Nigerian singer Olamide has used his YBNL record label to discover and nurture artists from nothing to the big stage. The “Story for the Gods’’ crooner has extended benevolence to aspiring, gifted musicians despite the obstacles he had to overcome in order to become a well-known star.
Olamide, commonly known as Baddo, is also credited with the success of other upcoming artists who are not signed to his label. Some of them include Zlatan and T.I. Blaze.
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Glam Squad discusses some of the numerous artists discovered by the living legend:
Lil Kesh
Ololade Keshinro joined YBNL in April 2014. Between April 2014 and April 2016, Lil Kesh had a nearly unmatched run. By January 2016, Lil Kesh had five back-to-back hits. Lyrically, Shoki, Shoki (Remix), Gbese, and Efejoku were a few of these songs. His affairs with YBNL ended on April 26, 2016, via an official statement.
Adekunle Gold
Adekunle Gold, a modern folk and afro-pop artist from Nigeria, signed with YBNL in 2015. His tracks “Sade,” “Orente,” and “Pick Up” became huge hits while he was signed to the label, and “Sade” won Best Alternative Song at the 2016 Headies. After the expiration of his two-year contract with YBNL, Adekunle Gold has gone on to be really successful in the entertainment industry and has become a household name.
Lyta
During his time with YBNL, Lyta dropped the hit singles “Self Made” and “Time,” which featured Olamide. He was signed to YBNL before Fireboy DML was discovered. Although he left the label due to controversial circumstances, Lyta is a well-known name in the entertainment scene and is currently signed to Marlian Records.
Fireboy DML
As part of the third wave of musicians to sign with YBNL Nation in 2018, Fireboy joined Lyta, Limerick, Picazo Rhap, and Yomi Blaize. His signing, on the other hand, received the least amount of attention in his set.Apart from Lyta, the other signees were well-known on social media for their freestyle rapping.
2018 proved to be a turning point in the “Bandana’’ singer’s career. With the release of songs like “Sing” in 2018, followed by hit tracks like “Jealous” and “King’’ in 2019, Fireboy hit the spotlight. He is still signed to YBNL and is one of the biggest acts in the Nigerian music industry.
Asake
Ahmed Ololade, better known by his stage name Asake, was born in Nigeria on January 13, 1995. His stage name honors his mother, Asake, whose first name he shares. Although he had already begun releasing songs in 2018, his musical career advanced when he dropped the single “Mr. Money” in 2020. A remix featuring Zlatan and Peruzzi came next. When he dropped the 2020 single “Lady,” he made his debut in the field. Asake was signed to YBNL Records in February 2022 by Olamide. In the same month, he released Ololade, his debut EP, which included hit songs like “Omo Ope,” co-written by Olamide. A month later, Burna Boy added a verse to the remix of “Sungba,” the EP’s second song. From the time he was signed by Olamide, it has been an amazing run for Asake. The “Yoga” singer is still signed to YBNL.