Nigerian rap star Olamide has sparked conversations about African identity and cultural pride after publicly defending Yoruba traditions and declaring that he would gladly accept and use traditional black soap.
The YBNL boss made the remarks at a private screening of actress Sotayo Gaga’s film, Ose Dudu, which explores African spirituality, traditional beliefs and cultural practices.
In a video from the event, Olamide argued that Nigerian traditions should not automatically be labelled evil or demonised. He encouraged people to appreciate their heritage and take pride in where they come from.
His memorable comment about black soap quickly caught attention, with many fans applauding the rapper for standing up for his cultural identity.
Known for incorporating Yoruba language, expressions and cultural references into his music, Olamide has built much of his artistic identity around indigenous Nigerian sounds and storytelling.
The conversation also raises a wider question about how African traditions are viewed in modern society. While cultural practices can be discussed and examined critically, Olamide’s point was that heritage should not be dismissed simply because it is unfamiliar to some people.
As expected, his comments have given social media users plenty to discuss.