Music producer Samklef has sparked an online conversation after asserting that rapper and label executive Olamide has contributed more to the Nigerian music industry than fellow heavyweight Don Jazzy.
He made the remark while responding to the criticism Olamide has faced for stating that Wizkid is “the greatest Afrobeats artist after Fela.” According to Samklef, many of the YBNL boss’s critics are unfairly downplaying his achievements.
The producer insisted that Olamide’s influence runs deep, even claiming he disrupted long-standing power structures within the industry. On his X handle, Samklef wrote, “Devil go punish anybody wey talk down on Olamide! His impact in the industry is so great that even Donjazzy has learned from him.
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“It was Olamide who humbled Don Jazzy after that Headies wahala. And broke the chain of the 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 widely respected for shaping the careers of numerous Nigerian stars. Don Jazzy played a key role in developing talents such as Wande Coal, D’Prince, Dr Sid and others under the now-defunct Mo’Hits Records, which he co-founded with D’banj. Following the label’s split, he established Mavin Records, home to artists like Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Rema and Ayra Starr.
Olamide, through YBNL, has also transformed the industry by nurturing acts such as Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, Asake, and several emerging artists.
Samklef’s comments have rekindled long-running debates about legacy, influenc,e and credibility within Afrobeats.
