Entertainment

Spotify Rates Olamide Most Influential Street Pop Artiste

Published

2 years ago

December 21, 2023

Spotify, an online streaming platform, has rated Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter and record executive, Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as “Olamide”, as the ‘most influential street pop artiste of his generation’.

Benewaah Boateng, Spotify’s editor for West Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos.

Boateng said lately, the undeniable rise of the sub-genre “Street Pop” in Nigeria had been both remarkable and thrilling to observe and this had slowly made its way to mainstream music.

“Olamide is the most influential street pop artiste of his generation, consistently praised for his role in elevating Street Pop to mainstream recognition as a distinct music genre.

“Since the debut of his hit single, “Eni Duro,” he has been a constant cultural force, popularising dance styles like “Shakiti Bobo” and street lingos such as “Baddo Sneh” and “Pepper Dem”.

“Through his record label YBNL, Olamide has also played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s brightest street pop talents.

“The influence of Street Pop on the Nigerian music landscape in 2023 is clearly and undeniably significant.

“This is just the beginning of Street Pop going mainstream and we cannot wait to see how it continues to grow,” she said.

Boateng said street pop which originated from a fusion of Afrobeats, Highlife, Hip-hop, Fuji, Apala, indigenous sounds, and contemporary elements, boasts of an engaging rhythm, pulsating fast-paced beats and lyrics that mirror the everyday lives of Nigerians navigating the challenges of the streets.

She explained that a notable attribute of Street Pop as a music genre lies in its profound connection to the harsh realities of everyday life in Nigeria.

She said Olamide occupied the ninth spot in the list of top 10 artists in Nigeria.

“His most recent project, “Unruly” garnered widespread acclaim from fans who describe it as a brilliant body of work.

“One particular track that has resonated exceptionally well with audiences is “Gaza”, which has received significant admiration for its appeal and musical craftsmanship.

“Also, Seyi Vibez has emerged as an undeniable force in the Nigerian street pop scene, particularly in 2023, after finding mainstream success in 2022.

“He has ingrained himself in the hearts of Gen-Zs and millennials, with phrases like “na ham, na ham” echoing from his popular song, “Chance.”

“His success in 2023 is evident, from selling out his concert at the O2 Indigo Hall in the UK to securing features on hit songs like Gwagwalada, the second most streamed song in Nigeria on Spotify.

“Additionally, earning a spot among the top five most streamed artists in Nigeria further underscores Seyi Vibez’s ability to transcend Street Pop and strike a chord with all music lovers,” she said.

Boateng noted that Zinoleesky had reshaped and made substantial contributions to the street pop genre through his skilful melodies and compelling storytelling, landing him in the top 15 most streamed artists in Nigeria.

She said that as the genre continues to evolve and street pop artistes continue to explore new creative frontiers, it was evident that street pop was poised for exponential growth in the years to come.

Entertainment

‘Women Cheat More, They Are More Discreet’ – Toke Makinwa

Published

15 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Editor

Nigerian actress and media personality, Toke Makinwa has shared her opinion on infidelity disparity between the male and female genders.

Speaking in a recent episode of her Toke Moments podcast, the movie star claimed that women cheat more than men but more discreet.

She explained that it is easier for women to cheat unlike men, who have to spend resources, efforts and time to do so.

Makinwa explained that the realisation that women can also cheat makes her not to regard cheating as a dealbreaker.

She said, “Cheating is not a dealbreaker for me but it comes with a caveat. When I say it some people think that I am encouraging cheating. No. As I grow older, I realised that it is not just men who can cheat. Why are we making these men feel so special as if it is only them?

“Do you know how easy it is for a woman to cheat? It is even easier for us. But men will spend money, efforts and time to cheat.

“But we, we are the ones receiving. It is easier for women to cheat. You know, we have work boyfriend. A woman not cheating is not because she cannot cheat, it is probably because she has one thing you lack, it is strength.

“Women cheat more, but they know how to hide it.”

Entertainment

‘Wizkid Is My Boy, I Accommodated Him Years Ago’ – American Rapper, Wale

Published

15 hours ago

December 27, 2025

Editor

Nigerian-American rapper, Wale has revealed the role he played in the career of Nigerian Afrobeats singer Wizkid.

Speaking during a livestream with Carter Efe, Wale explained that he played a critical role in Wizkid’s career, specifically introducing him to international audience.

He also revealed that he once he once accommodated the singer, whom he referred to as his “boy” in Beverly Hills, California.

Entertainment

I’ve Stopped Impregnating Women Anyhow – 2Baba

Published

1 day ago

December 26, 2025

Editor

Veteran Nigerian singer, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has said he has stopped impregnating women anyhow, noting that he no longer lives the way many people believe.

The singer made the statement recently during the MC EdoPikin Undiluted with StarBoy and Legends show in Benin City, Edo State, shortly before his performance.

Speaking directly to the audience, the African Queen crooner said he decided to speak openly so as to correct public perception about his past and clear his name.

“But see, I get confession. I dey make this confession everywhere I go now to set the record straight. I don stop to dey do that kind of thing. I don stop to dey give belle anyhow. I swear, ask anybody now, they will tell you that I’m innocent,” he said.

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2Baba has for years been in the public eye not just for his music career but also for his personal life, which has often sparked conversations on social media due to his relationships with women.

His first known baby mama is Sumbo Adeoye, with whom he has two sons, Zion and Nino. Their relationship reportedly ended around 2009 after revelations of his involvement with other women.

The singer also has three children with his second baby mama, Pero Adeniyi, between 2006 and 2012.

With Annie Macaulay-Idibia, 2Baba shares two daughters. The couple got married in 2012 but announced their separation in 2025.

More recently, the music star welcomed a child with his new partner, Natasha Osawaru, a relationship that has continued to draw public attention following reports of a controversial marriage.

This development comes shortly after 2Baba shared his views on music and talent in the industry, insisting that there is no such thing as a “wack artist.”

In a separate video message, the veteran singer said every song is created to stir emotions and that success in music goes beyond talent alone.

“Every music is tailored to evoke an emotion, to create a spirit. There is nothing like a wack artist,” he said.

He added that many artistes often labelled as wack end up more successful because they understand the business side of music.

“That is why many of the so-called wack artists are more bankable than the talented ones. Because they understand that it is not the art itself, it is the marketing of that art,” he said.

The singer further stressed that no song can appeal to everyone, noting that acceptance depends largely on promotion and how well the music connects with its target audience.

“No matter how talented you are or how sweet your music is, there is no music that everybody likes. Everything is narrowed down to the marketing, promotion and the business. It is only those who resonate with your music that will like,” he added.