Not liking Olamide is already a red flag. But not loving his new album? Yeah, you might be a terrible person. 👀
Talking about Olamide always seems to come with a compulsory re-introduction: a reminder that he’s a god in his own lane, that he owns the street, that he shaped a generation. But let’s not waste time repeating what you already know. If you’re here, you know what it is.
So let’s ask instead—how does Olamidé make you feel?
Rather than force an over-analysis of the album’s 17 tracks, it feels more urgent to spotlight what makes the album so compelling. Because if there’s anything you can always count on, it’s that Olamide knows how to deliver—and Olamidé does just that.
No artist has been as consistently present in Nigerian music as Olamide. Even in his quiet moments, the groundwork continues, resonating loudly enough to remind us of his formidable prowess. If one word could encapsulate Olamide, it wouldn’t be talent or even extraordinary—it would be consistent, because that’s what he has proven to be time and again.
The release of Olamidé marks the most vocal Olamide has been about his music in a while—and for good reason. You’ll agree that this album is a carefully curated body of work, crafted with clear intentionality. To explain why this album commands such loudness would take us into deeper waters, but stick with this writer—we’re about to unpack it all.
Here’s What We Love About Olamidé
We mentioned earlier that Olamide was notably vocal about this album, and we think it’s justified. Here are a few reasons why Olamide stands out:
1. Much Like Every One of Olamide’s Bodies of Work, Olamidé Brings a Fresh and Distinct Perspective
If you’ve followed Olamide’s music closely, you’ll easily notice the freshness he brings to each project. It’s obvious that Olamidé carries a different energy from 2024’s Ikigai, which itself had a different feel from 2020’s Carpe Diem.
This isn’t merely about Olamide experimenting with new sounds—it’s about the visible growth in every album: a sonic evolution, a maturity in craft. Olamide lands with a type of freshness we’ve never seen before, yet it’s carried by a deeply familiar energy. It’s the work of an artist whose sound continues to get more refined with time.
Despite past collaborations with Wizkid, the two features here— “Kai,” and “Billionaires Club” also featuring Darkoo—feel like unexplored territory. This suggests that the direction of the album was deliberate: exploration, and perhaps, a release of previously restrained artistic expressions.
2. Olamide Leans Into Western Influences Without Losing Himself
If Olamide can boast of anything over his decade-long run in the Nigerian music scene, it’s this: his music has always resonated with his core audience. As he’s grown and his sound has evolved, he’s never abandoned his cultural essence.
Unlike some of his peers who chased international validation with over-calculated collabs, Olamide’s trajectory has felt organic. These days, his music is less boisterous—more composed, even bougie in parts. But the core is still very much his.
His recent projects carry a more mellow energy, like a refined version of the street pop pioneer we know. On Olamidé, he leans into a westernized style—but doesn’t get lost in it.
This album reads like a test-run for full-blown global crossover—and he nails it. On “Free” where he features Seyi Vibez and Muyeez, the bouncy percussion, horn licks, and spacey synths nod heavily to UK rap. Muyeez’s UK-style flow makes it even more obvious: Olamide is playing with global aesthetics, but on his own terms.
Same with “Rain”, where he links up with Popcaan, Olamide steps into a more familiar zone—singing about enduring love. The Jamaican flavor blends seamlessly with his own, making it feel like a natural extension of his sound.
Then there’s the Spanish flair in “Paris” featuring FADI. The song opens with lush Spanish guitar strums, channeling a telenovela-like romance. Olamide lets FADI shine, offering no interruption. It’s theatrical and dramatic—the perfect signature for the album’s adventurous streak.
“Luvaluvah,” even opens with a sample from Lauryn Hill’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” before launching into Olamide’s rhythmic vocals.
3. While Sonically Adventurous, Olamide Still Honors the Core of His Identity
For all the sonic innovation, Olamide still contains core elements that define his music. It begins with “Hasibunallah,” a direct nod to his faith and cultural background. Olamide has always been candid about being Muslim and growing up in an Islamic household, and this track honors that.
Then there’s “Duro,” dressed in log drums and soft whistles. It’s a nod to what his evolved sound now looks like—refined but still gritty.
“Hybrid” and “Lalakipo” are classic Baddoo sounds. “Hybrid” is powered by local Yoruba drums and rhythms that speak directly to his longtime fans. “Lalakipo” is a night-life anthem: uptempo, percussion-heavy, and thematically light. It’s a party track designed for maximum replay in clubs and lounges.
Overall, Olamidé is an exploration of new territories, but what’s most impressive is how thoroughly curated it feels. It moves through zones—jazz moods on the “Prelude” featuring Fxrtune, to the intentional guest features throughout, and finally the reflective close of “Stronger” featuring BOJ, this album recaptures the attention of his audience—and keeps it.
This album doesn’t just feel like an album, it feels like a map of everywhere Olamide could still go.
Standout Tracks
- “Hasibunallah”
- “Hybrid”
- “Lalakipo”
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