Veteran Nigerian music producer Samklef has asserted that rapper and YBNL boss Olamide has had a greater influence on the Nigerian music scene than famed executive Don Jazzy.
Gossip News Now reports that Samklef made this statement while responding to criticism aimed at Olamide for calling Wizkid “the greatest Afrobeats artist after Fela.”
In a post on 𝕏 on Saturday, Samklef argued that Olamide deserves more recognition, claiming he disrupted the traditional gatekeeping structure in Nigeria’s music industry.
He wrote, “Anyone talking down on Olamide, devil go punish am! Even Don Jazzy dey learn from him impact in the industry.
“It was Olamide who humbled Don Jazzy after that Headies drama 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 widely acknowledged as two of Nigeria’s most influential music executives, having discovered and nurtured numerous talents to stardom through their respective labels.
Don Jazzy played a pivotal role in the rise of artists such as Wande Coal, D’Prince, Dr Sid, and others through the now-defunct Mo’Hits Records, which he co-founded with D’banj.
Following the split of Mo’Hits, Don Jazzy launched Mavin Records, which has produced stars like Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Rema, and Ayra Starr.
Olamide, through his YBNL label, has propelled the careers of several top acts, including Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, Asake, and many more.
