Veteran music producer Samklef has sparked conversation on social media after asserting that YBNL boss Olamide has contributed more to the Nigerian music industry than celebrated music executive Don Jazzy.
Samklef made the remarks while reacting to the backlash Olamide is facing for declaring Wizkid “the greatest Afrobeats artist after Fela” during a recent press conference in Canada.
In a series of posts on his X handle, Samklef slammed critics of the rapper, accusing them of downplaying Olamide’s influence and disrespecting his opinion.
He argued that Olamide’s contributions to the music industry are unmatched, insisting that the rapper “broke the chain of industry gatekeepers” and deserves more respect for his impact.
Read Also: Olamide declares Wizkid greatest Afrobeats artist after Fela
Samklef wrote:
“Devil go punish anybody wey talk down on Olamide! His impact in the industry even Don Jazzy dey learn.
It was Olamide who humble Don Jazzy after that Headies wahala. And broke the chain of the industry gatekeepers. Na him make Don Jazzy dey wear this new mask.
After Wizkid, na Olamide get the real street credibility.”
Don Jazzy and Olamide are widely regarded as two of Nigeria’s most influential music executives, credited with shaping the careers of many top-performing artists.
Don Jazzy played a foundational role in developing stars such as Wande Coal, D’Prince, Dr Sid, and several others under the now-defunct Mo’Hits Records, which he co-owned with D’banj.
Following the split of Mo’Hits, he launched Mavin Records, which has since produced global sensations including Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Rema, and Ayra Starr.
On the other hand, Olamide’s YBNL Nation has become one of Nigeria’s most successful talent factories, nurturing artists such as Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, Asake, and many more into mainstream success.
Samklef’s comments have now ignited fresh debate online, with fans defending their preferred music icons as the conversation around impact, legacy, and influence continues to grow.
