Nigerian music star Lil Kesh has opened up about his rise to fame and how his rap anthem Lyrically earned him a life-changing record deal with Olamide’s iconic label, YBNL Nation.

Appearing recently on The Esther Show, Lil Kesh detailed the early days of his career, giving fans insight into how he caught the attention of Olamide, aka Baddo.

“Lyrically is one song that got me my record deal,” the rapper-turned-popstar said, referring to his breakout single that made waves across Nigeria and officially announced him to the mainstream in the early 2010s.

Although widely recognized for his bars and flow, Lil Kesh revealed that he deliberately avoids being boxed into the “rapper” category.

“I am a rapper, but I don’t like to identify as a rapper intentionally. I came into the game as a rapper,” he explained.

He attributed this conscious decision to the musical preferences of the Nigerian audience, who lean more towards danceable, party-ready sounds.

“Most of the people who identified as rappers, most of them couldn’t stand the test of time,” Lil Kesh noted, as he reflected on the importance of commercial adaptability.

He pointed to YBNL boss Olamide as one of the rare examples of a rapper who was able to blend genres and evolve with the times, thanks to his embrace of Afrobeats and street-pop sounds.

Watch Lil Kesh’s full interview on The Esther Show below:

Chasing similar success, Lil Kesh switched gears and delivered club-banging hits like Shoki, Efejoku, and Is It Because I Love You—songs that quickly made him one of Nigeria’s top hitmakers by 2015. His street credibility and ability to make danceable records ensured his place at the forefront of Nigerian pop culture.

Now a decade into his mainstream career, the Cause Trouble crooner is showing no signs of slowing down. In April 2025, he returned to the spotlight with a fresh EP titled Forever Getting It, signaling his continued relevance in a fast-moving industry.

With his eyes on longevity, Lil Kesh remains an embodiment of versatility—fusing rap roots with commercial savvy to remain one of the most adaptive voices in Nigerian music.

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Nigerian music star Asake has officially launched his record label, Giran Republic, marking a major turning point in his career and confirming his departure from YBNL Nation.

The announcement came alongside the release of his first single of 2025, “Why Love,“ which debuted under the new imprint. Speculation about the label’s formation had been swirling since last year, when Asake updated his social media bios to include the name and created a dedicated Instagram page, fueling anticipation among fans and industry watchers.

Asake, born Ahmed Ololade, has had a meteoric rise in the music industry. Initially a dancer, he later transitioned to music, gaining widespread attention in 2022 with “Omo Ope,” featuring Yoruba rap icon Olamide. This led to his signing with YBNL Nation, a pivotal move that catapulted him into stardom.

Under YBNL, Asake quickly became a household name, first with his self-titled mixtape, ‘Asake,’ and then with his groundbreaking debut album, ‘Mr. Money With The Vibe.‘ Blending Fuji, Amapiano, and Afrobeats, the album delivered smash hits like “Sungba,” “Terminator,” and “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY),” cementing his place in the industry.

In 2023, he followed up with ‘Work of Art,‘ which further solidified his global status. The album produced hits like “Lonely at the Top” and “Amapiano,” and saw him selling out major arenas, including London’s O2 Arena.

With Giran Republic, Asake is stepping into a new role—not just as an artist but as an executive.

While details about the label’s roster and future plans remain undisclosed, this move signals his evolution from a breakout star to a key industry player, determined to shape his own sound and creative direction.

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Afrobeats sensation Ahmed Ololade, popularly known as Asake, has officially announced his exit from YBNL, the record label owned by Nigerian rapper Olamide.

The confirmation came with the release of his latest single, ‘Whine,’ featuring Brazilian star Ludmilla. Notably, in the music video, Asake replaced the YBNL logo with his own, signalling the start of his independent journey.

This development follows speculation in late 2024 about the singer’s departure from YBNL. Reports emerged after Asake removed the YBNL label from his Instagram bio and unfollowed Olamide, along with everyone else on his page.

Fans also noticed Asake’s absence from Olamide’s star-studded concert in December 2024, further fueling rumors of a split.

Despite the separation, insiders reveal that Olamide gave Asake his blessings, allowing him to part ways amicably. Olamide initially signed Asake in 2022, and their partnership proved to be highly successful. Within two years, Asake released three hit albums, achieved billions of streams, sold out London’s 20,000-capacity O2 Arena twice, and even earned a Grammy nomination.

By replacing the YBNL logo with his own in the *Whine* video, Asake has officially cleared any lingering doubts about his departure. The move marks a new chapter for the star, whose meteoric rise continues to inspire fans and fellow artists alike.

Asake clarified everything by substituting his emblem for the YBNL logo in the music video for his new single. View below by swiping.

 

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The Nigerian music scene is abuzz with reports of Afrobeats star Asake allegedly ending his association with YBNL Nation and its founder, Olamide.

Speculation arose after Asake unfollowed Baddo on Instagram and removed YBNL from his bio. The singer also deleted all his Instagram posts, further fueling rumours of a split.

According to popular entertainment blogger Cutie Juls, Asake’s contract with YBNL had expired, and Olamide offered a renewal, which the artist declined. The blogger alleged that negotiations fell through despite Olamide’s efforts to persuade Asake to extend his contract.

