Entertainment
Sound Sultan Exits Motherland as Bushmeat hunts the hunter

Born on November 27, 1976, Olanrewaju Fasasi popularly known as Sound Sultan (SS) died on July 11, 2021 after succumbing to throat cancer in United States of America. He left the world at a time that Nigeria is experiencing one of his predicted outcomes of callous leadership. Sound Sultan is a social crusader who deploys his songs to interrogate societal problems of migration, poor leadership, corruption, problem of accountability, injustices and their consequences on individuals and Nigeria.
Death is a social fact which every mortal must experience but our contributions (to social order or disorder) will outlive us and either locate us in the trash can of irrelevance or elevate us among social engineers who used their talents to fight for justice, peace, and social progress. Olanrewaju Omo Fasasi may have joined his ancestors but his songs will continue to speak about the monstrous problems which face motherland as he loves to call Nigeria.
Through his works, he diagnosed Nigeria’s problems and proffered solutions to them but such interventions do not matter to callous leadership structure. The hunters (parasitic leadership) failed to heed SS’s philosophic submission that a day will come when the bushmeat will turn around to catch the hunters. Today, Sound Sultan leaves motherland at the time the bushmeat (uncared for children of the masses pushed to the margins of the society by their callous political, religious and parasitic elite) is hunting their hunters. It is now crystal clear that the crumbling sky is not one man’s problem as fear of insecurity covers the land and criminals have partitioned and restructured the country along criminal enclaves. Indeed, the insignificant and uneducated bandits cum terrorists and their kidnapping comrades have become major factors driving policies in President Muhammadu Buhari’s Nigeria. The idiocy of successive handlers of Nigeria is shaking the country’s faulty foundation. In this tribute piece, I use three of SS songs which interrogate personal troubles and social problems in Nigeria.
In his hit song, Mathematics, SS in the year 2000 depicted Nigeria as Jagbajantis facing problems capable of consuming it. He argues that just as BODMAS (Bracket of Division, Multiplication, Addition and Subtraction) was put forward to solve mathematical problems, BODMAS can also be used by sensitive leaders to solve Nigeria’s problems. As a trained sociologist, I am not oblivious of the difficultly in being objective in human affairs. This is why the display of clannish affinity through body language, policy formulation and implementation of the ‘converted democrat’ is tearing the country apart. SS says, ‘Oyinbo say, na BODMAS we go use take solve mathematics, oya carry biro’. Brotherhood, Objectivity, Democracy, Modification, Accountability and Solidarity are suggested solutions to Nigeria’s problems. Pretentious oneness, ethnicised governance, and regional solidarity have become the order of the day while favouritism, modified autocracy, ‘shrouded’ accountability and fostered discord have become the norm.
The problem of insecurity has made many Nigerians to continue to explore opportunities abroad and government is rallying them for remittances. This brain drain gained momentum during military misadventure over Nigeria. In his Classic, Motherland, SS showed his undying love for Nigeria’s development. He advised those who have travelled abroad to remember motherland. He reminds them not to forget the investment of those they left behind who contributed to their emigration. Olanrewaju calls on immigrants to return home if they are facing difficulty abroad because ‘ajo o da bi ile, no matter where u go make you try come back area oooo’.
In this song, SS showed how group support facilitates transnational migration but like Nigeria’s politicians who forgets electoral promises once they get to office, these migrants forget their benefactors who sold properties to send them to obodo oyinbo. SS documents marriage-for-green-card tragedy which makes women promised marriage by their boyfriends who travelled get jilted while these boyfriends end up marrying citizens as a strategy to obtain citizenship/stay. Apparently seeing that as betrayal of trust, SS says ‘Hilary wey u been promise to marry, still de wait, o boy she don tarry….you marry oyinbo for another nation, use mago mago get dough…now you oyinbo wife don know, next thing u know, she don go report u…..I wish say, I fit reach you anywhere you dey eeeee’.
