Nigeria (Global Release) – June 19, 2025
Nigerian Afrobeats powerhouse Olamidé dropped his much-anticipated eleventh studio album, Olamidé, globally on June 19, 2025, through YBNL Nation and Empire Distribution. The sprawling 17‑track project features an impressive lineup of collaborators, including Wizkid, Seyi Vibez, Asake, and a groundbreaking cameo from hip‑hop legend Dr. Dre—a rare cross-continental musical reunion.
The album’s launch was preceded by two electrifying singles. The first, “Kai!,” released on April 28, 2025, reunites Olamidé with Afrobeat superstar Wizkid. The song blends the vibrant “Konto bounce” with swagger-filled lyrics and romantic flair, quickly charting in Nigeria’s Top 100 and reaching number 10 on the U.S. Afrobeats chart. Following that was “99,” a collaborative track featuring Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and UK singer Daecolm. Released in mid-June, “99” garnered rave reviews for its infectious rhythm and bustling energy.
The self-titled album Olamidé represents Olamidé’s lengthiest release to date, and it was originally slated for a June 3 release, later pushed to June 9, before eventually landing on June 19. The delay, far from derailing excitement, only amplified anticipation among his global fanbase, reflecting his reputation as one of Africa’s most prolific and versatile artists.
What truly sets this album apart is its genre-blurring scope. While firmly rooted in Afrobeat and street-pop, Olamidé ventures into new sonic territory, interweaving slick hip-hop production with high-end Afrobeats polish. Production credits include well-regarded African producers like Eskeez, Semzi, and Yung Willis.
A milestone moment arrives with Dr. Dre’s first feature on an African artist’s album. This collaboration marks a seismic cultural cross-pollination and a celebration of musical unity across continents. Alongside Wizkid, Seyi Vibez, and Asake, Dre joins a diverse cast—bringing together Popcaan, Spinall, Darkoo, BOJ, Young Jonn, Daecolm, and Fxrtune.
Critics and fans alike have speculated that this album may be Olamidé’s most ambitious project yet. It blends his signature street credibility with chart-ready sensibilities, welcoming Western hip-hop influences without losing its Afrocentric backbone. The result is an album that celebrates his expansive career while pushing musical boundaries .
This release follows a string of critically acclaimed work: Unruly (2023), praised for its artistic cohesion; Ikigai (2024), which delved into introspective themes; and six earlier albums including UY Scuti and Baddest Guy Ever Liveth. His influential body of work has solidified his standing as one of Nigeria’s most consistent hitmakers.
The album’s release also comes at a pivotal moment in Olamidé’s career. As of May 2025, Billboard named him one of its “Global Power Players,” and he remains the most followed and subscribed African rapper across several platforms, confirming his dominant industry presence.
Thematically, Olamidé explores both personal and cultural identity. Through lyrics that address wealth, love, nostalgia, and pride, the album nods to his Lagos roots while capturing global Afrobeats social angles. Collaborations like “99” echo the collective spirit of contemporary African youth culture, while cross-continental work highlights the genre’s international resonance.
Within hours of its release, Olamidé climbed major streaming charts across Africa and began surfacing on U.S. and U.K. platforms—underscoring Olamidé’s status as a worldwide musical force . Social media buzz followed, spotlighting standout collaborations and the historic Dre feature.
Industry experts regard this album as a watershed in Olamidé’s career. Many view the Dr. Dre collaboration as an indicator of increasing global attention toward African artists. Meanwhile, the star-studded guest list is seen as a testament to both his influence and his ability to shape musical conversations.
As listeners dig into the full tracklist, early reaction points to Olamidé delivering on its promise: a dynamic fusion of sound and vision, bridging continents and styles. The album not only cements his legacy in African music but also charts a bold new artistic course for Afrobeats on the international stage.
In summary, Olamidé serves as a milestone—in size, scope, and ambition. It captures the evolution of a Nigerian icon who continues to redefine Afro-fusion, bolstered by a landmark feature from Dr. Dre. This album arrives as both a celebration of past achievements and a clear statement: Olamidé is shaping the future of global music.