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Nigerian rap superstar, Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Baddo, has paid tribute to the late indigenous rapper, Dagrin, acknowledging the lasting impact the late artist had on his music career and on the entire Nigerian hip-hop scene.
Speaking in a recent video broadcast, the YBNL boss reflected on Dagrin’s influence, describing him as a pioneer who paved the way for indigenous rap in Nigeria.
Olamide said Dagrin’s artistry not only shaped his own musical direction but also inspired a generation of rappers to embrace their local dialects and cultural identity in their music.
According to Olamide, the late Dagrin was a major source of motivation and creativity for him, especially during moments of writer’s block. He revealed that he often listens to Dagrin’s iconic album, C.E.O (Chief Executive Omoita), whenever he needs inspiration to write new music.
“Dagrin’s C.E.O album is a timeless project,” Olamide said. “That’s the only rap album almost everybody in the South-West can sing word for word. Dagrin influenced a lot of rappers. Whenever we need motivation, we would go and listen to his album.”
The rapper emphasized that Dagrin’s music remains one of the strongest foundations of modern Yoruba rap, highlighting how his delivery, storytelling, and street wisdom resonated with the average Nigerian youth. Olamide also credited the late rapper for giving local rap a level of respect and recognition in the mainstream Nigerian music industry.
Dagrin, whose real name was Olaitan Oladapo Olaonipekun, tragically died in a car accident in April 2010 at the young age of 25. His death sent shockwaves through the music community, and his songs gained even greater popularity posthumously.
His body of work, especially the C.E.O album, remains widely celebrated among fans of indigenous hip-hop.
Olamide’s acknowledgment serves as a reminder of Dagrin’s monumental impact on Nigerian rap culture.
Before Dagrin’s rise, indigenous rap was not widely accepted in mainstream media, but his unique fusion of Yoruba lyrics, street slangs, and relatable storytelling created a new sound that bridged the gap between the streets and the mainstream audience.
Since Dagrin’s passing, Olamide has often been regarded as his spiritual successor, carrying on the legacy of indigenous rap while expanding its boundaries to new audiences across Africa.
Through his record label, YBNL, Olamide has also helped nurture new rap and afrobeat talents like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy DML, and Asake, who continue to influence the Nigerian music scene.
Fans have continued to draw comparisons between both rappers, noting their similar lyrical intensity and cultural representation. Many social media users have praised Olamide for giving Dagrin his flowers and keeping his legacy alive.
More than a decade after his death, Dagrin’s music remains timeless, and his influence continues to echo through the voices of Nigeria’s biggest stars. Olamide’s tribute is yet another testament to the fact that Dagrin’s impact on Nigerian music will never be forgotten.
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