In his collaborative work with Tuface Idia in the song, Bushmeat, SS metaphorically frames Nigerian leaders as the hunter and the children of the masses who are denied quality education, the almajirai kids who are children of the poor but dubiously pushed to the streets while the children of the rich don’t do such practice, the unemployed children of the poor and those who are victims of corruption of the privileged few as the bushmeat.
He envisions a time when the bushmeat will turn back at their tormentors and begin to hunt them. He observes that Nigeria is run by cliques and cabals who steal common patrimony while the masses lack electricity and water among other social amenities. While the roads are bad, SS fumes that the parasitic leadership fly in the sky. Flying in this sense also shows how far they are from the realities on ground. To this iconic musician, despite suffering neglect and hunger, the children of the masses maintained their sanity until the time they decided to catch their hunters and fight back against the system that brought out the beast in them.
Hear Sound Sultan in Bushmeat: “see one day bushmeat go catch the hunter, one day bushmeat go catch the hunter…see them flying for dem aeroplane, on top all the pains my people dey maintain, I don tire to dey explain, pikin wey never chop sef dey complain, water and light na yawa, yawa, everywhere just dark no power, the only pawa wey dem get na aim dem dey take dey oppress ooooo, what could be the answer, it could have been we don’t matter to them because dem chop your money, my money every other person money, e ba mi ki gbe Ole…Ole…Ole….Barawo! dem dem na aim my pipu sabi, dem dem everything na padi padi, everybody must know somebody to grow oooo….e bami kigbe Ole!”
The State of affairs in Nigeria is one in which bushmeat in the form of bandits, terrorists, ethnic militia, kidnappers are hunting their hunters and not sparing of those who voted irresponsible leadership. To the bushmeat, the hunters are both those who hold the levers of power and those who sustain their terror reigns through voting and those who sold their future for temporal gratification in the form of stomach infrastructure.
SS leaves behind a country where you can steal, kidnap, abduct, and face no State clampdown as long as you do not say you want to break away from Nigeria or pursue self determination. In fact, bandits and kidnappers who not only kill hapless citizens and security agencies but live on ransom economy have been elevated to executive status with defined territories such that residents and farmers have to pay to get security because the state has not shown capacity to secure her people from national and transnational criminals. Sad enough, bandits strapping A-47 around their neck, now take pictures with government functionaries and associates of clannish comrade.
However, the victims criminal herdsmen and tribal bandits in southern Nigeria dare not defend themselves, rather; they are being coerced to stomach injustices and sacrifice their lives to keep Nigeria one. This is the sociology of restructuring and self-determination agitations.
To sum up, Sound Sultan speaks truth to power through his songs characterising Nigeria as a jungle under the control of cheaters, hyenas and the greedy. Olanrewaju was not given to singing anti-social songs to reach stardom; he was in a class of his own as a master musician and social crusader. Journey well and remember motherland…Naija Ninja, Olanrewaju Fasasi, Iseyin Oro omo ebedi.
Dr Tade, a sociologist sent this piece via dotad2003@yahoo.com
Entertainment
AMVCA 2025: Organisers Unveil Full List of Nominees

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) has unveiled the nominees for its highly anticipated 2025 edition, recognising outstanding achievements in African filmmaking, acting, and content creation.
The shortlist, released on Sunday night, features some of the most celebrated talents in the industry, with Uzor Arukwe and Omoni Oboli among the nominees. Uzor has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Suspicion, while Omoni secured a spot in the Best Supporting Actress category for Wives on Strike 3.
This year’s AMVCA will feature 28 categories, including both voting and non-voting awards, covering various aspects of filmmaking, from acting and directing to cinematography and digital content creation.
Top Contenders and Categories
The Best Supporting Actress category boasts a stellar lineup, including Meg Otanwa (Inside Life), Tina Mba (Suspicion), Ireti Doyle (All’s Fair in Love), and Mercy Aigbe (Farmer’s Bride), among others. Meanwhile, Best Supporting Actor nominees include Adedayo Adebowale Macaroni (Lisabi: The Uprising), Richard Mofe-Damijo (Christmas in Lagos), and Gabriel Afolayan (Inside Life).
