Olamide Bella Shmurda has said that rapper and music executive Olamide deliberately stepped back from the spotlight so that younger artists could develop.
In a podcast interview, Shmurda said that artists like him had been able to flourish partly because Olamide made sacrifices and offered support. He added that not many established artists are in a position to make such sacrifices.
Shmurda, who is known for ‘Cash App’, said:
“Olamide is the number one African artist, to me. I am not saying this because I am one of his branches. This man stayed back and made sure all the youngins in the industry like me are in proper space to blossom. Nobody else can,” he said.
In recent years, Olamide has released music less frequently in order to focus on his work as an executive producer.
His record label, YBNL Nation, has produced artists including:
- Lil Kesh
- Adekunle Gold
- Fireboy DML
- Asake
- Lita
- Chiko Ekun
The label has also worked with and supported other artists, including Zlatan Ibile, Seyi Vibez, Bella Shmurda and Ayo Maff.
