Olamide, Nigerian Afrobeats superstar, sat down with The Grammys to discuss his new album and Afrobeats in general.
The 32-year-old’s most recent album is titled UY Scuti, after one of the largest stars known to man. The album features performances from some artistes that aren’t really household names. When asked how he picks who to work with, Olamide said,
“In most cases, when I’m working on a project, it’s not really about my favorite artists or the ones I’m really cool with. If I think it’s going to be easy for us to make something great out of where my head is right now—what I’m thinking about right now, the sound I want to make and all that—if you’re in that lane, I’ll holler at you. If you make good music.”
Olamide was also asked to describe how the musical community is in Lagos, to which the rapper said,
“It’s very entertaining. Very chilled, very lovely. The vibe out there is just so happy. Everyone just wants to be happy. There are a few people who sing stuff that’s not about being happy, but most of the time, everybody just wants to be happy, make good music, make love in the club, nightlife and all that. Going to shows together and hanging out like brothers. We’ve all known each other from birth, you know? That’s the coolest thing about it.”
ALSO READ: Why I started self-production of records — Olamide
Olamide also confirmed that he listened to a lot of Lauryn Hill while getting in the zone for the new album. “While working on the project, I listened to a lot of Lauryn Hill. I think her music was my major influence on this project.”
The Rock crooner was asked why Lauryn Hill, to which he replied “Her versatility. She’s not going to hop on any random stuff. What I hear in Lauryn Hill is music that after 10, 20 years, you listen to it again and you say “Whoa. That’s a bop.”
You can read the entire interview with Olamide here