Nigerian music powerhouse and YBNL Nation founder, Olamide, has earned a prestigious spot on Billboard’s 2025 list of Global Power Players, a recognition that highlights his influence and impact as one of the leading forces in the global music industry.

Celebrated not just for his artistry but for his executive brilliance, Olamide was acknowledged for steering YBNL to international acclaim, backing breakout stars such as Asake and Fireboy DML—both of whom released critically and commercially successful albums in 2024.

Asake’s Lungu Boy, his third studio album, was officially declared the biggest Nigerian album of 2024 by TurnTable Charts, while Fireboy’s adedamola, his fourth project, was hailed as one of the year’s most critically acclaimed bodies of work.

In a conversation with Billboard, Olamide shed light on YBNL’s global strategy, stating:
"YBNL Nation has made significant strides in expanding our global footprint and solidifying our presence in key international markets. Collaborations with international artists and producers have helped bridge the gap between Afrobeats and other genres, further establishing our label as a key player in the global music scene."

Among the label’s milestones in 2024, Asake’s back-to-back sold-out shows at London’s O2 Arena stood out, marking him as the third Nigerian act—after Wizkid and Davido—to repeatedly fill the iconic venue. Additionally, Asake’s track MMS off Lungu Boy earned a Grammy nomination in the newly introduced Best African Music Performance category at the 67th Grammy Awards.

Olamide’s recognition is not only a personal win but a celebration of the YBNL legacy. Under his leadership, the label has been a launchpad for artists like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Young Jonn, Pheelz, and more recently, Asake and Fireboy—shaping the sound of modern Afrobeats and pushing its boundaries globally.


By WafricNews Desk.