Let’s get it straight, the Nigerian music industry and Africa at large would be less remarkable without the influence of one of Nigeria’s greatest musicians, Olamide. “Baddo na Baba” is not a mere saying for unarguably the most consistent hitmaker in Nigeria.

Olamide’s influence on Africa’s music ecosystem is second to none, wearing multiple hats as a rapper, singer-songwriter, and prominent music executive. With fifteen music projects since his emergence in 2010, only a few Afropop artists can match the weight of his cultural and sonic impact.

By most definitive metrics, Olamide has dominated the scene through his ingenious artistry. From championing indigenous Hip-hop through fiery rap to leading Afrobeats with top-charting anthems and soulful ballads, the YBNL boss has maintained versatility across his discography.

For many who have witnessed his unwavering growth over the last 15 years, his evolution seems to have no bounds. Whether he’s guesting on powerful verses, charging with electric bars, or mellow melodies, he continues to deliver consistently without losing his edge.

Even as Afrobeats continues to evolve and transcend borders, with emerging talents leading the charget, the 36-year-old’s cultural influence continues to blaze about two decades early breakout moment. His recently headlined show at the OVO Arena Wembley, London, Olamide Live in London on the 23rd of November, 2025, is yet another testament to his impressive artistry. He sold out the 12,500-capacity stadium, delivering a masterful blend of Afropop and indigenous hit records. He didn’t just make a name for himself as an emblem of Street-hop, but cemented his status as one of Africa’s biggest stars.

In retrospect, here are the top 10 biggest Olamide hits that shaped Nigerian music culture and certify him as the ultimate hitmaker.

Durosoke (2013)

While Afropop was gaining momentum in Nigeria, Olamide was carving a lane for himself with indigenous rap. Leading his third studio album, Baddest Guy Ever Liveth, the pheelz-produced track, “Durosoke,” was released in 2013. The opening line and catchy verses marked by wordplay hit the streets and crossed the airwaves. The energetic beat and catchy chorus have remained classic and a staple in street carnivals. This track highlights Olamide’s prowess in turning contemporary rap into instant hits.

Story for the Gods (2014)

In 2014, Olamide scored a massive hit with the catchy bop, “Story for the Gods.” Despite the controversies raised, the Young Jonn-produced track became a street anthem with its infectious rhythm and hedonistic lyrics. More than that, it blurred the line between contemporary Hip-hop and pop in Nigeria. The laid-back tune and playful chorus from the track have remained standout since its release.

Lagos Boys (2015)

Since the history of Afrobeats, there has never been a greater intro than “Ladies sneh and gentlemen sneh,” off Olamide’s landmark track, “Lagos Boys.” The iconic rap song solidified his versatility as a rapper and singer. Teaming up with YBNL in-house producer Pheelz, Olamide delivered the ultimate party starter. The groovy beat, marked by its infectious melodies and catchy chorus, offered a defining moment in the Nigerian music industry. While the track hailed the Lagos culture, the sheer weight of its cultural influence across the country is difficult to dismiss.

Bobo (2015)

One of Afropop’s greatest songs, “Bobo,” was yet another definitive moment that championed Olamide’s artistry as a rapper and singer. Released as a lead single from his 2015 album Eyan Mayweather, the track cemented Olamide’s cultural impact beyond the streets. In the year when Afrobeats kicked off to the world, the iconic rap song became a club anthem at home and abroad, ushering in the viral ‘Shakiti Bobo’ dance craze.

Wo!! (2017)

Being an emblem of Street-hop, Olamide returned to his roots in Bariga, Lagos, to deliver the street anthem “Wo!!.” The track’s energetic beat and infectious hook transcended the streets and became a national hit. The Young Jonn-produced track highlighted Olamide’s ability to effortlessly churn out hit records.

Science Student (2018)

On “Science Student,” Olamide flipped a controversial moment into a commentary on the drug abuse culture in Nigeria. Despite the initial commotion, the critically acclaimed song became one of the biggest club bangers and a nationwide hit during the ‘Shaku Shaku’ wave in 2018.

Turn Up (2013)

In a year with sizable hits from Afrobeats artists, Olamide was consistently churning out hits via his Baddest Guy Ever Liveth album — and “Turn Up” was yet another street anthem from the hitmaker. Ever since the release in 2013, the pulsating beats crafted by Pheelz and energetic verses from Olamide have remained a staple for nightclubs. From “Hello, how are you?” becoming a catch phrase to the opening tune making it to every DJ set, there was no debate on Olamide’s cultural influence.

Goons Mi (2014)

When Olamide isn’t dominating the Afrobeats scene, he’s having a good time with contemporary Hip-hop. Yet, only a few Nigerian rappers can boast of top-charting records in Hip-hop like Olamide. On “Goons Mi,” he leans into hardcore indigenous rap to deliver fiery bars, energetic flows, and wordplays. His recognition of unwavering friendships and community, marked by braggadocious lines, drives the song.

Melo Melo (2015)

While Olamide emerged and became prominently known for his hardcore and melodic rap, “Melo Melo” revealed his impressive artistry as a singer and songwriter. On the mellifluous ballad delivered in the Yoruba language, Olamide gave Afrobeats singers a run for their money. Cutting through his gangster-esque demeanour from Eyan Mayweather, the soulful high-life song explored themes of love and devotion to scoring a commercial hit.

Who You Epp (2016)

Olamide has not only led the Afropop scene but also championed contemporary Hip-hop on the same scale. “Who You Epp,” produced by Shizzi, certifies his prominence in achieving this. Olamide’s cultural impact became evident yet again with the popularised term and remix featuring Wande Coal and Phyno. While the open-verse challenge increased the commercial success, the track’s pulsating beat and street lingo permeated social media and the airwaves to become a club anthem.