By By Muminat Ajide
Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive Olamide Gbenga Adedeji, professionally known as Olamide, returns with his latest musical offering, an EP titled “Ikigai,” marking his first release since the album “Unruly” in 2022.
Featuring seven tracks, the EP explores themes of purpose and fulfillment, drawing inspiration from the Japanese concept of “Ikigai.”
“Ikigai,” a term combining “iki” meaning “to live” and “gai” meaning “reason,” embodies the philosophy of finding one’s reason for being and living a life of meaning and happiness. It also lies at the intersection of the four circles: what you love doing, what your talents are, what the world needs, and what you are paid for.
The tracklist includes collaborations with notable artists such as Fireboy DML, Asake, Sabri, and a joint production effort featuring Pheelz, Young Jonn, and Lil Kesh.
The songs, titled “Metaverse,” “Uptown Disco,” “Makaveli,” “Knockout,” “Hello Habibi,” “Morowore,” and “Synchro System,” blend with Afrobeat rhythm.
Known for his extensive discography, Olamide has previously released the following studio albums:
1. Rapsodi (2011)
2. YBNL (2012)
3. Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013)
4. Street OT (2014)
5. Eyan Mayweather (2015)
6. The Glory (2016)
7. Lagos Nawa (Wobey Sound) (2017)
8. YBNL Mafia Family (2018) – as part of a collaborative project
9. 999 (2020)
10. Carpe Diem (2020)
11. UY Scuti (2021)
12. Unruly (2022)
