Spotify, the renowned music streaming service, has acknowledged Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as “Olamide,” a Nigerian rapper, singer, and music executive, as the ‘most influential street pop artist’ of his generation.

This accolade was announced by Benewaah Boateng, Spotify’s Editor for West Africa, in a statement released recently in Lagos. Boateng emphasized the remarkable rise and impact of the “Street Pop” sub-genre within the Nigerian music scene, noting its increasing influence on mainstream music.

“Olamide is the most influential street pop artiste of his generation, consistently praised for his role in elevating Street Pop to mainstream recognition as a distinct music genre. Since the debut of his hit single, “Eni Duro,” he has been a constant cultural force, popularising dance styles like “Shakiti Bobo” and street lingos such as “Baddo Sneh” and “Pepper Dem”.

“Through his record label YBNL, Olamide has also played a pivotal role in discovering and nurturing Nigeria’s brightest street pop talents. The influence of Street Pop on the Nigerian music landscape in 2023 is clearly and undeniably significant. This is just the beginning of Street Pop going mainstream and we cannot wait to see how it continues to grow,” she said.

Boateng stated that street pop is a fusion of various musical styles including Afrobeats, Highlife, Hip-hop, Fuji, Apala, and indigenous sounds, combined with contemporary elements. This genre is known for its captivating rhythm, energetic beats, and lyrics that reflect the everyday struggles faced by Nigerians on the streets.

She further explained that the unique appeal of Street Pop lies in its profound link to the everyday hardships experienced in Nigeria. She also mentioned that Olamide achieved the ninth spot among the top 10 artists in Nigeria.

“His most recent project, “Unruly” garnered widespread acclaim from fans who describe it as a brilliant body of work. One particular track that has resonated exceptionally well with audiences is “Gaza”, which has received significant admiration for its appeal and musical craftsmanship.”

“Also, Seyi Vibez has emerged as an undeniable force in the Nigerian street pop scene, particularly in 2023, after finding mainstream success in 2022. He has ingrained himself in the hearts of Gen-Zs and millennials, with phrases like “na ham, na ham” echoing from his popular song, “Chance.”

“His success in 2023 is evident, from selling out his concert at the O2 Indigo Hall in the UK to securing features on hit songs like Gwagwalada, the second most streamed song in Nigeria on Spotify. Additionally, earning a spot among the top five most streamed artists in Nigeria further underscores Seyi Vibez’s ability to transcend Street Pop and strike a chord with all music lovers,” she said.

Boateng noted that Zinoleesky has remarkably transformed the street pop genre through his skillful use of melodies and engaging narratives, placing him among Nigeria’s top 15 most streamed artists. She pointed out that with the ongoing evolution of the genre and the exploration of new artistic avenues by street pop musicians, the genre is set for significant expansion in the future. Furthermore, she suggested that street pop could become the next worldwide sensation, paralleling the influence of Afrobeats.