Anytime the conversation about Nigerian music legends comes up, Olamide’s name will always appear — not just for his own success, but for how many lives and careers he has changed.
I’ve seen fans argue online about this for years. Some say he only pushed YBNL artists, others say he helped half of the industry. So I decided to sit down and explain this properly, without hype and without disrespecting facts.
In this article, I’ll show you exactly who Olamide brought to fame, how he did it, and where influence ends and exaggeration begins.
Who did Olamide bring to fame?
Olamide brought several artists to fame through direct signings under YBNL and also helped others rise through strategic collaborations, co-signs, and mentorship.
Some artists became stars because he signed them. Others became known because he believed in them early and used his platform to amplify their sound.
Why Olamide’s impact on artists is different
Before I start naming names, one thing needs to be understood.
Olamide doesn’t help artists for clout. He doesn’t announce it loudly, and he doesn’t use it as a branding tool. Most of the time, he simply puts someone on a song, gives them a stage, or signs them quietly — and lets the music speak.
That silent approach is why many people underestimate how much he has done.
Lil Kesh
Lil Kesh is the clearest example of what happens when Olamide fully believes in an artist.
He was discovered while still a student and brought into YBNL at a time when Olamide himself was dominating the industry. Instead of overshadowing him, Olamide gave him space.
Songs like Shoki turned Lil Kesh into a household name almost overnight. For a period, it felt like every street, club, and radio station revolved around his sound.
Without YBNL and Olamide’s backing, Lil Kesh’s rise would not have been that fast.
Adekunle Gold
Many people forget that Adekunle Gold’s journey started behind the scenes at YBNL.
Before the fame, he was working as a graphic designer for the label. Olamide noticed his musical talent and gave him a platform when nobody else was paying attention.
That decision changed everything.
Adekunle Gold went from an in-house creative to one of Nigeria’s most respected alternative artists. His sound was different, but Olamide allowed it to grow instead of forcing him into trends.
Fireboy DML
Fireboy DML is proof that Olamide understands timing.
When Fireboy was signed, he wasn’t loud or controversial. He was calm, emotional, and introspective — the complete opposite of what many thought the streets wanted.
Olamide trusted the music anyway.
Today, Fireboy is not just successful in Nigeria but globally recognised. That transition from unknown talent to international artist started under YBNL.
Asake
Asake’s rise shocked many people, but it didn’t shock Olamide.
Before the world paid attention, Olamide had already seen the potential. Once Asake joined YBNL, everything moved fast — but it wasn’t accidental.
Strategic releases, consistent support, and freedom to express his raw sound pushed Asake into superstardom.
This is one of the strongest recent examples of Olamide bringing an artist fully into the spotlight.
Chinko Ekun
Chinko Ekun benefited from early exposure under YBNL at a time when street rap was booming.
While his journey didn’t reach the same commercial heights as some others, his introduction to the mainstream came through Olamide’s platform.
That early push mattered.
Yomi Blaze
Yomi Blaze was another artist who gained visibility through association with YBNL.
He might not be as active today, but his entry into the industry was powered by Olamide’s reach and influence.
Viktoh
Viktoh was part of the YBNL movement during its early years.
Although his career took a different direction later on, there’s no denying that his name became known because of that association.
Temmie Ovwasa
Temmie Ovwasa represents Olamide’s willingness to take risks.
She had a unique style that didn’t fit the usual commercial mold, yet Olamide signed her and gave her room to grow.
Even though she eventually left the label, her initial recognition came through YBNL.
DJ Enimoney
DJ Enimoney’s visibility as a DJ is closely tied to Olamide’s ecosystem.
Through YBNL, he gained consistent exposure, collaborations, and recognition that helped solidify his place in the industry.
Zlatan Ibile
Zlatan was not signed to YBNL, and it’s important to be clear about that.
However, Olamide played a key role in amplifying his early sound through collaborations and public support.
Those moments introduced Zlatan to a wider audience and helped speed up his rise.
This is a case of influence rather than ownership.
Naira Marley
Naira Marley’s early mainstream visibility was also boosted by collaborations.
Olamide’s willingness to work with him at a time when many were skeptical helped legitimize his presence in the industry.
Again, this wasn’t about signing — it was about opening doors.
Portable
Portable’s situation is slightly different.
He was already creating noise online, but Olamide’s collaboration gave that noise a larger stage.
That moment mattered, even though Portable was never part of YBNL.
I want to be clear here: this is influence, not full career creation.
Why some artists left YBNL
Not every success story ends with long-term partnership.
Some artists left due to creative differences, others wanted independence. That doesn’t erase the role Olamide played in their early journey.
Helping someone rise doesn’t mean controlling their future.
Other Olamide articles you should read
- You won’t believe how many wives Olamide has
- How Olamide helped Zlatan
- Are Olamide and Wizkid really friends?
- Are Olamide and Davido friends?
- Olamide’s net worth
Final thoughts on artists brought to fame by Olamide
Olamide didn’t just build a career — he built people.
Some artists became stars because he signed them. Others became known because he stood beside them at the right moment.
What matters is impact, not labels.
And when it comes to impact, Olamide’s fingerprint is all over Nigerian music history.
