The Reason I Didn't Rap in English for International Approval 'Olamide Badoo '

 

When the topic about Nigerian hip hop legends arises, Olamide Badoo’s name sits firmly at the top of the list.

From his early 2010s breakthrough to his current status as a major cultural force, Olamide Gbenga Adedeji has constructed an empire based on his unwavering commitment to his roots, authenticity, and consistency.

In addition to creating his own collection of classic street songs, the YBNL head is also credited with finding and developing some of the biggest contemporary artists in the nation, including Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, and Asake.

Olamide is unique in more ways than just his knack for hits and his position at the top of the charts. It is his reluctance to fit in. Olamide doubled down on the streets that made him famous during a time when many Nigerian musicians muted their sound or shifted to English in an attempt to gain international exposure.

One of his most distinctive characteristics is his use of Yoruba, which is rich, expressive, and intensely local.

Olamide On Adhering to His Heritage
Olamide has discussed openly the reasoning behind his choice to rap in his own tongue rather than switching to English for worldwide appeal in an interview with Eddie Kaddi on BBC Radio 1 Extra.

Beyond music, his words conveyed a sense of pride.

"Watching people like Brenda Fassi and Awilo Longomba do their thing when I was growing up," he remarked. These individuals never made any attempt to impose English on others. They were simply going about their business. The most important thing is to determine your target audience. The rest of the world will eventually catch up when you have determined who your audience is. Therefore, I must always be true to who I am, no matter what or where I am in this world.

"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

"I'm a Naija boy," the 36-year-old celebrity continued. I will wear my Dashiki and Agbada if I so choose. Inform them of my true identity, including my ancestry, culture, cuisine, and traditions. Being comfortable in life can only be achieved by remaining loyal to who you are. Being a Yoruba and Naija boy, I'm confident in who I am. I have everything of it, even an H-factor. And I take pride in it.

Olamide's career is summed up in that statement alone: a masterful fusion of street swagger, cultural fidelity, and an unwavering faith in oneself.

Without ever having to give up his linguistic or aural individuality, it is the same mindset that has propelled him from Bariga to international recognition.

Olamide's Worldwide Influence Originated from Local Self-Belief

Olamide's viewpoint casts doubt on the conventional wisdom that success on a global scale requires approval from the West.

The rejection of the trend has not only changed the landscape of Nigerian rap but also inspired a new generation of artists to remain grounded while still having global aspirations. African artists have long felt forced to conform to a global pop template by frequently trading their native language.

His influence can still be heard today in the assurance of musicians like Asake, who meld Amapiano rhythms with Yoruba lyrics, and Fireboy, who skillfully combines Afrobeats and soul. And if the music business develops further, Olamide's position demonstrates that staying local might occasionally be the most effective strategy for going worldwide.