By Damilola Adeyera
Nigerian hip-hop heavyweight and YBNL Nation founder Olamide Adedeji has taken an unexpected creative turn, announcing his foray into the fine art world under a distinct alter ego and brand titled “Alagemomerindinlogun by Olamide.”
The veteran music executive, widely hailed as “Baddo” and respectfully credited with discovering renowned global star Asake, surprised his millions of social media followers on Friday by unveiling the initiative alongside a dedicated Instagram account for his visual creations.
Accompanied by previews of intricate mixed-media and acrylic works, Olamide framed the artistic pivot with his trademark humor.
“I got tired of waiting for Baddo to complete his project, so I’m now working with this guy @alagemomerindinlogun by Olamide,” he posted, humorously creating daylight between his rap persona and his emerging identity as a visual painter.
The moniker Alagemomerindinlogun is a deeply rooted Yoruba term roughly translating to a chameleon or multifaceted entity with sixteen distinct faces.
It hints at the multi-dimensional creative philosophy steering the venture. The showcased pieces lean into bold palettes, textured layering, and symbolic storytelling, translating the street-conscious themes of his musical catalog into tangible visual formats.
The announcement sent waves through the Nigerian entertainment scene, drawing rapid reactions from industry peers, visual artists, and long-time fans.
While some followers playfully questioned whether the move signaled a slowdown in musical output, fellow creatives lauded the transition as a natural evolution for an artist who has spent over a decade shaping youth culture and visual aesthetics in Afrobeats.
Addressing fans’ concerns about whether this venture signals an exit from the studio, the music boss clarified that music remains the bedrock of his purpose, noting that his visual art extends his creative expression rather than marking a retirement from recording.
Over the past decade, Olamide has cemented a legacy as both a chart-topping lyricist and one of Africa’s most prolific talent incubators, having propelled acts like Fireboy DML and Asake into global stardom through his YBNL imprint.
With Alagemomerindinlogun, he joins a growing cohort of international musical icons seeking fa resh canvas beyond the recording booth, officially stepping into Lagos’s burgeoning contemporary art circuit.
For us at Atunda TV, the lesson in here is that one can always reinvent oneself. This lesson is also a testament to the life of Otunba Olawanle Akinboboye, the founder and builder of La Campagne Tropicana Forest, River and Beach Resort, who has, over the years, diligently put his hands to work in areas like security, entertainment, and tourism.