Rapper Olamide has stated that he will never change his style or identity for international recognition.
Speaking with BBC Radio 1Xtra, he said, “You have to identify your audience. Once you identify your audience, the rest of the world will catch up eventually. So, I have to stay true to myself and no mater where it is, what it is, I mean, in this world, I have to stay true to myself. I’m comfortable in my skin. I’m a Naija guy, Yoruba boy, I have H‑Factor and all that, and I’m proud about it. You just have to stay true to yourself.”
The remarks align with Olamide’s stance on his career direction.
In an August 2025 interview with content creator Korty EO, he said: “You can’t box me and call me a rapper… I love music, and nobody is going to tell me when to make a particular sound.”
He also warned that “Sometimes being too business‑minded can limit creativity because you start to think about whether some things will work… instead of just doing it.”
Olamide’s influence is recognised across the Nigerian music scene. Artist Shallipopi called him “the father and king of Nigerian street music” in 2024, saying he featured Olamide on his track ‘Order’ because “Olamide owns the street.”
T.I Blaze also described him as his “biggest inspiration in music,” noting his role in lifting emerging artists.
