By Habeeb Ibrahim
Fourteen years after his debut album, iconic Nigerian rapper, Olamide is back with his latest effort. The YBNL boss has just unveiled the tracklist of his 12th body of work which has an intimidating list of collaborations including seven time Grammy Award winner; Dr Dre and a surprise double collaboration with Afrobeats star, Wizkid.
Titled “Olamide!”, the 17-track project signals a new chapter for the veteran artist, following the success of his 2023 album “Unruly”. From his debut “Rapsodi” in 2011 to this latest offering, Olamide continues to evolve while leaving a mark on every corner of the African music scene.
The album features some of the biggest names in music. Wizkid appears on two tracks — “ΚΑΙ” and “Billionaires Club” (also featuring UK-Nigerian rapper Darkoo). Seyi Vibez is also featured twice, on “Free” and “99”, a posse cut that includes Asake, Young Jonn, and Daecolm.
One of the most talked-about inclusions is U.S. hip-hop legend Dr. Dre, who features on “Indika” alongside DJ Spinall. Other guest appearances include Popcaan, Fadi, BOJ, Fxrtune, and fast-rising star Muyeez.
The tracklist explores a wide range of themes and moods: from spiritual introspection in Hasibunallah, romantic experimentation in Luvaluvah and Paris, to street anthems like Lalakiρo. Tracks like 1 Shot, Special, and Stronger reveal Olamide’s emotional depth.
However, fans have pointed out notable absences. Longtime collaborator Phyno and YBNL signee Fireboy DML are missing from the lineup. Some believe it signals a deliberate creative shift, while others think a follow-up project may be on the way.
Social media has been buzzing:
“Only Baddo can pull this off. Wizkid and Dr. Dre? Na legend dey talk,” Solomon Armani.
“Seyi Vibez appeared twice? This is fire already,” added ENi Tãñ.
“Even Sun Gbalaja crooner appear for the album. Olamide has a golden heart,” said Hypeman King Katta.
Behind the Cover
The cover art for Olamide! was designed by Dayo Cyrus, a graduate of Lagos State University (LASU) and one of Olamide’s long-time creative collaborators. Cyrus has built a solid reputation in the Nigerian music industry, known for his consistent and iconic visual contributions to major music projects over the years.
His partnership with Olamide dates back years and includes artwork for tracks like Pawon, Bugle, Omo Ologo, C. Ronaldo, Sheevita Juice, Puna, and Sugar Daddy (with DJ Enimoney), among others. He also designed covers for Totori, Outside (with animation), Hate Me (featuring Wande Coal), and the YBNL Mafia Family album. He was also responsible for the tracklist design, logo, and vinyl layout of UY Scuti.
Cyrus has also shaped the visuals of Olamide’s signees and collaborators. His portfolio includes Fireboy DML’s Jealous, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps, Peru, Someone, and Bandana (featuring Asake). For Asake, he designed the cover for Mr. Money with the Vibe, as well as standout singles like Omo Ope, Sungba Remix (featuring Burna Boy), and Terminator.
In 2024, four out of the six songs nominated in the Best Street-Hop Artiste category at the 16th Headies Awards featured artworks designed by Dayo Cyrus. These include Otilo by Poco Lee & Hotkid, Peace by Mohbad, Chance by Seyi Vibez, and Joha by Asake.
Cyrus’s latest work on Olamide! reaffirms his role as one of the most influential visual artists in Afrobeats, crafting memorable images that match the energy and message of the music they represent.
