After thrilling fans with "Idan Buruku," an electrifying freestyle that takes listeners back in time, the acclaimed rapper Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide Badoo, has informed his audience that there is much more to anticipate this year.
In a post on his X account, the Grammy-nominated artist announced his plans to release the second volume of his Extended Play (EP) titled "Ikigai."
He shared this news while replying to a fan who expressed disappointment over the short length of "Idan Buruku." Olamide responded, “You’ll have to wait for Ikigai vol. 2, it’s almost here.”
"Idan Buruku," produced by Eskeez, showcases a masterclass in rap bravado. This freestyle serves as a testament to Olamide’s enduring presence and significance in the Nigerian music industry. With lines that radiate confidence and charm, he vividly illustrates his supremacy, comparing himself to the “lyrical Kim Jong Un.”
Renowned for his ability to merge streetwise authenticity with mainstream appeal, Olamide demonstrates his lyrical prowess in this latest release, reaffirming his status as one of Nigeria's greatest rappers of all time.
The first volume of "Ikigai," a Japanese term meaning “a reason to live,” achieved tremendous success. The project featured tracks like "Metaverse," "Habibi," and "Uptown Disco," with contributions from Asake and Fireboy. This EP marks Olamide’s 10th solo project, reflecting his continuous growth and his knack for staying connected to the cultural zeitgeist.
In addition to releasing "Ikigai" in 2024, Olamide has also made numerous guest appearances, collaborating with artists such as Shallipopi, Zlatan, Khaid, Alpha P, Gimba, and more recently, the Antiworld Gangsters.
Over his decade-long career in the music scene, the creator of hits like "Shakiti Bobo" and "Science Student" has maintained his position at the top, solidifying his status as one of Nigeria’s leading artists of the 21st century.
Beyond his success as a hitmaker, Olamide is also a thriving label executive, having launched notable music talents through his YBNL imprint, including Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy, and Asake.
As the leader of YBNL, he continues to set benchmarks for others in the industry. It is clear that he has kicked off 2025 with an impressive start.