Nigerian rap legend Olamide surprised fans on June 27th, 2024 with a new 7-track EP titled “Ikigai.” The project delves into “reason for being” or “life’s purpose.” This surprise release has already sent shockwaves through the Afrobeats scene.

“Ikigai” shattered the record for most opening day streams on Spotify Nigeria in 2024. It racked up a whopping 1.86 million streams in its first 24 hours. This dethrones the previous record holder, “Shakespopi” by Shallipopi, which garnered 1.59 million streams.

Biggest opening day streams of 2024 on Spotify Nigeria

— @Olamide ‘Ikigai / 生き甲斐, Vol. 1’ 1.86M
— @plutomaniapopi ‘Shakespopi’ 1.59M
— @ayrastarr ‘The Year I Turned 21’ 1.27M
— @temsbaby ‘Born In The Wild’ 1.03M
— @YoungJonn ‘Jiggy Forever’ 860k
— @rugerofficial & @BNXN… pic.twitter.com/WoIjMfGNHA

— TurnTable Charts (@TurntableCharts) June 28, 2024

These numbers solidify Olamide’s position as a dominant force in African music. He holds the title for the most streamed African rapper on Spotify and also boasts the most streamed album by a Nigerian rapper on the platform with his 2020 project “Carpe Diem.”

“Ikigai” isn’t just about Olamide flexing his solo muscles.

The EP features some exciting collaborations, showcasing the depth of talent within the YBNL label. Rising stars Fireboy and Asake light up track 3 “Uptown Disco” with their infectious energy, while the closing track “Synchro System” offers a dose of nostalgia for longtime fans. This song reunites Olamide with some former YBNL associates – Pheelz, Young Jonn, and Lil Kesh – bringing together a group of artists who have helped shape the Afrobeats sound.

This surprise release marks Olamide’s 10th solo project and 15th overall, further solidifying his place as a Nigerian music powerhouse since 1999. “Ikigai” also surpasses his own record for biggest first-day numbers, previously held by his 2023 album “Unruly” with 1.81 million streams.

Biggest first day streams by albums on Spotify Nigeria (all-time)

1. @davido ‘Timeless’ — 4.91M
2. @burnaboy ‘I Told Them’ — 2.93M
3. @asakemusik ‘Work Of Art’ — 2.27M
4. @wizkidayo ‘S2’ -EP — 2.08M
5. @Olamide ‘Ikigai / 生き甲斐, Vol. 1’ 1.86M 🆕
6. @Olamide ‘Unruly’ — 1.81M
7.… pic.twitter.com/n9IrkfCm9s

— TurnTable Charts (@TurntableCharts) June 28, 2024

With “Ikigai,” Olamide lands at number 5 on the all-time list of opening day streams on Spotify Nigeria, following giants like Davido (“Timeless”), Burna Boy (“I Told Them”), Asake (“Work Of Art”), and Wizkid (“S2” EP).

l don’t also understand how it’s happening but God knows the best @olamide make a history for me yesterday 😩😩💞@jo_blaq02 my Friends thanks for the
support brother 💖🫵 pic.twitter.com/lE6vKm3EQg

— PELLER (@_Peller089) June 28, 2024

Furthermore, Olamide wasted no time in dropping the music video for the track “Metaverse,” keeping fans visually engaged with the new project. He also hosted a virtual listening event on TikTok Live with content creator Peller, a savvy move to connect with fans on a popular social media platform and create a more interactive experience.

Olamide’s “Ikigai” is a powerful reminder of his enduring influence in the Afrobeats scene. The record-breaking streams and collaborations showcase his ability to evolve while staying true to his roots.

With a surprise EP, a hot music video, and a savvy social media push, Olamide is proving that he’s not going anywhere and remains a major force to be reckoned with in Nigerian music.

Nigerian rap icon Olamide has been a dominant force for over a decade. He’s been audiences with his music and solidifying his place as one of the greatest modern Nigerian artists. Just when fans thought they might be seeing the end of an era, Olamide surprised everyone with a brand new project titled “Ikigai.“

This exciting news came just hours after Olamide delivered a surprise performance at the wedding of Davido and Chioma. The 7-track EP project “Ikigai,” was announced on June 26, 2024. “Ikigai” is a word translating from Japanese which means “reason for being” or “life’s purpose.”

“Ikigai” promises to be a thrilling listen packed with collaborations. Fans can look forward to Olamide teaming up with his current YBNL label mates, Fireboy and Asake, on a track called “Uptown Disco.”

The project also features a special reunion, bringing together former YBNL collaborators Pheelz, Young Jonn, and Lil Kesh for a song titled “Synchro System.” Furthermore, Olamide even offered a sneak peek of a song called “Hello Habibi” on his social media before the full announcement.

The news of “Ikigai” comes as a delightful shock to Olamide’s dedicated fanbase.

In 2023, Olamide had hinted at retirement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, leading many to believe his last album, “Unruly,” might be his final project. However, here he is, back with a vengeance! “Ikigai” marks Olamide’s 10th solo project and his 15th overall, which shows his unwavering dedication to his craft.

Olamide has a long and impressive track record of churning out hit records. His most recent album, “Unruly,” included popular songs like “Trumpet” featuring CKay, the infectious “Jinja,” and the Asake-collaborative banger “New Religion.” With “Ikigai,” fans are not only eager to hear a fresh batch of music from Olamide but also incredibly excited about the prospect of the YBNL crew reuniting on a song.

“Ikigai” is scheduled to drop on June 26th, marking a new and exciting chapter in Olamide’s illustrious music career. This surprise project is sure to solidify his legacy as a Nigerian music legend and leave fans wanting more.