Nigerian music icon and YBNL founder, Olamide Adedeji, widely known as Badoo, has issued a powerful call for Nigerians to reclaim and celebrate their rich cultural heritage. The celebrated rapper emphatically stated that African traditions should never be demonized or perceived as something to be ashamed of, challenging widespread negative perceptions.
Speaking passionately at The Pod by Nile Luxury Cinemas on Tuesday, November 3, Olamide expressed profound pride in his Yoruba roots. Dressed in a vibrant adire outfit, he articulated a clear vision for greater appreciation of Nigerian identity.
“Our culture and tradition are not diabolical, and they are not to be demonised,” Olamide declared. “We’re proud of who we are, where we’re coming from and everything about our heritage, tradition and culture.”
A video clip of his remarks, which quickly gained traction, was shared on actress Sotayo Gaga’s Instagram page the following day, sparking widespread discussion.
To further illustrate his point, Olamide switched to Yoruba, highlighting the traditional black soap, ose dudu. He shared a personal connection, stating, “I’m a Yoruba boy. If you give me black soap, I’ll gladly collect it and use it.” This simple yet potent example served to demystify traditional practices, pushing back against notions of superstition often attached to indigenous items.
Black soap itself is a traditional skincare product, commonly crafted from plantain skins, cocoa pods, and palm kernel oil. While its primary use is for personal hygiene, some cultural beliefs have also associated it with spiritual practices, contributing to the very perceptions Olamide is seeking to address.
Olamide: A Cultural Ambassador Through Music
Olamide’s advocacy for cultural pride is deeply interwoven with his musical career. He has consistently built his artistic identity around the Yoruba language, expressions, and indigenous sounds, seamlessly blending traditional storytelling with contemporary hip-hop and Afrobeats. His work stands as a testament to the vibrancy and relevance of Nigerian heritage in modern global music.
This commitment extends to his record label, YBNL, where his signees, including celebrated Nigerian entertainers like Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, and Asake, have similarly embraced and incorporated indigenous languages, traditional sounds, and cultural expressions into their music. This collective effort has significantly contributed to bringing Nigerian heritage to wider national and international audiences, fostering a renewed sense of pride among youth.
Olamide’s recent comments have ignited broader conversations surrounding the perception of traditional African practices. They underscore the ongoing challenge of dispelling stereotypes and misconceptions, particularly when cultural beliefs are erroneously viewed solely through the lens of superstition rather than as integral parts of a rich spiritual and historical tapestry.