Olamide Has Greater Impact on the Nigerian Music Industry Than Don Jazzy – Samklef

Veteran producer Samklef has claimed that ace rapper and YBNL boss Olamide has had a greater impact on the Nigerian music industry than renowned music executive Don Jazzy.

He made the statement while responding to the backlash Olamide received for describing Wizkid as “the greatest Afrobeats artist after Fela.” Samklef criticized those attacking Olamide, saying they were undermining his significant contributions to the industry by dismissing his opinion.

According to Samklef, Olamide deserves respect for breaking the gatekeeping system in Nigeria’s music scene.

On his X account, he wrote: “Devil go punish anybody wey talk down on Olamide! His impact in the industry, even Don Jazzy dey learn.

It was Olamide who humbled Don Jazzy after that Headies wahala and broke the chain of industry gatekeepers. 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 regarded as two of Nigeria’s most influential music executives, largely due to their track record of discovering and nurturing top talents.

Don Jazzy played a key role in the rise of Wande Coal, D’Prince, Dr Sid, and several other artists through the now-defunct Mo’Hits Records, which he co-owned with D’banj. After Mo’Hits split, he founded Mavin Records, home to superstars like Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Rema, and Ayra Starr.

Olamide, through his YBNL imprint, has launched the careers of Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, Asake, and many more, solidifying his influence in the industry.