Spotify acknowledges Olamide as leading street pop artiste of his generation

Olamide Adedeji, also known as “Olamide,” is a Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive. According to Spotify, he is the “most influential street pop artiste of his generation.”

Spotify’s West African editor, Benewaah Boateng, revealed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

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According to Boateng, the unquestionable emergence of the “Street Pop” subgenre in Nigeria has been exciting and amazing to watch, and it has gradually permeated mainstream music.

“Olamide is the most significant street pop artist of his generation. He has received constant recognition for his contribution to bringing street pop to the general public’s attention as a separate musical genre.

He has been a persistent cultural force ever since the release of his breakthrough tune “Eni Duro,” popularising street jargon like “Baddo Sneh” and “Pepper Dem” as well as dancing techniques like “Shakiti Bobo.”

Olamide’s record label, YBNL, has been instrumental in identifying and developing Nigeria’s most promising street pop artists.

“There is no denying the evident and substantial impact that Street Pop will have on Nigerian music in 2023.

“We are excited to watch how Street Pop develops going forward and believe that this is just the beginning of its mainstreaming,” the speaker remarked.

According to Boateng, street music, which came about through the blending of Afrobeats, Highlife, Hip-hop, Fuji, Apala, indigenous sounds, and modern elements, has a catchy rhythm, throbbing fast-paced beats, and lyrics that reflect the struggles that Nigerians face on a daily basis.

She clarified that one noteworthy aspect of Street Pop as a musical genre is its close relationship to the harsh reality of Nigerian daily existence.

According to her, Olamide was ranked ninth out of the top 10 artists in Nigeria.

Fans have praised his most recent endeavour, “Unruly,” widely, calling it a magnificent piece of work.

“Gaza” is one song in particular that has struck a particularly strong chord with listeners and has garnered a great deal of praise for its allure and masterful musical execution.

Additionally, after seeing widespread popularity in 2022, Seyi Vibez has become an indisputable power in the Nigerian street pop scene, especially in 2023.

His hit song “Chance” has made him a household name among Gen-Z and millennials, with lines like “na ham, na ham” resonating in their minds.

“His success in 2023 is clear—he sold out the O2 Indigo Hall in the UK, and he was able to secure features on popular songs like Gwagwalada, which is currently the second-most-streamed song in Nigeria on Spotify.

Seyi Vibez’s ability to transcend Street Pop and connect with all music enthusiasts is further demonstrated by her ranking among the top five most streamed musicians in Nigeria, according to her statement.

According to Boateng, Zinoleesky’s skillful melodies and captivating narration have transformed and significantly contributed to the street music genre, placing him in the top 15 most streamed artists in Nigeria.

She claimed that it was clear that street pop was set for explosive expansion in the years to come as the genre kept evolving and its artists kept pushing the boundaries of their creativity.

According to her, street pop might become the next big thing in the world, similar to Afrobeats.