Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Nigerian rapper and music executive Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide Badoo, has called on Nigerians to embrace their cultural heritage, insisting that African traditions should not be portrayed as evil or treated as something people should be ashamed of.
The YBNL Nation founder made the remarks while expressing pride in his Yoruba identity and challenging negative perceptions surrounding indigenous African cultural practices.
Olamide spoke on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during a private screening of Ose Dudu, a film by Nigerian actress and filmmaker Tayo Sobola, popularly known as Sotayo Gaga, at The Pod by Nile Luxury Cinemas in Lagos.
His comments have since attracted attention, particularly because of the continuing conversations surrounding African traditional beliefs, cultural identity and the tendency to associate indigenous practices with diabolical activities.
Olamide Says African Traditions Should Not Be Demonised
Speaking at the gathering, Olamide emphasised that Nigerians should take pride in their cultural backgrounds rather than allow negative perceptions to undermine their appreciation of traditional heritage.
The rapper maintained that African traditions should not automatically be labelled evil and that people should be proud of their origins, cultural values and historical identity.
“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.
He also switched to Yoruba to reinforce his position, using traditional black soap, popularly known as ose dudu, as an example of a cultural product he readily identifies with.
“I’m a Yoruba boy. If you give me black soap, I’ll gladly collect it and use it,” the rapper added.
His reference to black soap was particularly relevant to the occasion, as it connects with the subject of the film being screened.
Black Soap and the Cultural Message Behind Olamide’s Remarks
Ose Dudu, traditionally known as African black soap, is a skincare product associated with several West African communities, particularly among the Yoruba.
The product is traditionally prepared using ingredients such as plantain skins, cocoa pods and palm kernel oil. It has long been used for bathing and skincare, although its cultural significance extends beyond its everyday practical applications.
In some communities, traditional products and practices have also acquired spiritual associations, contributing to different interpretations of their cultural meaning.
Olamide’s reference to black soap appeared to reinforce his broader argument that indigenous cultural products should not automatically be treated with suspicion or described as evil.
His remarks also highlighted the importance of understanding the cultural background of traditional practices rather than judging them solely through stereotypes or misconceptions.
The film screening provided a platform for the conversation, bringing together entertainment personalities and other guests around a production connected to indigenous cultural themes.
Olamide’s Longstanding Connection to Yoruba Culture
Olamide has consistently incorporated Yoruba language, expressions and cultural references into his music throughout his career.
Since emerging as one of Nigeria’s prominent indigenous rappers, he has built much of his musical identity around local storytelling and the use of indigenous language in contemporary hip-hop and Afrobeats.
His breakthrough helped strengthen the visibility of Yoruba-language rap within Nigeria’s mainstream music industry, demonstrating that local languages could reach audiences beyond their immediate cultural communities.
Through his record label, YBNL Nation, he has also played a significant role in the development of Nigerian music talents, including artists such as Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold and Asake.
These artists have contributed to the growing international recognition of Nigerian music through different musical styles, indigenous expressions and cultural influences.
Olamide’s latest comments are therefore consistent with a broader aspect of his public musical identity: the promotion of indigenous Nigerian sounds and cultural expressions within contemporary entertainment.
African Cultural Identity and the Debate Over Traditional Practices
The rapper’s statement has brought renewed attention to a wider conversation about how African cultural heritage is understood and represented.
Across the continent, traditional languages, clothing, music, food, ceremonies and indigenous knowledge systems remain important elements of cultural identity.
However, some traditional practices have faced criticism, particularly where religious interpretations, historical experiences and changing social attitudes influence how communities understand their heritage.
In Nigeria, these discussions are particularly visible because of the country’s religious and cultural diversity.
Traditional African religious practices, indigenous medicine, ancestral customs and cultural ceremonies are sometimes viewed differently by people from different religious and social backgrounds.
While some Nigerians see the preservation of traditional practices as an important part of protecting cultural identity, others approach certain customs from the perspective of their religious convictions.
The distinction between respecting cultural heritage and accepting every traditional practice without examination remains an important part of the conversation.
Cultural preservation does not necessarily require everyone to share the same religious beliefs. However, understanding the historical and cultural significance of indigenous practices can help encourage more informed discussions.
Olamide’s remarks reflect this debate, particularly his objection to treating an entire cultural heritage as something inherently evil.
Why Olamide’s Statement Matters
Olamide’s comments carry significance beyond the entertainment industry because popular musicians increasingly influence conversations about identity, language and cultural representation.
Nigerian music has become an important platform for projecting African culture internationally, with Afrobeats artists frequently incorporating indigenous languages, traditional rhythms, fashion and local experiences into their work.
For younger audiences, these cultural expressions can strengthen interest in indigenous languages and traditions while contributing to a greater appreciation of African identity.
The conversation also raises questions about how African societies preserve their heritage while adapting to modern religious, social and cultural influences.
As Nigerian entertainment continues to attract international attention, artists who incorporate indigenous expressions into their work contribute to the visibility of the country’s cultural diversity.
Olamide’s message was therefore not limited to defending one traditional product. It also highlighted the importance of cultural confidence and the need for Africans to understand their heritage.
What Happens Next?
Olamide’s remarks have added another voice to ongoing discussions about African traditions, religious perceptions and cultural preservation.
The comments were made during the screening of Ose Dudu, connecting the rapper’s message to a film centred on indigenous cultural themes.
Although the statement has attracted attention, there has been no indication of a formal campaign or policy initiative arising from his remarks.
For now, the discussion remains part of a broader conversation about cultural identity, particularly the importance of preserving indigenous African heritage while allowing room for differing religious and personal beliefs.
The rapper’s central message remains clear: African cultural heritage should not be automatically condemned or treated as something people must be ashamed of.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Punch Newspapers – Our Culture Is Not Diabolical — Rapper Olamide. Read report.
- The Guardian Nigeria – Yoruba Culture Is Not Diabolical – Olamide. Read report.
- Hype Tribe – Olamide Stood Up for Yoruba Culture at the Ose Dudu Screening. Read report.
