Spotify has named Nigerian rapper, singer, composer, and record executive Olamide Adedeji, also known as “Olamide,” the “most influential street pop artist of his generation.”
Benewaah Boateng, Spotify’s West Africa Editor, stated this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.
Boateng recently stated that the indisputable rise of the subgenre “Street Pop” in Nigeria had been both astonishing and fascinating to witness, and that it had gradually made its way to mainstream music.
“Olamide is the most influential street pop artist of his generation, and he has been consistently lauded for his role in bringing street pop to mainstream recognition as a distinct music genre.
“Since the debut of his hit single, “Eni Duro,” Olamide has been a constant cultural force, popularizing dance styles like “Shakiti Bobo” and street lingos such as “Baddo Sneh” and “Pepper Dem.
“Through his record label YBNL, Olamide has also played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s brightest street pop talents.
“The influence of street pop on the Nigerian music landscape in 2023 is clearly and undeniably significant.
“This is just the beginning of street pop going mainstream, and we cannot wait to see how it continues to grow,” she said.
Boateng asserted that street pop, which evolved from a fusion of Afrobeats, Highlife, Hip-hop, Fuji, Apala, indigenous sounds, and contemporary elements, has an engaging rhythm, pulsating fast-paced beats, and lyrics that reflect the everyday lives of Nigerians navigating the challenges of the streets.
She noted that a distinguishing feature of street pop as a music genre is its deep link to the harsh reality of everyday life in Nigeria.
She went on to say that Olamide was ranked ninth among Nigeria’s top ten artists.
“His most recent project, “Unruly,” garnered widespread acclaim from fans who describe it as a brilliant body of work.
“One particular track that has resonated exceptionally well with audiences is “Gaza,” which has received significant admiration for its appeal and musical craftsmanship.
“Also, Seyi Vibez has emerged as an undeniable force in the Nigerian street pop scene, particularly in 2023, after finding mainstream success in 2022.
“He has ingrained himself in the hearts of Gen-Zs and millennials, with phrases like “na ham, na ham” echoing from his popular song, “Chance.”
“His success in 2023 is evident, from selling out his concert at the O2 Indigo Hall in the UK to securing features on hit songs like Gwagwalada, the second most streamed song in Nigeria on Spotify.
“Additionally, earning a spot among the top five most streamed artists in Nigeria further underscores Seyi Vibez’s ability to transcend street pop and strike a chord with all music lovers,” she said.
Zinoleesky, according to Boateng, reinvented and made significant contributions to the street pop genre with his brilliant melodies and appealing storytelling, landing him in the top 15 most streamed musicians in Nigeria.
She stated that as the genre evolved and street pop artists explored new creative horizons, it was clear that street pop was primed for exponential expansion in the years ahead.
She believes street pop, like Afrobeats, will become the next global craze.