In a post, Cutie Juls stated, “Asake leaves YBNL and dumps OLAMIDE. Insiders say Asake’s contract with Olamide’s YBNL expired, and when OLAMIDE presented Asake with a new contract, Asake refused to sign.”

The post continued, “OLAMIDE apparently tried everything in his books to renew his record label with Asake, but Asake refused. The final straw happened two weeks ago when Asake walked out completely out of the deal opting to be his own boss.”

While neither party has issued an official statement, fans hope the two can resolve their differences. Meanwhile, Olamide is reportedly scouting for new talent to join the YBNL roster.

Asake’s rumored decision to go independent signals a significant shift in his career, leaving fans and industry watchers eager to see how this development unfolds.

See the post below:

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AG Baby recently reflected on his decade-long journey in the music industry, highlighting the pivotal role of singer-songwriter and producer Pheelz in securing his record deal with Olamide’s YBNL Nation.

The celebration of his 10-year milestone comes as Adekunle Gold recalls the success of his debut single Sade, released in December 2014. A cover of One Direction’s Story of My Life, the track became a viral sensation, marking his breakthrough into the Nigerian music scene.

In an interview, Adekunle Gold, affectionately known as AG Baby, shared insights into his journey before joining YBNL. He revealed that he initially worked as a graphics designer for the label, creating cover art for artists such as Lil Kesh and Viktor.

The turning point came when Pheelz heard Sade and recommended that Olamide sign Adekunle Gold. “Pheelz played a major role. He heard the song and spoke to Olamide about signing me. That changed everything,” Adekunle Gold shared.

 

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Under YBNL, Adekunle Gold released his critically acclaimed debut album Gold, featuring timeless hits like Orente and Pick Up. The album solidified his place in the industry and showcased his unique urban take on folk and indigenous Yoruba music.

Over the past decade, he has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most versatile artists. While he began with a focus on traditional and folk-inspired sounds, he transitioned into pop stardom with his album Afro-Pop Vol. 1, expanding his audience and influence.

With five studio albums and numerous chart-topping records, Adekunle Gold is celebrated for his exceptional penmanship, dynamic showmanship, and ability to reinvent himself. His 10-year career exemplifies artistic growth, cementing his status as one of Africa’s most sought-after performers.

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The buzzworthy artist, who began gaining attention in early 2024 with his introspective street-hop track “7 Days,” has quickly become one of the most exciting new talents in the Nigerian music scene.

He further cemented his rising status with the crowd-favorite track “Dealer,” featuring YBNL’s award-winning star Fireboy DML.

Speculation about Ayo Maff being signed to YBNL intensified after YBNL boss and renowned rapper Olamide praised his talent in a recent tweet. The label, which includes heavyweights like Olamide, Asake, and Fireboy DML, is known for nurturing top-tier talent in the industry.

During an interview with Beat FM, Ayo Maff was asked directly about the rumors regarding his affiliation with YBNL. Although he didn’t confirm or deny the speculation, he emphasized that YBNL is like family to him, encompassing everyone involved with the label.

The promising artist, who recently released his debut 7-track project titled “Maffian,” is widely tipped to be a strong contender for the 2024 Rookie of the Year award. In the interview, he also discussed his career, background, public reactions to his music, and other significant topics.

Watch the full interview below:

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Olamide’s new EP, Ikigai / 生き甲斐 Vol. 1, serves as a reminder that there is a reason to live.

Olamide maintains his position in the music industry, as he has never boycotted consistency in the game. He unexpectedly abandoned a new project, labelling it with the Japanese word Ikigai, which means “a reason to live.”. Of course, you’ll agree that the YBNL boss isn’t simply a genius but a hardworking musician in the Nigerian music scene.

He never tires of his inventiveness and individuality, as he enlists his label mates, such as Asake and Fireboy DML, as well as former signees Young Jonn, Pheelz, and Lil Kesh, for his new project.

The 7-track EP surprised his followers since he published it just hours after revealing the title and artwork of the new record. His partnership with Empire has had nothing but positive effects on his career and legacy as an artist in the industry.

Recall, In 2023, Spotify ranked Olamide the most influential street pop artist of his generation. He is also acknowledged as his generation’s most influential street pop performer, with numerous accolades for bringing street pop into public awareness as a unique musical genre.

The new project Ikigai features songs such as Metaverse, Uptown Disco, Makaveli, Knockout, Hello Habibi, Morowore, and Synchro System.

Give this album a listen: Ikigai / 生き甲斐, Vol. 1

STREAM THE FULL ALBUM HERE

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Renowned Afrobeat artist Fireboy DML recently shed light on the tight-knit relationship within the YBNL record label, originally established by Nigerian music sensation Olamide.

During a recent interview with Max 102.3 FM Lagos on May 9, 2024, Fireboy discussed the prevalent camaraderie among YBNL artists, dispelling any notions of competition.

He emphasized the solidarity and encouragement that characterize their interactions, affirming that each artist remains focused on their personal journey, unaffected by simultaneous releases.

