Olamide’s EP ‘Ikigai’ Breaks Opening Day Streaming Record on Spotify Nigeria

Nigerian rap sensation Olamide has once again proven his dominance in the music industry with the release of his surprise EP, ‘Ikigai.’ Dropped on June 27, 2024, the 7-track project has shattered the opening day streaming record on Spotify Nigeria, amassing a staggering 1.86 million streams within the first 24 hours.

For over a decade, Olamide has captivated audiences with his dynamic sound and lyrical prowess, solidifying his reputation as one of the greatest Nigerian artists of the modern era.

The title of his latest EP, ‘Ikigai,’ is a Japanese term meaning “reason for being” or “life’s purpose,” reflecting the depth and introspection that listeners have come to expect from the rapper.

According to Nigeria’s premier music chart publication, ‘Ikigai’ has leapfrogged Shallipopi’s ‘Shakespopi,’ which previously held the record with 1.59 million streams on its opening day. This achievement further cements Olamide’s position as the most streamed African rapper on Spotify. Additionally, he holds the record for the most streamed album by a Nigerian rapper on Spotify with his 2020 project ‘Carpe Diem.’

The EP features notable collaborations, including YBNL superstars Fireboy DML and Asake on the track ‘Uptown Disco,’ as well as former YBNL associates Pheelz, Young Jonn, and Lil Kesh on ‘Synchro System.’ These partnerships highlight Olamide’s knack for blending talents and sounds to create infectious music that resonates with fans.

‘Ikigai’ marks Olamide’s 10th solo project and 15th overall, extending his extensive discography and reinforcing his status as a cornerstone of Nigerian mainstream music since his debut in 1999.

The EP’s first-day streaming numbers surpassed those of his 2023 album ‘Unruly,’ which garnered 1.81 million streams. On the all-time list of opening day numbers on Spotify Nigeria, ‘Ikigai’ now ranks fifth, behind Davido’s ‘Timeless’ (4.91 million), Burna Boy’s ‘I Told Them’ (2.93 million), Asake’s ‘Work Of Art’ (2.27 million), and Wizkid’s ‘S2’ EP (2.08 million).

To celebrate the release of ‘Ikigai,’ Olamide also unveiled the music video for the track ‘Metaverse’ and hosted a virtual listening event on TikTok live with content creator Peller.