Spotify, an online streaming platform, has ranked Olamide, Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter and record executive, as the ‘most influential street pop artiste of his generation’.
Spotify’s Editor, West Africa, Benewaah Boateng, announced this in a recent statement in Lagos.
While making the announcement, Boateng said lately, the undeniable growth of the sub-genre “Street Pop” in Nigeria had been remarkable and thrilling to observe and this had gradually made its way to mainstream music.
She said: “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.”
Boateng noted that 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 reflect the everyday lives of Nigerians navigating the challenges of the streets.
She stated that notable attribute of Street Pop as a music genre lies in its great connection to the harsh realities of everyday life in Nigeria and added that Olamide occupied the ninth spot in the list of top 10 artistes in Nigeria.
She said: “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.”
