On Thursday, March 20, 2014, MTV Base honoured  Nigerian Rapper Olamide
as its artiste of the month of March, and organised an interactive
session with select media houses at VIACOM Office, Parkview Estate,
Ikoyi.
The rapper, who is the best in the Yoruba rap genre at the moment, talks
to NET about his career, his life and his relationships with American
rapper Wale, Dbanj, Wande Coal, Toni Payne, and his former manager,
Tony Nwakolor.
You started out doing hardcore English rap, so why did you switch to indigenous rap?
I switched to indigenous rap because the change was called for and I followed my heart.
How do you feel being on 2014 Star Music Trek tour?
Im very happy to be part of it this year  Star trek is a platform that everybody wants to get involved in.
What should your fans be expecting from you in this years Star trek tour?
My fans should be expecting all of me.
Having established yourself in the industry, when will you bring out your newly signed YBNL artistes?
Viktor is one of the newly signed acts. He dropped his single on
Wednesday, March 19, 2014, while Lil Kesh dropped his a long while ago.
It was Viktor who introduced me to Lil Kesh. He said that he was from
Bariga and I should listen to his song. When I heard the song, I asked
Viktor to call him up and we signed him. They have shot videos and
Viktors video will be dropping next week while Lil Keshs video
will be dropping in the next two or three weeks.
What was the modality for signing them to YBNL?
YBNL is beyond a record label, its a movement, a way of giving back
to the street. If I have the money to sign more of them, even if they
are ten and my spirit is connected to them, I will sign them. I believe
in their talent that is why I signed them so they dont forsake their
talent for something else.
Should we be expecting a collaborative album with your newly signed artistes?
Hopefully, there should be, but I will keep you posted when we are ready.
What kind of relationship do you have with Dbanj?
Dbanj is just my big brother. He calls me to advise me, he hides
nothing from me, tells me about the industry, and he respects me for my
hard work and puts me through business wise. We were just planning to do
business; people hear things and get it twisted. Baba and I are still
doing business low key and we have a lot of surprises coming very soon.
Would you have signed for Dbanj record label if he had pushed for it?
Maybe years back I would, but for now, I think I Â am good and blessed.
All I need to do is live my dream and help the other artistes with me to
do so.
American-Nigerian rapper Wale spoke about his love for your songs when
he came to Nigeria last year. Is there any possibility of a
collaboration between you two?
I think its very stupid when someone likes you and you take them for
granted or misuse the opportunity. Just because somebody likes you
doesnt mean you must do a song with that person. I believe more in
having a good relationship with people. Wale is like a brother to me, if
I feel like doing a song which he could be part of it, I will, but
Im not an opportunist.
this is
serious. !! Make n'na kwn vex my brother.
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