Olamide Defends Yoruba Culture, Says Tradition Is Not Diabolical
Olamide has kicked against the habit of labelling Yoruba culture as “diabolical,” urging Nigerians to embrace their heritage with pride instead of demonising it.
The music executive made the remarks on Tuesday at a private screening of actress Sotayo Gaga’s new film, ‘Ose Dudu’, held at The Pod by Nile Luxury Cinemas.
‘Ose Dudu (The Black Soap)’ is a 76-minute Yoruba drama produced by Sotayo, whose real name is Tayo Sobola, for her YouTube channel, Sotayo Gaga TV.
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Clad in a colourful adire outfit, the rapper used the event to speak in defence of Yoruba traditions, insisting they should not be branded as evil.
“This is really just promoting the culture and trying to sensitise people that our culture and our tradition is not diabolical,” he said.
“Our culture and our tradition is not to be demonised. And we are proud of who we are, where we are coming from, and everything about our heritage, our tradition, and our culture.”
The rapper also referenced the film’s central theme to drive home his point.
“I’m a Yoruba boy,” he said. “If you give me black soap, I’ll gladly collect it and use it.”
Known among the Yoruba as ose dudu, black soap is a traditional skincare product made from ingredients such as plantain skins, cocoa pods and palm kernel oil. It holds spiritual meaning for some people, a tension the movie explores.
Olamide recently announced a concert at London’s 20,000-capacity O2 Arena, slated for March 25, 2027.
He unveiled the concert date in an artwork posted on social media, showing him painting what looked like the iconic venue.
He also dropped ‘Burukutu’, a new single ahead of his forthcoming album.
Olamide is regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost rappers and has bagged several awards and nominations.
He founded his label, ‘Yahoo Boy No Laptop’ (YBNL), in 2012, saying the move was to avoid extravagant spending.
