Nigerian music star Olamide has delighted fans with two unexpected announcements. First, he made a surprise performance at Davido and Chioma’s wedding. Shortly after, he revealed a new 7-track project titled ‘Ikigai,’ a Japanese term meaning “reason for being” or “life’s purpose.”
The release date for ‘Ikigai’ is still unknown, but the EP is available for pre-save on major streaming platforms. This project is a collaboration between Olamide’s label YBNL and American music company Empire Distribution, with which Olamide signed an international distribution deal in December 2023.
The announcement came as a surprise because Olamide had hinted in February 2022 that his album ‘Unruly’ might be his last. ‘Unruly’ was released on August 8, 2023, and since then, he had not released any new music, leading fans to believe he was on a hiatus.
‘Ikigai’ features YBNL artists Fireboy and Asake on the track ‘Uptown Disco,’ and former YBNL associates Pheelz, Young Jonn, and Lil Kesh on ‘Synchro System.’ The project follows Olamide’s previous albums such as ‘Uy Scuti’ (2021), ‘Carpe Diem’ (2020), ‘YBNL’ (2012), and ‘Baddest Guy Ever Liveth’ (2013).
Olamide, named the most influential street pop artist of his generation by Spotify in 2023, has been a significant cultural force since his debut hit single “Eni Duro.” He is credited with bringing street pop to mainstream recognition, popularizing dance styles like “Shakiti Bobo” and street lingos such as “Baddo Sneh” and “Pepper Dem.”
Fans eagerly anticipate ‘Ikigai,’ as Olamide continues to add to his legacy in Nigerian music.
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