Nigerian rapper Olamide has paid tribute to the late Indigenous hip-hop artist Dagrin, acknowledging his lasting influence on his music and career.
Speaking in a recent video interview, the YBNL founder described Dagrin as a major inspiration to many Nigerian rappers, including himself, noting that his work continues to motivate new generations of artists.
Olamide revealed that he often listens to Dagrin’s acclaimed 2009 album C.E.O whenever he experiences creative block.
“Dagrin’s C.E.O album is a timeless project,” Olamide said. “That’s the only rap album almost everybody in the southwest can sing word for word. Dagrin influenced a lot of rappers — whenever we need motivation, we go back and listen to his album.”
Dagrin, born Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun, was widely regarded as a pioneer of Yoruba rap before his untimely death in a car crash in April 2010.
His music, which blended English and Yoruba to capture the realities of street life, gained even greater recognition after his death, cementing his legacy in Nigeria’s hip-hop scene.
Olamide, who emerged shortly after Dagrin’s passing, has often been compared to the late rapper for their shared commitment to Indigenous lyricism and storytelling.
Fifteen years after his death, Dagrin’s influence continues to resonate across Nigeria’s rap landscape — a testament, Olamide says, to the enduring power of his artistry.
