YBNL boss and Afrobeats powerhouse Olamide has delivered a powerful defence of Nigerian and Yoruba culture, insisting that traditional practices must never be branded as diabolical or evil. The rapper spoke out during a private screening of the new movie Ose Dudu, produced by his close friend and Nollywood actress Sotayo Gaga, on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Addressing guests at the event, Olamide made his position crystal clear.
“Our culture and tradition is not diabolical and it is not to be demonised. And we’re proud of who we are, where we’re coming from and everything about our heritage, tradition and culture,” he declared.
He went further to embrace one of the most talked-about elements of the film’s theme, the traditional black soap known as Ose Dudu.
“I am Yoruba true and true. If you give me Black Soap, I will not hesitate to use,” the star added, switching into Yoruba with the emphatic line “Omo Yoruba lemi, t’eba fun emi gan ni Ose Dudu malo.”
The comments come as Ose Dudu explores cultural and traditional themes that have sometimes drawn mixed public reactions. Ose Dudu itself is a long-standing Yoruba skincare product used for everyday cleaning, yet it has occasionally been linked in popular conversation to spiritual practices. Olamide’s unapologetic stance pushes back against any narrative that paints African heritage as something to fear or reject.
Throughout his career, the Bariga-born artiste has woven Yoruba language, street energy and cultural pride into his music, helping carry indigenous expressions to global audiences. His latest remarks reinforce that same commitment. By standing firmly with his roots in front of industry peers and fans, Olamide is urging a broader reclaiming of identity at a time when many younger Nigerians navigate the tension between modern life and ancestral traditions.
Video clips of the moment quickly spread across social media, sparking widespread applause from those who see the rapper’s words as a necessary reminder. Supporters have praised him for using his platform to celebrate rather than apologise for where he comes from.