In the leading categories, Best Lead Actress nominees include Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre), Chioma Akpotha (Seven Doors), and Hilda Dokubo (The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3). Best Lead Actor contenders include Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors), Stan Nze (Suspicion), and Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo).
Celebrating African Creativity
This year’s edition features an exciting mix of Indigenous Language Films, with nominations for Seven Doors (Femi Adebayo), Lisabi: The Uprising (Adedimeji Lateef and Adebimpe Oyebade Adedimeji), and Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre (Kunle Afolayan). The Best Movie category sees strong competition from Lisabi: The Uprising, Skeleton Coast, Suspicion, and House of Ga’a.
Other notable categories include Best Director, where nominees such as Bolanle Austen-Peters (House of Ga’a), Norman Maake (Inkabi), and Robert O Peters (Skeleton Coast) will battle for the top honour. The Best Cinematography award features Inkabi, The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos, and Agemo.
Additionally, the AMVCA recognises digital content creators, with nominees including J
Entertainment
Olamide Baddo: The Silent Architect Behind Afrobeats’ Biggest Stars

In the grand story of Afrobeats’ global rise, some names echo loudly in the mainstream, while others work quietly behind the scenes, shaping the industry’s direction and future. Olamide Adedeji, popularly addressed as ‘Olamide Baddo’, by his numerous fans, is one of the few rare genii that does both. One of the major pioneers of indigenous rap, a trendsetter of street hop, and the kingmaker of Nigeria’s biggest new-generation stars, Olamide has cemented his legacy not just as an artist, but as an empire builder.
For over a decade, his ‘Yahoo Boy No Laptop Nation’, better known as YBNL Nation or simply YBN label has been the launchpad for talents who now dominate the charts, proving that beyond being a hitmaker, Olamide is the silent architect of Afrobeats’ next generation. While others chase global headlines, he works quietly—discovering, nurturing, and elevating stars who redefine the industry.
The Making of a Legend: From ‘Bariga’ to the ‘Big Stage’
Born on March 15, 1989, in Bariga, Lagos, Nigeria, Olamide’s journey into music was driven by raw talent, resilience, and a deep connection to his roots. He struggled hard to burst onto the scene in 2011 with his debut album Rapsodi, introducing a unique blend of Yoruba rap and street lingo. His follow-up project, YBNL, cemented his place as a force to be reckoned with.
Since then, Olamide has consistently released hit albums, amassing an impressive 13 studio projects—a feat unmatched by most of his peers. His discography is a goldmine of anthems, from Durosoke, Shakiti Bobo, and Wo! to Infinity and Jinja among others.
But beyond his success, his biggest achievement lies in the stars he has introduced to the world. Olamide’s YBNL label has proven to be a powerhouse for nurturing and launching some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars.
YBNL’s Role in Afrobeats’ Evolution
While many artists focused solely on their careers, Olamide Baddo took a different path. In 2012, he founded YBNL Nation, a record label that has since become one of Nigeria’s most influential music powerhouses. Through YBNL, he has discovered and mentored some of the biggest names in the industry, including:
Lil Kesh
Olamide’s decision to sign Lil Kesh to YBNL in 2014 was one of the best moves for the young artist’s career. Under Olamide’s mentorship, Lil Kesh released hit singles like Shoki, Efejoku, and Gbese, which became street anthems across Nigeria. His unique ability to blend street hop with catchy hooks made him a fan favourite, and with Baddo’s guidance, he earned a Headies nomination for Next Rated in 2015. Though he later left YBNL to establish his own label, YAGI, Olamide’s influence remains a crucial part of his rise to stardom.
