By Fawaz Adebisi
Renowned rapper Olamide recently shared the intriguing story behind the genesis of his successful record label, YBNL Nation, revealing how the concept of ‘Sapa’ (financial struggles) inspired his decision to establish the label and transform his passion for music into a thriving business.
In an engaging interview with Nandi Madida on Apple Music’s Africa Now Radio, Olamide opened up about his motivations, explaining that he felt a responsibility to wisely reinvest his earnings from the music industry, rather than indulging in unnecessary extravagance.
“I recognized that the world was embracing my music, and I was deeply appreciative of that,” Olamide explained.
“However, I realized it was time to channel those resources back into what was generating that love and appreciation. It used to be all about passion, but I knew I needed to elevate it, make it a proper business.”
This desire to ensure a sustainable future for his music career led Olamide to establish his own record label, a move that would eventually lead to the discovery and nurturing of talented artists like Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, Adekunle Gold, Viktoh, Davolee, and many more.
“I didn’t want my hard-earned money to be squandered on frivolous indulgences,” Olamide continued.
“I saw the potential in investing in the music business itself, giving young talents opportunities, and that’s how it all began.”
As he prepares for his upcoming ‘Unruly’ tour, Olamide expressed his excitement about reconnecting with his fans.
“The last time I took the stage was at Mr Money (Asake)’s concert in London, UK, last year,” he shared. “But this December, I’m hosting my concert in Nigeria, and next summer, I’ll be embarking on a tour in the United States of America and Europe. I’m getting back on the road.”
The artist acknowledged the demand from his loyal fan base to ‘come outside’ and engage with them.
He discussed the challenges of staying current in a rapidly evolving music industry, emphasizing the importance of aligning with the present trends while staying true to one’s essence.
Olamide’s continuous work behind the scenes has been aimed at striking this balance and ensuring that he remains in sync with the dynamic landscape of the music world.
“The new wave in music is incredibly exciting right now, but it requires a strategic approach to adapt to these times,” Olamide said.
“I’ve invested a lot of effort in this preparation, which is why it took me some time. But I’m ready, and I can’t wait to be back in action.”
Olamide’s journey, from the ‘Sapa’ inspiration to the successful establishment of YBNL Nation, exemplifies the synergy between creativity and business acumen.
His commitment to nurturing emerging talents while building a sustainable musical empire underscores his influence on the Nigerian music scene and his dedication to maintaining his position as a significant force in the industry.
