Olamide Defends African Heritage, Declares Culture ‘Not Diabolical’

​Nigerian music icon and YBNL Nation boss, Olamide Adedeji, widely known as Badoo, has issued a passionate appeal for Nigerians to embrace and take pride in their rich cultural heritage. Speaking out against the stigma often attached to indigenous traditions, the award-winning artiste insisted that African customs should never be demonized or viewed as inherently evil.

​The remarks were made during a recent public appearance at The Pod by Nile Luxury Cinemas, where the artiste was dressed in a striking, colorful adire outfit. In a moment that resonated strongly with fans and cultural enthusiasts alike, the rapper switched to Yoruba to drive his message home, highlighting everyday indigenous items like the traditional black soap (ose dudu) as symbols of authentic identity rather than objects of fear.

​”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,” Olamide stated. “I’m a Yoruba boy. If you give me black soap, I’ll gladly collect it and use it.”

​Over the course of a stellar career, Olamide has seamlessly woven indigenous language, folklore, and street-level philosophy into contemporary hip-hop and Afrobeats. This commitment to cultural preservation has not only defined his artistic footprint but has also paved the way for a generation of music stars—including notable acts like Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, and Asake—to proudly champion Nigerian roots on global stages.

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​Cultural commentators note that the artiste’s intervention arrives at a critical time when traditional African practices are frequently subjected to misconceptions rooted in colonial or superstitious biases. By reclaiming everyday symbols of indigenous life, Olamide continues to spark vital national conversations on identity, self-worth, and the decolonization of African cultural expression.