From Yaba to the World: Oladapo Reflects on His Music Journey on Afrobeats Radar

Music began quietly for Oladapo. Growing up, he connected deeply with the classics — Fela, Lijadu Sisters, and the nostalgic rhythms his parents played during long road trips. But his personal relationship with creativity started in secondary school.

While prep time forced most students into textbooks, he had usually read ahead. With nothing else to do, he turned to poetry, filling notebooks with thoughts and ideas. That practice later transitioned into songwriting, and even though he didn’t think much of his voice, his peers always pulled him in to sing.

When Oladapo stopped by Afrobeats Radar on Cosoro Radio, he didn’t come with industry polish or rehearsed talking points—he came with honesty. In a warm, unfiltered conversation, he opened up about his journey, his growth, his music, and the life experiences shaping his sound today.

His story into music wasn’t a dramatic “aha” moment. It began casually, in his home, when a friend visited to play him a demo. Oladapo listened, offered a few suggestions, and broke down how the track could be improved. His friend looked at him and reminded him of something he hadn’t paid attention to—how he used to sing Burna Boy and Wizkid songs effortlessly back in school while they washed clothes.

That gentle reminder became a turning point. If he could dissect music so naturally, maybe he was meant to do more than just enjoy it. So he freestyled. Then he recorded covers on Instagram. Slowly, people noticed. The engagement grew. The traction built. And soon enough, Mr Eazi saw him.

From that moment, the path forward was undeniable.

During the interview, Oladapo spoke passionately about his new single, “Expensive Shit.” Interestingly, the inspiration didn’t start in the studio—it began on stage at his show in April.

He performed songs from his catalog—Afro-pop, Afro-R&B, dance-infused records—and the energy in the room was wild. Fans screamed the lyrics with so much intensity that the entire space felt electrified. People backstage were surprised. They expected a soft, mellow R&B crowd. Instead, they met a vibrant community that embodied Oladapo’s personality: calm yet expressive, easygoing yet dramatic, soft-spoken yet full of life.

That moment made him realize he needed a record that captured this duality. A song that reflected who he was becoming.

That led to “Expensive Shit.”

The track is rooted in his real-life experiences—making his first major purchases, navigating people’s doubts, and understanding that growth often makes others uncomfortable. When he posted his new car, many assumed he borrowed it for content. Rather than get frustrated, he turned it into art.

For Oladapo, “expensive” isn’t about luxury. It’s about personal growth. Your lifestyle should only compete with who you were yesterday. Everyone’s version of “expensive” is unique, personal, and deeply tied to their journey.

And in his words, this song is only the appetizer—there’s a lot more greatness on the way.

As the year winds down, Oladapo is stepping into a new, exciting phase. He wraps up the year with a project he co wrote that features Txc, Mavo and Shoday, currently out on streaming platforms.

He also revealed plans for his With Friends show happening this December in Yaba in Lagos Nigeria, the place where everything began. It’s more than a performance; it’s a homecoming. A celebration of growth, community, and the journey that shaped him.

With more projects, a major show planned, and a fanbase that continues to grow, Oladapo is entering a bold new era defined by authenticity, intention, and heart.

Follow him across platforms—TikTok, Instagram, X—at @oladapoofficial.