In light of recent criticisms by Wizkid, born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, against Afrobeat, podcaster Oyebanji Akins has taken it upon himself to conduct a comprehensive comparative analysis of the contributions of Wizkid and Olamide to the Nigerian music industry.
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Wizkid, known for his immense success in the Afrobeats music scene, stirred controversy recently by announcing on his Instagram story that he does not consider himself an Afrobeats artist and warned fans not to expect an Afrobeats version of him on his new album. He even went as far as urging Afrobeats enthusiasts not to download his upcoming album.
He wrote, “Album done! See you soon b*tches!
“And abeg if you like Pakurumo Wizkid, don’t download this new album. In fact, delete me from your playlist and your life!
“If you like Afrobeats, don’t download my album. I’m not a f*cking Afrobeats artiste. I am not Afro anything.”
Moreso, Wikipedia testified to Afrobeat’s influence in Wizkid’s career journey. A post that has existed on the platform for many years unchallenged.
“Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun (born 16 July 1990), known professionally as Wizkid,[2] is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. A prominent figure in the modern day Afrobeats music scene,[3] he is regarded as one of the most commercially successful and most influential African recording artists of the 21st century.[4][5][6]” – Wikipedia
In his response as monitored by Freelanews, Akins, through a series of videos and posts on social media, embarked on a detailed examination of the impact of Wizkid and Olamide in the Nigerian music ecosystem.
He began by highlighting Olamide’s significant role in nurturing and promoting young talents within the industry. He praised Olamide’s unwavering support for emerging artists and emphasized the profound impact it has had on their careers.
He specifically mentioned artists like Phyno, Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Bella Shmurda, T.I Blaze, Portable, Fireboy DML, and Asake, among others, whose careers were propelled by Olamide’s collaborations and mentorship.
Akins underscored Olamide’s humility and dedication to uplifting others, contrasting it with what he perceived as Wizkid’s negative remarks about Afrobeats. He questioned Wizkid’s contributions to the growth of young talents compared to Olamide’s extensive support network.
Throughout his analysis, Akins highlighted Olamide’s pivotal role in transforming the lives of aspiring musicians, often overshadowed by Wizkid’s public persona. He urged listeners to recognize and celebrate Olamide’s silent but impactful contributions to the Nigerian music industry.
He wrote:
The distinction between Olamide and Wizkid extends beyond mere perception. Personally, I hold Olamide in high regard and believe he deserves respect comparable to, if not more than, Wizkid. In one of his earlier songs, Olamide expressed, “Mi ni Oun be Wizkid I for dey voice anything but ma tí wèrèy bó.” Listen to Olamide’s “Voice of the Street.” In this thread, I aim to highlight names in the Nigerian music industry whose lives Olamide has positively impacted, whether through providing verses or other forms of support, and they continue to thrive to this day.
Olamide envisioned his future, despite the lack of recognition from many in Nigeria. Even the elders once disrespected him, but I’m grateful that Don Jazzy was able to mend their rift back then. Listen to “Voice of the Street” and observe the list of individuals Olamide has supported. Even Burna Boy falls short, and I doubt he can match the impact already attributed to Olamide. It’s surprising to see someone like Wizkid speaking negatively about Afrobeats and its legacy, especially considering his own standing. This latest social rant leaves me feeling sympathetic towards him.but let focus on Olamide.
The first name is Phyno. Some may disagree, but the collaboration between Phyno and Olamide has earned Phyno more recognition and respect in the Nigerian music industry to this day. This track will never age due to its timeless lyrics.
How many of you remember Adekunle Gold started from graphic design, from there Olamide was able to opoen chance by believing him Adekunle Gold and till date his doing fine not just fine representing Nigeria to the world, I added this song just for you to remember where it all start from till date, I heard Adekunle God was the one that created YBNL logo ? 🤔
Even though Lil Kesh may be struggling to stand tall, I believe he can still easily sell out shows. This is one of the ways Olamide paved the path, by making songs and sharing the platform with his juniors to help them grow. If you’re as focused as Olamide, dont jump into the business of signing artiste just like now Bnxn just signed Taves, people Davolee and others did. They were too quick to leave, based on their personal reasons. Do you remember this song? #mixofusng
Bella Shmurda is another name worth mentioning. Olamide collaborated with him on the song “Vision 2020,” and to this day, Bella has built his own unique sound and audience. These are young artists whom many big-name musicians wouldn’t collaborate with for their own reasons and visions. So, take a moment and ask yourself, how many people has Wizkid helped? It’s ironic for him to talk down on Afrobeats.
Always remember, while I mention the next name, Olamide has never once bragged about his influence or impact on the music industry. Do you remember T.I Blaze? Olamide blessed him with a verse, and to this day, he has capitalized on it. I believe the issue of NDLEA busting that boy might have had a little effect on his inspiration.
Today, Portable represents all the Ibiles, taking them to the UK chart. While most people don’t want to work with him, Olamide blessed Portable with a verse and paid for his music video. Portable has created hope for people from the trenches never to lose hope. But whenever you talk about Zaazu, never forget Olamide. Where is Wizkid saying Afrobeats is what again?
Another name I’ll mention, whom Olamide has invested a lot in and might be working on his next project, is none other than Fireboy DML. Do you all remember when Olamide discovered him and put him on his album?
Let’s celebrate someone like Olamide who quietly changes lives and brings glory to Nigeria. While Wizkid talks down on Afrobeats, Olamide uplifts talents like Asake. Actions speak louder than tweets.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