In a touching anecdote, Fireboy recounted how Olamide and fellow artist Asake once collaborated to help him with his hair styling, underscoring the familial bond shared among YBNL members.

Fireboy DML’s revelation provides fans with an inside look into the cohesive atmosphere within YBNL, highlighting a nurturing environment where artists flourish collectively while pursuing their individual creative endeavours.

“Olamide & Asake helped me to loosen my hair one day. There is no competition in YBNL.”

– Fireboy pic.twitter.com/hIvIPfpdkb

— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) May 9, 2024

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Nigerian singer Ahmed Ololade, known as Asake, has shared the story of his journey to being signed by the renowned rapper and CEO of YBNL Nation, Olamide. Asake revealed that he spent approximately two years persistently requesting Olamide to sign him before the rapper eventually agreed.

According to the ‘Mr Money‘ crooner, Olamide sent him an invitation, asking if he would be interested in joining his record label. Although Asake initially hesitated, he eventually accepted the offer. Olamide advised him to consult a lawyer and carefully review the contract terms, but in his excitement, Asake signed the agreement immediately.

This tale showcases the determination and eventual success of Asake’s efforts to secure a spot on YBNL Nation.

Speaking in an interview with Hip TV, Asake said, “Before he [Olamide] signed me, I’ve been begging Baddo [Olamide] since 2020 to sign me.

“One day, I got to his house, then he asked me… This part burst my head. This is how he signed me. He said, ‘How are you, Asake?’ I said I’m fine. And he asked me, ‘Would you like to join YBNL?’

“You don’t understand, for somebody you look up to, somebody you respect, somebody you’ve been longing to see, to ask you that question. I told him that I’m ready. He said, ‘Go and think about it. Go and look for a lawyer.’ I said, ‘Baba, sign me now now now. I don’t want any lawyer. Because I love the [YBNL] family so much even from afar.”

In February 2022, Asake joined the YBNL Nation. He also released his debut extended play, Ololade, in the same month. It included the track “Sungba” and his breakout hit, “Omo Ope,” with Olamide.

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Nigerian music sensation Lyta has expressed his interest in returning to his former record label, YBNL Nation, owned by Olamide. The artist appealed to Baddo to welcome him back, four years after leaving the label due to personal differences.

During an appearance on the Ginger Yourself Podcast, Lyta explained that his departure from YBNL was not intentional, and he expressed a desire to reunite with the label.

He mentioned that he didn’t hear from Olamide before leaving, and after his departure, communication became limited. However, he revealed that he had spoken to Olamide since then, including a chat on Instagram during Olamide’s birthday.

Lyta’s openness about his desire to return to YBNL adds an interesting chapter to his music journey and the dynamics within the Nigerian music industry.

In other news, musician Sexy Steel showered Olamide with compliments, expressing profound respect for the YBNL boss. Sexy Steel, a notable figure in the entertainment industry during the 2000s and early 2010s, shared his admiration for Olamide during an appearance on the Honest Bunch Podcast alongside legendary producer and Coded Tunez boss ID Cabasa.

Reflecting on his experiences, Sexy Steel recalled the first time he met Olamide and highlighted the reasons he holds him in high esteem.

During visits to Coded Tunez with stars like 9ice, Reminisce, and Lord of Ajasa, Sexy Steel observed a young Olamide quietly sitting in the corner, absorbing the interactions and music-making process.

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Nigerian rapper and music mogul Olamide Adedeji, simply known as Olamide, has opened up about why he didn’t sign singer Omah Lay to his YBNL Nation label.

According to the Baddo, he had expressed interest in signing Omah Lay during the early stages of the singer’s career. However, Omah Lay informed him that he was already under contract with another record label.

This revelation came during an interview with British-Nigerian media personality Adesope Olajide, popularly known as Shopsydoo.

Olamide said, “Somebody sent me Omah Lay’s song, ‘Bad Influence,’ I had to like search for him on Instagram. I messaged him that I want to sign him but he told me that he got a [recording] deal already.”

"I wanted to sign Omah lay, but he told me, he already got a deal"

– Olamide. pic.twitter.com/4WdPqrRo3T

— 𝐄𝐍𝐗𝐂𝐇 (@EN0CX) September 15, 2023

The rapper also disclosed that he experienced a period of depression lasting approximately four years after facing a dry spell in producing hit songs.

Nevertheless, he expressed that he regained his confidence and “swag” when he released hits like ‘Wo‘ and ‘Motigbana.’

“Till date, songs like WO, MOTIGBANA, are like magic to me. I thought I could never get myself again. I was going crazy,” he said.

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Nigerian artist Temmie Ovwasa has taken to her social media platform to open up about her time with Olamide, the founder of YBNL Nation, and his wife.

She is offering her viewpoint, indicating that her experience during her tenure with them was characterized by moments of adversity and a notable absence of respect.

This suggests that Temmie Ovwasa encountered various challenges or hardships while being associated with Olamide and his wife.

Read What She Shared Below:-

YBNL princess, Temmie Ovwasa talks about her time with label and Olamide’s wife pic.twitter.com/opS42OQGUs

— Naija (@Naija_PR) September 14, 2023

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