has built a career rooted in originality, proving that staying true to one’s roots can be the most powerful path to worldwide influence.
“You have to identify your audience. Once you identify your audience, the rest of the world will catch up… 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.”
– Olamide Baddo. pic.twitter.com/qm6ZOy6yYH
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) October 28, 2025