Nigerian rap icon Olamide has opened up about the deep influence the late Indigenous rapper Dagrin had on his musical career, describing him as one of the foundational figures in modern Nigerian hip-hop.
Speaking in a recent video broadcast, the YBNL boss revealed that Dagrin’s legacy continues to inspire him and countless other rappers across the country.
“Dagrin’s ‘C.E.O’ album is a timeless project. That’s the only rap album almost everybody in the South West can sing word for word,” Olamide said. “Dagrin influenced a lot of rappers — whenever we need motivation, we go back and listen to his album.”
Olamide added that he still listens to Dagrin’s 2009 classic album, ‘Chief Executive Omoita (C.E.O)’, whenever he experiences writer’s block or needs to reconnect with his creative roots.
Dagrin, who tragically passed away in April 2010 following a car accident in Lagos, remains one of Nigeria’s most revered Indigenous rappers. His lyrical depth, storytelling, and street-inspired authenticity transformed Yoruba rap into a nationwide phenomenon and paved the way for artists like Olamide, Reminisce, and CDQ.
More than a decade after his death, Dagrin’s music continues to influence the Nigerian rap scene, symbolizing resilience, raw talent, and the power of cultural identity in hip-hop.
References:
- Pulse Nigeria – Olamide reveals how late rapper Dagrin inspired his career (Nov. 13, 2025)
- Legit.ng – Olamide pays tribute to Dagrin, calls his album timeless (Nov. 13, 2025)
- The Nation Nigeria – Dagrin: 15 years after, the legend lives on in Nigerian rap
