Olamide, one of Nigeria’s most influential hip-hop artists, has once again proven that his impact extends far beyond personal success. Known for launching and mentoring some of the country’s top talents, the YBNL Nation boss has added more firepower to his roster by signing new acts in 2022. This strategic move not only strengthens the reach of his label but also reinforces his status as a key figure in nurturing the next generation of Afrobeats, street-pop, and hip-hop talents.
While many artists focus solely on their personal discography and accolades, Olamide’s consistent efforts to provide a platform for emerging musicians distinguish him as a pillar of Nigeria’s ever-evolving music industry. With every new signing, he breathes life into the label’s mission of representing the streets, celebrating originality, and exporting Nigerian sound to the world.
Building an Empire: The Rise of YBNL
Founded in 2012, YBNL—short for Yahoo Boy No Laptop—began as a modest label focused on giving voice to street-hop culture. However, within a decade, it blossomed into one of Nigeria’s most respected music powerhouses. From the label’s early days of producing breakout stars like Lil Kesh and Adekunle Gold to more recent icons like Fireboy DML and Asake, YBNL’s track record speaks volumes.
In 2022, the label cemented its reputation by forging a global distribution deal with American label and publishing giant, Empire. This partnership gave YBNL artists access to broader international platforms while maintaining the creative freedom and cultural authenticity that YBNL is known for.
Olamide, often referred to as “Baddo,” has demonstrated a rare ability to spot talent early and help artists hone their sound while building loyal fan bases. His artist-first philosophy emphasizes creative control, versatility, and a shared vision for global impact—principles that continue to draw promising musicians into the YBNL fold.
New Signings, New Soundscapes
In 2022, Olamide welcomed several fresh faces to the YBNL roster, signaling a new chapter for the label. Among the most notable additions is Senth, a talented singer-songwriter with a unique sound that blends Afrobeats, pop, and alternative soul. With his smooth vocals and emotional depth, Senth quickly became one of the label’s most talked-about newcomers.
His debut EP under YBNL, Senth of Her, introduced listeners to a refreshing side of Afrofusion rarely explored on mainstream charts. Tracks like “Dagger” and “Don’t Care” earned positive reviews and began building Senth’s presence both in Nigeria and abroad. Olamide’s endorsement of Senth sent a strong message: YBNL is not just about street-hop anymore—it’s evolving to embrace diverse musical expressions while staying true to its core.
Through Senth and other upcoming signings, Olamide continues to widen the label’s sonic palette, investing in artists whose voices can resonate beyond traditional formats.
A Proven Formula for Success
What sets Olamide’s YBNL apart from other Nigerian labels is its focus on artist development and long-term growth. Rather than riding on short-term buzz, YBNL creates an ecosystem where musicians can mature, take creative risks, and build lasting careers. This was evident in the phenomenal rise of Fireboy DML, who transitioned from a promising newcomer to a global Afrobeats superstar under YBNL’s guidance.
Similarly, Asake, another YBNL signee, took 2022 by storm with a string of hits like “Sungba,” “Peace Be Unto You (PBUY),” and “Joha.” His blend of Fuji influences, street-inspired lyrics, and high-energy beats propelled him to stardom, making him one of the most streamed artists in Nigeria that year. Much of that success can be attributed to the YBNL-Empire collaboration and Olamide’s creative input, mentorship, and business acumen.
By replicating this success blueprint for his new signees, Olamide is building a future where YBNL will continue to shape mainstream Nigerian music for years to come.
More Than a Label: A Cultural Institution
YBNL has become more than just a record label—it is now a cultural institution representing the resilience, vibrancy, and entrepreneurial spirit of young Nigerians. Its artists often draw inspiration from everyday life, using music to voice the struggles, joys, and aspirations of millions.
This cultural relevance has made YBNL a household name, not just for fans of Nigerian hip-hop or Afrobeats but also for international audiences seeking authenticity. Olamide’s ability to retain this essence while guiding his label toward global appeal is one of the reasons YBNL remains so influential.
As the label continues to grow its international reach, it remains firmly rooted in Nigerian realities—celebrating street culture while challenging global music standards.
Olamide’s Dual Role: Artist and Executive
Even as he expands YBNL, Olamide has not abandoned his own music career. In 2023, he released Unruly, an album showcasing his versatility, lyrical prowess, and ability to adapt to new sounds. His dual role as both artist and executive has given him unmatched insight into what works creatively and commercially.
This makes him an invaluable mentor for younger talents who benefit not only from his business strategies but also from his studio guidance. Olamide is known to collaborate closely with his signees, often featuring on their songs or producing tracks behind the scenes.
By remaining active in both spheres, he leads by example—demonstrating that with the right mindset and support system, artists can thrive both creatively and professionally.
A Future Full of Promise
With his recent signings and continued investment in his label, Olamide shows no signs of slowing down. He envisions a future where YBNL becomes a springboard for African talents seeking global exposure without compromising their artistic identity.
Already, the label’s growing partnerships with international distributors, music platforms, and concert organizers point to a broader strategy aimed at making YBNL a global brand. And with Nigeria at the heart of Africa’s music renaissance, YBNL stands poised to lead that charge.
By signing diverse new talents and expanding his label’s sound, Olamide is not just adapting to the industry’s future—he is helping to shape it.
Final Thoughts
Olamide’s latest additions to YBNL reaffirm his long-standing commitment to developing homegrown talent and pushing boundaries. By signing new artists and expanding his label’s influence, he reinforces YBNL’s place as a dominant force in both Nigerian and global music.
Through mentorship, strategic partnerships, and a sharp ear for talent, Olamide continues to prove that his legacy isn’t just about hits—it’s about building a sustainable future for African music.
