When Billboard unveiled its 2025 Global Power Players list, one name shone brightest from Africa: Olamide.
The YBNL Nation founder and CEO earned his spot among music’s most influential executives, cementing a rise from underground rapper to industry kingmaker.
A Label Built on Vision and Grit
Founded in 2012, YBNL Nation began as Olamide’s bold declaration of independence from the mainstream. Over the last decade, he’s scouted and launched stars like Fireboy DML, Asake, and Adekunle Gold, handpicking talent with an ear for global appeal and street authenticity. In 2020, Olamide sealed a game-changing distribution and publishing deal with Empire Distribution, amplifying his roster’s reach across continents.
Chart Conquests and Creative Mastery
Olamide’s artistry hasn’t taken a backseat. His EP Ikigai (生き甲斐), Vol. 1—a moody, introspective project named for the Japanese concept of “reason for being”—debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard World Albums chart, marking his seventh appearance on that prestigious ranking, his single “Kai!” featuring Wizkid is already stirring club floors and playlists worldwide.
Accolades Beyond Africa
Beyond Billboard, Olamide made history in November 2023 as the first African rapper nominated for a Grammy—his collaboration “Amapiano” with Asake earned a nod at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. These milestones underscore his dual prowess as both a creative force and shrewd entrepreneur.
Shaping Afrobeats’ Future
Being named a Global Power Player isn’t just an individual triumph; it symbolizes the global music industry’s acknowledgment of African leadership. Olamide’s journey—from the bustling streets of Bariga, Lagos to executive suites in New York—embodies Afrobeats’ evolution from local rhythm to world-conquering phenomenon. As YBNL artists top charts and pack arenas, Olamide’s influence resonates far beyond Nigeria’s borders, heralding a new era for African music.
With talent cultivated and barriers broken, Olamide isn’t just playing the power game—he’s rewriting its rules.
