Olamide Told Me to Go Big — How a Chat With Baddo Turned Victony’s Stubborn Into a Full Album!

Nigerian singer Victony has revealed that iconic rapper and YBNL boss Olamide played a pivotal role in transforming what was originally planned as an extended play (EP) into his full-length debut album Stubborn, a project now celebrated for its depth, features, and clarity of vision.

In a candid reflection on his artistic journey, Victony explained that Stubborn began life as a smaller project because he didn’t feel “album-ready.” But everything changed after a conversation with Olamide, who encouraged him to seize the moment and give fans a larger body of work while their appetite for his music was strong.

The interaction reportedly took place around the time of a listening party for the project, and Victony went in seeking advice from his senior, only to walk away with renewed confidence to expand his vision. Olamide stressed the importance of responding to fan enthusiasm, reminding him that hesitation can lead to missed opportunities. The advice hit home, prompting Victony to scrap the EP plan and commit to a 14-track album instead.

Stubborn, released in June 2024, stands as a testament to that decision. The album weaves together Victony’s personal experiences, creative flair, and resilience, with features from both Nigerian and international artists such as Asake, Shallipopi, Shorae Moore, Saint Jhn, and Teezo Touchdown. Critics have praised the project for its emotional depth and stylistic range, highlighting how Victony uses his narrative to bridge Afropop with broader musical textures while reflecting on his rise in the industry.

This moment of mentorship reflects a broader culture within Afrobeats where established figures like Olamide often act as guides for emerging talents. Olamide’s influence extends beyond his own discography and label leadership; he’s widely respected in the Nigerian music scene for championing younger artists, offering strategic support as they navigate the early stages of their careers. In Victony’s case, that support helped convert uncertainty into an ambitious debut that resonated with critics and fans alike.

The story behind Stubborn also highlights the often nonlinear path that creative projects take in Afrobeats. For many artists — especially those transitioning from singles to larger bodies of work — questions around readiness and timing can be daunting. Victony’s choice to rely on seasoned counsel, and to act on it, underscores how industry relationships and thoughtful mentorship can shape not only artistic decisions but also how music connects with audiences.

As Victony continues to evolve his craft — including recent collaborations with Olamide on new material — the impact of Stubborn and the role of mentorship in its creation remain defining chapters in his career. Fans and critics alike see it as a breakthrough: not just because of the quality of the music, but because it represents an artist stepping confidently into his own voice with the support of a community that believes in his talent.