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Nigerian rap legend Olamide has been named one of Billboard’s 2025 Global Power Players, cementing his status as both a hitmaker and visionary label boss. The recognition comes after a banner year for his YBNL Nation, which propelled Asake and Fireboy DML to new heights with critically acclaimed albums and historic shows.

  • Global Honor: Olamide joins Billboard’s elite list for leadership at YBNL Nation
  • Label Dominance: Asake’s Lungu Boy became Nigeria’s biggest 2024 album; Fireboy’s Adedamola earned widespread acclaim
  • International Milestones:
    • Asake sold out London’s O2 Arena (joining Davido and Wizkid)
    • MMS scored a Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance
  • Legacy: Olamide’s "local rap king" persona now has an undeniable global influence
While Olamide famously champions his "local boy" roots, this honor proves his impact transcends borders—YBNL’s success story mirrors Nigeria’s growing dominance in global music.

Does Western validation matter for African artists, or is Olamide’s local-first approach the real blueprint?