In a recent revelation that has captivated the Nigerian music scene, celebrated rapper Olamide has officially clarified his relationship with fellow superstar Wizkid, establishing a clear hierarchy between them.
The Hierarchy Revelation
During an interview with content creator Azeeez, Olamide directly addressed the common misconception that he and Wizkid began their musical journeys simultaneously. The YBNL chairman emphatically stated that Wizkid had actually started recording music nearly two years before him, making the 'Ojuelegba' crooner his senior in the industry.
"Wizkid and I didn't start doing music at the same time. He started a year or two before me; he was already putting out music before I came," Olamide revealed during the candid conversation.
Historical Context and Career Timeline
The clarification comes with substantial historical evidence supporting Olamide's claims. While both artists rose to mainstream prominence in 2010 - with Wizkid's 'Holla At Your Boy' debuting in January and Olamide's 'Eni Duro' following months later - Wizkid's industry presence predated this period significantly.
Records show that Wizkid featured on M.I. Abaga's hit track 'Fast Money/Fast Cars' as early as 2008, nearly two full years before either artist achieved widespread recognition. This early appearance demonstrated Wizkid's established position within the music ecosystem long before his official debut.
Further cementing their parallel rise, both artists were nominated in the prestigious Next Rated category at the 2011 Headies Awards, with Wizkid ultimately claiming the victory that year.
Olamide's Previous Praise for Wizkid
This isn't the first time Olamide has publicly acknowledged Wizkid's influence and stature. During a press conference in Toronto, Canada ahead of his November 14 show, the rapper had already crowned Wizkid as the greatest Afrobeats artist after the legendary Fela Kuti.
When questioned about his frequent collaborations with Wizkid, Olamide responded without hesitation: "You know that after Fela, Wizkid is the greatest Afrobeats artist ever."
He elaborated on this bold statement by highlighting Wizkid's global impact, remarkable consistency, and substantial contributions to the evolution of the Afrobeats genre. Olamide emphasized that Wizkid's influence extends far beyond hit songs, encompassing cultural moments, boundary-breaking achievements, and a legacy that has introduced Afrobeats to millions of listeners across continents.
Social Media Reactions
The music community has responded enthusiastically to Olamide's honest assessment. Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions praising the rapper's humility and truthfulness.
User @omo_iya_ologun commented: "This guy too real nah the other one no wan gree for Wizkid?" while @kidayo81 simply stated: "Olamide is a Truthful Man always."
Perhaps the most poignant observation came from @tolumogul.more, who noted: "You see OLAMIDE and DON JAZZY… For this music industry, leave am for them! These two guys know that giving people their flowers and support will never dim their shine. Only make them bigger. MUCH RESPECT!"
Other users shared personal memories of Wizkid's early career, with @certifiedmichael recalling: "The first Wizkid song I listen to was in 2009 the one MI abaga feature Him and The one with Bank W - Omoge You Too Much Before The Likes Of HOLLA AT YOUR BOY!"
User @official_chinaza4 offered philosophical insight: "What makes you a king is when you crown others," capturing the essence of Olamide's gracious acknowledgment.
Broader Industry Relationships
This revelation about Wizkid comes shortly after Olamide's comments about his relationships with other music heavyweights. In a previous interview with Adesope Live, the rapper had described Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy as friends but "just too troublesome."
He clarified that while they are "cool dudes," they sometimes struggle to align on certain issues, indicating the complex dynamics within Nigeria's music elite.
Olamide's consistent transparency about industry relationships and hierarchies has established him as a respected voice of reason in the often-turbulent Nigerian music scene. His willingness to acknowledge another artist's seniority and greatness demonstrates a maturity that has earned him widespread respect from fans and colleagues alike.
