December 22, (THEWILL) – Popular online streaming platform, Spotify, has rated Nigerian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record executive, Olamide Gbenga Adedeji, widely known as Olamide as the ‘most influential street pop artiste of his generation’.
Spotify’s Editor for West Africa, Benewaah Boateng, made this announcement in a statement on Thursday, in Lagos. Boateng expressed that the recent surge of the sub-genre ‘Street Pop’ in Nigeria, has been notably remarkable and thrilling to witness, gradually infiltrating 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 emphasised that street pop, born from a fusion of Afrobeats, Highlife, Hip-hop, Fuji, Apala, indigenous sounds, and contemporary elements, features a captivating rhythm, lively fast-paced beats, and lyrics reflecting the daily struggles of Nigerians navigating the challenges of the streets.
She clarified that the distinctive quality of Street Pop as a music genre lies in its profound connection to the harsh realities of everyday life in Nigeria.
Additionally, she noted that Olamide secured the ninth position 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”, she said.
She also commended Nigerian street pop Singer and Songwriter, Balogun Afolabi Oluwaloseyi, known professionally as Seyi Vibez.
“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 also noted that Nigerian songwriter, singer and rapper Oniyide Azeez, professionally known as Zinoleesky, has significantly influenced and enriched the street pop genre with his adept melodies and compelling storytelling, securing a spot among the top 15 most streamed artists in Nigeria.
She emphasised that as the genre undergoes continuous evolution and street pop artists explore innovative creative avenues, it becomes apparent that street pop is poised for exponential growth in the coming years.
Moreover, she posited that street pop holds the potential to emerge as the next global phenomenon, akin to the impact of Afrobeats.
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