Ace rapper and music executive Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide Baddo, said he had entered a new phase of self-prioritisation after years of dedicating his time, energy, and resources to others.
The YBNL boss made the revelation during a recent interview with Flow 98.7 FM, where he spoke openly about the pressures of leadership, the weight of responsibility, and the personal sacrifices he had made while building one of the most influential music movements in Nigeria.
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Olamide explained that he had spent most of his career lifting others, investing in new talent, and supporting artists even as he pushed his own music.
According to him, this constant balancing act took a toll, and he reached a point where he needed to give himself the same level of devotion he had shown others.
“Right now, I’m at the phase in my life where I’m really trying to give myself undivided attention,” he said.
“All my life I’ve been trying to be there for people and also trying to do my stuff. But right now, I’m really just trying to focus on myself 100 percent.”
His words reflected a rare moment of vulnerability from an artist widely seen as one of the most selfless figures in the Nigerian music industry.
For over a decade, Olamide shaped the careers of many musicians, often putting their growth ahead of his own personal ambitions.
Through his label, YBNL Nation, he discovered, groomed, and launched several artists into mainstream success. Lil Kesh, Young John, Pheelz, Fireboy DML, Lyta, Asake, and Adekunle Gold all rose to fame under his watch.
Beyond his label, Olamide also helped many artists gain nationwide attention through collaborations.
His features gave key boosts to the careers of Zlatan Ibile, Naira Marley, Portable, Bella Shmurda, and several others.
Many street pop musicians saw him as a gateway to mainstream recognition, and he always embraced that role.
However, with this new phase of self-focus, Olamide hinted that the era of constantly putting others first had slowed down.
He noted that while he still cared about people, he needed room to reconnect with himself, protect his mental space, and build the next chapter of his legacy on his own terms.
This shift did not come as a surprise to close observers. In recent years, Olamide had taken a quieter approach to public life. He released fewer songs, reduced his media appearances, and focused more on developing YBNL’s business structure.
His decision to invest in himself also aligned with global trends, where many entertainers now prioritise mental health, personal development, and long-term wellbeing over constant output.
Despite his shift, Olamide’s influence remained strong. His imprint YBNL continued to thrive, and his partnership with Empire expanded his global reach. Fans also expressed excitement about the possibility of new solo projects from the rapper, hoping his renewed focus would usher in another wave of impactful hits.
With this new phase of life, Olamide signalled that while he would always be a builder, mentor, and leader, he was finally ready to give himself the same love, attention, and energy he had poured into others for years.
