Popular Nigerian music producer, Samklef, has stirred conversation in the entertainment scene with his claim that YBNL founder and rapper, Olamide, has contributed more to the country’s music industry than celebrated executive Don Jazzy.
Samklef made the statement while responding to criticism directed at Olamide following the rapper’s declaration of Wizkid as “the greatest Afrobeats artist after Fela.”
In a post shared on 𝕏 on Saturday, the producer insisted that Olamide deserves greater recognition, arguing that the YBNL boss disrupted the influence of gatekeepers within the Nigerian music space.
He wrote, “Devil go punish anybody wey talk down on olamide! His impact in the industry even Donjazzy Dey learn.
“It was Olamide who humble Don Jazzy after that Headies wahala. And broke the chain of the industry gate keepers..Na him make Don Jazzy dey wear this new mask.
“After Wizkid, na Olamide get the real street credibility.”*
Both Don Jazzy and Olamide are widely considered leading figures in Nigeria’s music business, credited with discovering and nurturing numerous artists who have risen to stardom under their respective labels.
Don Jazzy played a vital role in the careers of Wande Coal, D’Prince, Dr Sid, and several others under the now-defunct Mo’Hits Records, which he co-founded with D’banj.
Following the dissolution of Mo’Hits, he established Mavin Records, a label responsible for producing stars such as Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Rema, and Ayra Starr.
Olamide, through YBNL, has also been instrumental in shaping the careers of artists including Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, Asake, and several emerging talents.
