Nigerian rapper Olamide has urged people to embrace their cultural heritage, insisting that African traditions should not be portrayed as evil or something to be ashamed of.
The music star made the remarks while expressing pride in his Yoruba roots and calling for greater appreciation of Nigerian culture and traditions.
“Our culture and tradition are not diabolical, and they are not to be demonised. We’re proud of who we are, where we’re coming from and everything about our heritage, tradition and culture,” he said.
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Olamide, who is known for incorporating Yoruba language, expressions and indigenous sounds into his music, has consistently celebrated his cultural identity throughout his career.
The rapper has built much of his musical identity around indigenous storytelling, blending Yoruba lyrics with contemporary hip-hop and Afrobeats sounds.
His approach has also contributed to the growing visibility of indigenous Nigerian music, particularly among younger audiences and international listeners.
The comments have drawn attention to conversations surrounding cultural identity and the perception of traditional African practices, with the singer encouraging Nigerians to appreciate their heritage rather than allow negative stereotypes to define it.
Other Nigerian entertainers, including Adekunle Gold and Asake, have also incorporated indigenous languages, traditional sounds and cultural expressions into their music, helping to showcase Nigerian heritage to wider audiences.
Olamide's remarks reinforce the importance of cultural pride and preserving indigenous identity while embracing modern influences.
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