Adekunle Gold
Before joining YBNL, Adekunle Gold was primarily known as a graphic designer, even designing the YBNL logo. However, Olamide saw his musical potential and signed him in 2015, a move that transformed Adekunle Gold’s career. His debut single, Sade, became a massive hit, followed by songs like Orente and Pick Up. Olamide provided the platform and industry connections that allowed Adekunle Gold to transition from a struggling artist to a mainstream sensation. Today, AG Baby is one of the most successful alternative Afrobeat artists, and his foundation in YBNL played a huge role in that success.
Viktoh

Signed alongside Lil Kesh, Viktoh was one of the early members of YBNL, bringing a unique blend of rap and Afrobeat to the label. Although he didn’t achieve the same level of commercial success as some of his labelmates, his tracks like Skibi Dat and Me and My Guys showed promise. Olamide’s backing helped him gain recognition, but he eventually faded from the mainstream spotlight. Nonetheless, his time at YBNL gave him the platform to build a fanbase and industry connections.
Chinko Ekun
Known for his heavy punchlines and street rap skills, Chinko Ekun was another beneficiary of Olamide’s vision when he joined YBNL in 2015. His freestyle abilities set him apart, and under Baddo’s mentorship, he released tracks like Able God, which became a national anthem in 2018. Even after leaving YBNL, Olamide’s influence was evident in his career growth, as he continued to push indigenous rap forward in Nigeria’s music industry.
Davolee
Olamide signed Davolee as part of his mission to promote raw street talent, and the rapper didn’t disappoint. His storytelling ability stood out, especially in Festival Bar, where he detailed his struggles before fame. Although he didn’t stay long in YBNL, the exposure he got under Olamide helped him gain credibility in the industry. After exiting the label, he continued dropping music that resonated with the streets, a testament to the foundational training he received at YBNL.
Temmie Ovwasa
As the only female artist signed to YBNL at the time, Temmie Ovwasa brought a different vibe to the label with her soulful and alternative sound. Her debut track, Jabole, showcased her vocal depth, and with Olamide’s backing, she gained instant recognition. However, creative differences eventually led to her departure from YBNL. Despite this, Olamide’s platform helped her establish a presence in the industry, even as she later pursued a more independent artistic direction.
Fireboy DML
Perhaps the most commercially successful YBNL signee, Fireboy DML joined the label in 2018 and immediately took the industry by storm. His debut album, Laughter, Tears & Goosebumps, was a massive success, featuring hits like Jealous, What If I Say, and King. Olamide’s strategic push for Fireboy, including securing a partnership with Empire Distribution, played a major role in his rise. Fireboy’s sophomore album, Apollo, and the global success of Peru further cemented his place as one of Afrobeats’ biggest stars. Without Olamide’s vision and investment, Fireboy’s meteoric rise might not have happened.
Lyta
Lyta’s story is another example of Olamide’s generosity in nurturing young talent. Signed to YBNL in 2018, he quickly gained attention with Time, featuring Olamide. His melodic style made him a fan favourite, but internal issues led to his departure from the label. Despite leaving YBNL, the exposure he gained under Olamide helped him secure a fanbase, allowing him to continue his career independently, with later hits like Monalisa gaining international attention.
Limerick
A talented rapper discovered by Olamide via Instagram, Limerick’s signing to YBNL in 2018 was a big moment for his career. His debut single, Pesin, featuring Olamide, introduced him to a larger audience, and his sharp lyricism made him stand out. However, like many YBNL signees, he eventually left the label to pursue his career independently, though the platform Olamide provided helped put him on the map.
Picazo Rhap
Picazo Rhap’s journey to YBNL began when a viral freestyle caught Olamide’s attention, leading to his signing in 2018. He quickly gained buzz with his feature on Macaroni alongside Yomi Blaze. However, his time at the label was short-lived, as he left to carve out his own path. Despite this, Olamide’s early support gave him industry credibility, allowing him to maintain relevance in Nigeria’s rap scene.
Yomi Blaze
Signed alongside Picazo Rhap, Yomi Blaze was another street-hop rapper who benefited from Olamide’s influence. His aggressive rap style and energetic delivery earned him a spot in YBNL, but like Picazo, he left the label after a short stint. Despite this, his signing alone gave him significant industry exposure, proving Olamide’s impact in bringing underground rappers to mainstream attention.
