The legendary Olamide is all shades of multifaceted creativity, evolution and relatively, a steward of modern-day Afrobeats. Badoo as he’s popularly known, has been around since 2010 when he released his debut single Eni Duro and has ever since stayed relevant in the business of making hits and hit makers including Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Fireboy and Asake under his record label, YBNL, recognized by Billboard Magazine as one of the Nigerian music industry gatekeepers.
Interestingly, Olamide is also well-versed in songwriting and has co-written some euphonious tracks that showcase his prolific pen game. He is ever-evolving with the times and continuously stays relevant at the top. Here are 10 tracks Olamide co-wrote:
1. Everyday — Fireboy
Everyday is Fireboy’s first single of 2024. The Afropop track trails romantic storytelling and is imbued with Olamide’s luxuriant lyricism, adding depth and dimension to Fireboy’s signature style. Notably, while Olamide and Asake, another YBNL signee, have collaborated on co-writing in the past, Everyday is Fireboy’s first track co-written by Olamide, signaling a fresh chapter of creative synergy within the YBNL family.
2. 2:30 — Asake
On June 15, 2023, YBNL star, Asake released his electrifying track 2:30 to the world. Anticipation had been building, fueled by tantalizing snippets shared across social media platforms, compelling fans to clamor for the full song. The collaborative genius of Asake and the iconic Olamide reverberates through the track, with both credited as its lyrical masterminds on Spotify.
3. No Competition — Davido featuring Asake
After a hiatus, Davido made a triumphant return in 2023 with Timeless, his highly anticipated fourth studio album. Among its standout tracks is No Competition, the 13th track featuring YBNL sensation, Asake. Olamide’s creative prowess shines through as he is credited as a co-writer, contributing to the captivating melody.
4. Injure Me — Teni
Teni released her debut album, Wondaland in March 2021. The eighth track on the album, Injure Me is infused with Olamide’s lyrical prowess. This Afro-pop song boasts of an attention-grabbing beat, and catchy lyrics focusing on the complicated nature of relationships.
5. No Options — Boj featuring Odumodublvck
Boj and Odumodublvck form a smooth sonic synergy on No Options. Co-written by the prolific Olamide, the song exudes euphony and is adorned with rich lyricism.
6. My Love — Wale featuring Major Lazer, WizKid, and Dua Lipa
In 2017, Wale released his fifth studio album, Shine, which is home to the single My Love, co-written by Olamide. The song features Major Lazer, WizKid, and Dua Lipa, with each artist contributing their distinct style to the track. My Love is a unique blend of hip-hop and Afrobeats, with an infectious rhythm and resonant lyrics rooted in the themes of love and desire.
7. 49-99 — Tiwa Savage
49-99, a September 2019 release by the talented Tiwa Savage, pays homage to Fela Kuti’s iconic phrase “49 sitting, 99 standing” from his 1978 hit Shuffering and Shmiling symbolizing the overcrowded condition in Lagos buses. Infused with a captivating beat that demands attention, the song serves as a poignant commentary on the struggles faced by the masses in Nigeria. Tiwa Savage revealed insights into the song’s creation, highlighting her collaborative efforts with Olamide in its composition.
8. Cho Cho — Zlatan Ibile featuring Davido and Mayorkun
Cho Cho, a scintillating collaboration between Zlatan Ibile, Davido, and Mayorkun, hit the airwaves in April 2021, quickly ascending the charts. The track possesses an incredibly energetic beat, and catchy lyrics that celebrate success, wealth, and a lavish lifestyle. Olamide’s involvement with the track was revealed on an Instagram live session, where Davido voiced out a feeling of appreciation to the artist for co-writing the song, praising the collaborative effort of all the artists who worked together to create the single.
9. Lanke — Teni
Teni’s artistic evolution is one for the books. Clocking her experimental stage with the initial release of No Days Off, a fast-tempo track that showed Teni’s range as an artist, she took it up a notch with Lanke, a melodious track with evoking visuals. Teni acknowledged Olamide’s co-writing contribution to Lanke in an appreciative tweet following its release.
10. Terminator — Asake
Asake’s 2022 release, Terminator emerged as an instant fan favorite, propelled by his distinctive vocals and seamless lyrical delivery. With Olamide’s creative imprint as a co-writer, this track evolved into a masterpiece of artistry. Its resounding success paved the way for inclusion in Asake’s first studio album, Mr. Money With The Vibe.
11. Owo Mi Da — Tiwa Savage
Tiwa Savage’s 2019 release, Owo Mi Da affirms Olamide’s songwriting prowess. Its vibrant rhythm, accentuated by rhythmic drumbeats, imbues Owo Mi Da with irresistibly danceable energy, ensuring that listeners find themselves instinctively grooving along to its vibe.
12. Palazzo — DJ Spinall and Asake
On May 13, 2022, DJ Spinall released his hit track, Palazzo featuring YBNL artist Asake. It was accompanied by the official music video’s release, shot and directed by TG Omori. Olamide is credited as a writer on this track on Spotify, earning DJ Spinall his first entry on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs at number 6 and Asake his third entry on the chart.
