Veteran music producer Samklef has stirred controversy online after declaring that YBNL boss Olamide has had a bigger impact on the Nigerian music industry than iconic producer and label executive Don Jazzy.
Samklef made the claim while defending Olamide, who has come under criticism for describing Wizkid as “the greatest Afrobeats artist after Fela.” According to him, critics are undermining Olamide’s legacy and ignoring the enormous role he has played in shaping modern Nigerian music.
Taking to his X handle, Samklef lashed out at those disparaging the rapper’s opinion.
He wrote:
“Devil go punish anybody wey talk down on Olamide! His impact in the industry even Don Jazzy dey learn. It was Olamide who humbled Don Jazzy after that Headies wahala. And broke the chain of the industry gatekeepers… Na him make Don Jazzy dey wear this new mask.”
He further argued that after Wizkid, Olamide is the artist with the “real street credibility,” insisting the YBNL boss deserves far more respect than he currently receives.
Both Olamide and Don Jazzy are widely hailed as two of Nigeria’s most influential music powerhouses, credited with discovering and grooming some of the country’s biggest stars.
Don Jazzy, through his days at Mo’Hits Records, helped launch the careers of Wande Coal, D’Prince, and Dr Sid, among others. Following the Mo’Hits split, he founded Mavin Records, which has since produced heavyweights like Tiwa Savage, Korede Bello, Reekado Banks, Johnny Drille, Rema, and Ayra Starr.
Olamide, on the other hand, has built YBNL into a powerhouse that has churned out major talents including Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, Asake, and several emerging acts.
Samklef’s remarks have ignited heated conversation across social media, with fans sharply divided over who truly holds the bigger influence in Nigerian music history.