Asake
The latest and arguably the most successful YBNL signee since Fireboy, Asake has taken the music industry by storm with his unique blend of Fuji, street-hop, and Amapiano. Signed in 2022, Asake quickly became a dominant force with hits like Sungba, Joha, and Omo Ope, all under Olamide’s guidance. Baddo’s mentorship, including personally featuring on his breakout single, gave Asake the push he needed to become a household name. With an impressive streak of chart-topping songs and a global fanbase, Asake stands as one of Olamide’s most successful protégés.
For every name that YBNL has produced, Olamide’s silent influence has shaped their journey. Unlike many label bosses, he doesn’t seek credit—he lets the success of his protégés speak for itself.
Badoo’s YBNL brand has established itself as a breeding ground for some of Nigeria’s most successful music stars. Beyond the artists he openly mentored and collaborated with, his keen eye for talent has quietly shaped the careers of several industry heavyweights, either through direct influence or behind-the-scenes support. His ability to discover and nurture raw potential remains unparalleled, as he has, both openly and in subtle ways, influenced the rise of numerous musical icons, including those he never officially signed or featured on songs but also freely blessed with verses.
Some of them are :
Zlatan Ibile
Olamide’s impact on Zlatan Ibile’s career was a game-changer, as his feature on My Body in 2017 gave Zlatan the visibility he needed to penetrate the Nigerian mainstream music scene. The song quickly became a street anthem, and the association with Baddo cemented Zlatan’s credibility in the industry. This exposure set the stage for his rise, leading to subsequent hits like Zanku and Bolanle, as well as the creation of the now-popular Zanku dance movement.
Bella Shmurda
Before Bella Shmurda became a household name, his breakthrough moment came when Olamide jumped on the remix of Vision 2020. The collaboration, released in 2019, amplified Bella’s reach and gave his street-conscious music a much-needed boost. The success of the remix opened doors for Bella, eventually leading to chart-topping hits like Cash App and Rush, as well as a spot among the new generation of Afrobeats superstars.
Portable
The emergence of Portable in 2021 was largely due to Olamide’s influence when he featured on the viral hit Zazoo Zehh alongside Poco Lee. The song became an instant sensation, turning Portable from an underground street artist into one of the most talked-about figures in the industry. Olamide’s co-sign not only elevated Portable’s career but also gave him the platform to navigate the industry with multiple endorsements and show appearances.
Naira Marley
Although Naira Marley was already building a fanbase with his controversial and street-savvy music, Olamide’s indirect influence helped shape his rise. Their collaboration on tracks like Issa Goal and Ko Si Werey pushed Naira Marley further into the limelight, particularly during the 2018 FIFA World Cup when Issa Goal became an unofficial anthem. The exposure he gained contributed to the formation of the Marlians movement, one of the most dedicated fan bases in Nigerian music.
CDQ
CDQ’s career took a defining turn when Olamide jumped on Indomie, a track that helped introduce him to a larger audience. The collaboration, released in 2015, became a massive club hit and positioned CDQ as a dominant voice in the indigenous rap scene. With Olamide’s influence, CDQ was able to refine his street-hop style, which later led to further hits like Nowo E Soke and Say Baba, solidifying his place in the industry.
Reminisce
Olamide and Reminisce have had a long-standing relationship as two of Nigeria’s leading indigenous rappers. Their collaboration on Local Rappers in 2015, alongside Phyno, was a cultural statement that reaffirmed the dominance of Yoruba and Igbo rap in mainstream Nigerian music. Olamide’s influence helped Reminisce maintain his street credibility and commercial appeal, ensuring that his music remained relevant to core hip-hop lovers.
