Seasoned producer Samklef has stirred conversation online with a bold claim that YBNL boss Olamide has contributed more to the evolution of the Nigerian music industry than celebrated music mogul Don Jazzy.
Samklef made the remarks while addressing the backlash Olamide has faced for describing Wizkid as “the greatest Afrobeats artist after Fela.”
He criticised those attacking the YBNL boss, insisting they were downplaying Olamide’s vast contributions to the Nigerian music scene by dismissing his opinion.
According to Samklef, Olamide deserves utmost respect, as he played a pivotal role in dismantling the long-standing gatekeeping culture within the industry.
Taking to his X handle, he wrote: “Devil go punish anybody wey talk down on Olamide! His impact on the industry strong pass— even Don Jazzy still dey learn.”
Olamide’s influence in the industry has long been a talking point, with many insisting he was the one who humbled Don Jazzy after the infamous Headies saga. They argue that he shattered the stronghold of industry gatekeepers and reshaped the power dynamics of Nigerian music — a shift some believe even influenced Don Jazzy’s new public persona.
According to this school of thought, “After Wizkid, Olamide holds the strongest street credibility.”
Both Don Jazzy and Olamide, however, remain two of Nigeria’s most accomplished music executives, celebrated for the countless stars they’ve nurtured and the massive impact of their respective record labels.
Don Jazzy played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of Wande Coal, D’Prince, Dr Sid, and many others during the era of the now-defunct Mo’Hits Records, which he co-founded with D’banj. Following the breakup of Mo’Hits, he established Mavin Records—an imprint that has since produced some of Africa’s biggest stars, including Tiwa Savage, Reekado Banks, Korede Bello, Johnny Drille, Rema, and Ayra Starr.
Similarly, Olamide, through his YBNL label, has been a major force in discovering and developing talent, helping artists like Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, Asake, and several others rise to prominence.