Nigerian rapper, entrepreneur, and YBNL record label boss Olamide has recently addressed longstanding discussions regarding his career timeline relative to that of Afrobeats superstar Wizkid, clarifying that Wizkid entered the music scene before him. According to Olamide, Wizkid has been active in the industry for a year or two longer, and he wanted to correct the persistent misconception that the two artists began their music journeys simultaneously.
Fans Often Confuse Their Career Beginnings
The clarification was made during an exclusive interview with popular content creator and streamer, Azeeez, where Olamide sought to set the record straight regarding public perception. Many fans have historically assumed that Olamide and Wizkid started their music careers at the same time, likely due to their rise to nationwide prominence around the same period. Wizkid gained widespread recognition with his January 2010 hit “Holla at Your Boy,” while Olamide followed closely with his own breakthrough single “Eni Duro” later that year. This parallel visibility led to frequent comparisons and assumptions that their career timelines overlapped exactly.
Their early professional trajectories intersected publicly in 2011 when both artists were nominated in the highly competitive Next Rated category at the Headies Awards, a contest ultimately won by Wizkid. This event further solidified the perception of a shared starting point in the minds of many music fans and industry observers.
Olamide Explains His Statement
During the interview, Olamide emphasized: “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.” He stressed that the clarification was not meant to undermine either artist’s achievements but simply to correct the timeline as it is often misunderstood by the public.
He added that music records and collaborations support his statement. Notably, Wizkid, who is now 35 years old, appeared on rapper M.I Abaga’s track “Fast Money/Fast Cars” in 2008. This collaboration predated his mainstream breakthrough with “Holla at Your Boy” and indicates that Wizkid had begun carving a path in the music industry before Olamide officially emerged on the national stage.[/p>
Respect for Each Other’s Work
Olamide reiterated his respect for Wizkid’s accomplishments, acknowledging the superstar’s rapid ascent and influence in Afrobeats. He highlighted that while Wizkid established himself as a leading voice in Afrobeats through his early exposure and consistent releases, Olamide’s influence has remained significant within the Nigerian rap scene, street-pop culture, and as a homegrown star with a strong following. The clarification, Olamide said, is primarily to address public misunderstanding about who entered the music industry first, rather than to spark rivalry or diminish Wizkid’s contributions.
Despite repeated comparisons and debates among fans, Olamide maintained that both artists have unique contributions to Nigerian music and deserve recognition for their individual journeys. By offering this explanation, Olamide hopes to provide a more accurate historical perspective on the Nigerian music industry and encourage fans to appreciate the achievements of both himself and Wizkid without unnecessary conflict.
Fan Reactions and Legacy
The clarification has sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, with fans applauding Olamide’s transparency and historical accuracy. Many have used the opportunity to reflect on both artists’ contributions, from Wizkid’s early Afrobeats dominance to Olamide’s consistent influence on rap and street-pop genres. Some fans have shared personal memories of following both artists since the early 2010s, highlighting how their music shaped the Nigerian music scene and youth culture over the past decade.
Olamide’s comments also serve as a reminder of the importance of documenting accurate timelines in entertainment, ensuring that artists’ achievements are acknowledged correctly and that younger generations understand the historical development of Nigerian music. By addressing these misconceptions publicly, Olamide demonstrates a commitment to integrity and historical accuracy within the music industry.
Watch the video below…
“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 pic.twitter.com/ULvBrEZBHZ
— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) November 18, 2025