T.I Blaze
In early 2022, Olamide gave T.I Blaze his big break by featuring on Sometimes (Remix), a song that captured the struggles of the streets. The remix gained massive airplay, bringing the previously unknown artist to the forefront of Nigeria’s music industry. This single not only boosted T.I Blaze’s career but also opened doors for collaborations with other mainstream artists, proving once again that an Olamide feature is a career-defining moment.
Bad Boy Timz
Olamide’s impact on Bad Boy Timz was evident in their collaboration on Loading, a standout track from Olamide’s Carpe Diem album. The song became a fan favorite, giving Timz a much-needed push in the industry. Following this exposure, he went on to win the Rookie of the Year award at the Headies, showing how a single feature from Baddo can accelerate an artist’s career trajectory.
Jaido P
Jaido P’s career took a major leap forward when Olamide featured on Tesinapot, a song that blended street hop with catchy lyrical flows. The collaboration, released in 2020, introduced Jaido P to a wider audience and positioned him as one of the promising acts in the industry. The Olamide effect was evident as the song gained massive traction across streaming platforms, giving Jaido P the recognition he needed to stay relevant.
Seyi Vibez
Although Olamide hasn’t directly collaborated with Seyi Vibez, his influence on the rising star is undeniable. Seyi Vibez’s sound, which combines street wisdom with soulful melodies, mirrors Olamide’s early career approach. Baddo’s endorsement of his music on social media helped bring more attention to Seyi Vibez, solidifying his status as one of the most promising artists in the Nigerian music industry today.
More Than Music: Oleamide’s Cultural and Business Influence
Olamide’s impact isn’t just limited to music. He has influenced fashion, street culture, and business, positioning himself as an icon for young Nigerians. His raw, unfiltered personality and deep connection to the streets make him a relatable figure, while his strategic business moves keep him ahead in an ever-changing industry.
From landing brand deals with multinational companies to running one of the most successful independent labels, Olamide’s playbook is one that aspiring musicians and entrepreneurs study closely.
What’s Next for Baddo?
Despite his legendary status, Olamide shows no signs of slowing down. Whether he’s dropping hit records, executive-producing new artists, or expanding his business empire, his presence in the entertainment scene remains undeniable. As Afrobeats continues its global takeover, one thing is certain—many of its biggest stars owe their success to the silent architect of the game, Olamide Baddo.
In an industry where many chase the spotlight, Olamide has proven that true power lies in building legacies, not just hits. His work behind the scenes has shaped the sound of Nigerian music today, and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Long live the kingmaker!
Idowu Ayodele, a journalist and publisher of Mega Icon Magazine, writes from Ibadan, Oyo State. He can be reached via email at megaiconpress@gmail.com or through 08058893736, 07049626913.
Entertainment
Iyabo Ojo Reveals Painful Past: “I Was Raped Five Times in My Life”

Popular Nollywood actress, lyabo Ojo, has opened up about her traumatic experiences with sexual assault, revealing that she was a victim of rape on five separate occasions.
The emotional disclosure came during an interview with fellow actress, Biola Bayo on the talk show Talk to B.
In the heartfelt conversation, lyabo explained her staunch stance against sexual violence and her zero tolerance for rape apologists. She stressed that she would not hesitate to confront anyone guilty of the crime, even if it were her own son.
“I was raped five times in my life,” she said. “I discovered we have a lot of rape apologists. I don’t care who the person is; if that person is my son, I am going to come for him unapologetically.”
The actress also shared details of her challenging upbringing, revealing that she was raised by her grandmother and only met her mother at the age of seven.
“I grew up with my grandmother, who is half Delta and half Igbo. I think I was seven before I knew my mother,” she recounted.
lyabo further revealed the strained relationship she had with her father, who disowned her when she chose to marry her ex-husband against his wishes. Tragically, her father’s struggles with alcohol and drug addiction cut his life short at the age of 49.
“My dad did everything- alcohol and drugs -so it messed him up at a young age. He died at 49,” she said.
The actress also addressed rumours about her relationship with controversial singer, Naira Marley, clarifying that despite public perception, she has never met him in person.
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