‘You can’t box me,’ rap icon says, opens up on music, business, family and broccoli
Nigerian rap legend and YBNL boss, Olamide Adedeji, has opened up about his artistic journey, lifestyle shifts, and personal growth in a rare sit-down with content creator Korty EO. The exclusive interview, which aired on Sunday, has since sparked widespread conversations across social media, offering fans an intimate look at the man behind the music.
Known for his street credibility and genre-blending sound, Olamide used the platform to reflect on his evolution — from underground rapper to label executive and cultural icon.
A key highlight of the conversation was Olamide’s rejection of the ‘rapper’ label. While widely celebrated as one of Nigeria’s finest lyricists, the YBNL chief made it clear he doesn’t want to be boxed in.
“You can’t box me and call me a rapper… I love music, and nobody is going to tell me when to make a particular sound,” he said.
Over the years, Olamide has successfully blended hip-hop, Afrobeats, Fuji, and street sounds, defying genre limitations and consistently staying ahead of the curve.
As head of one of Nigeria’s most successful record labels, Olamide also opened up about the tension between art and administration. According to him, running a label can sometimes interfere with the creative process.
“Sometimes being too business-minded can limit creativity. You start overthinking instead of just doing it,” he said.
He admitted that striking a balance has been crucial to his longevity in the industry — a journey driven by both hard work and divine grace.
In a touching moment, Olamide shared that he misses hearing his parents’ voices — a rare emotional glimpse that fans found deeply relatable and humanising.
Perhaps most surprising was his confession that he prefers songwriting to performing. Olamide revealed that crafting music behind the scenes brings him more fulfilment than the limelight.
He has written hits for a number of YBNL-affiliated stars, including Asake, and says the joy of watching others shine is part of what keeps him going.
The rapper also gave fans a peek into his evolving lifestyle, particularly his diet. When asked about his food preferences, Olamide shocked many by saying he now favours healthier meals.
“I don’t like heavy food. I’d rather eat broccoli than amala,” he admitted, adding that he prefers meals like sea bass, lamb chops, and even caviar.
The revelation triggered playful reactions online, with fans teasing him for “leaving the trenches.” But many also praised his commitment to wellness — a growing trend among Nigerian celebrities.
In a fun segment, Korty asked Olamide to describe some Afrobeats stars in one word:
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Fireboy DML – “Amazing”
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Adekunle Gold – “Audacious”
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Lil Kesh – “Adorable”
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Asake – “Spontaneous”
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Olamide – “Peaceful”
His self-description marked a notable shift. Known for once dominating the streets with aggressive anthems, Olamide now sees himself as a man who values calm over chaos.
Beyond the jokes and memories, the interview underscored a larger theme — reinvention. Olamide is not just surviving in the Nigerian music industry; he is actively shaping it.
From mentoring young stars to making bold lifestyle choices, he’s showing that success in music today goes beyond charts and awards — it’s about adaptability, clarity of purpose, and staying true to one’s essence.
The interview has been widely praised for its honesty and depth. On X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube, fans commended Olamide’s humility and insight.
“This is the most real I’ve seen him in years,” one fan posted.
“Olamide’s growth is a masterclass,” another added.
From the streets of Bariga to global music platforms, Olamide’s story continues to inspire — proof that greatness is not just about where you start, but how boldly you evolve.
