Veteran producer Samklef has stirred fresh conversation by asserting that Olamide has contributed more to the Nigerian music scene than top executive Don Jazzy.
His comments came as a response to the backlash Olamide has been getting for calling Wizkid “the greatest Afrobeats artist after Fela.”
Samklef slammed those criticizing Olamide, saying they were downplaying the YBNL boss’s influence and disrespecting his right to share his view.
He insisted that Olamide’s legacy speaks for itself, noting that the rapper disrupted the old structure of industry gatekeeping.
Backing his point on X, he wrote:
“Devil go punish anybody wey talk down on olamide! His impact in the industry even Donjazzy Dey learn.
“It was Olamide who humble Don Jazzy after that Headies wahala. And broke the chain of the industry gate keepers..Na him make Don Jazzy dey wear this new mask.
“After Wizkid, na Olamide get the real street credibility.”
Both Don Jazzy and Olamide are recognized as major forces in Nigerian music, having groomed a long list of successful artists.
Don Jazzy helped shape the careers of Wande Coal, D’Prince, Dr Sid, and others through Mo’Hits Records before founding Mavin Records, which went on to produce stars like Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Rema, and Ayra Starr.
Olamide, through YBNL, has also launched several heavy hitters, including Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, Asake, and many more.