Nigerian music star Lil Kesh has shared the story behind how he got signed to Olamide’s YBNL Nation. In a recent interview on The Esther Show, he revealed that his breakout track “Lyrically” was the reason Olamide offered him a record deal.

“‘Lyrically’ is one song that got me my record deal,” Lil Kesh said. The song helped him go viral and introduced his talent to a wide audience. Its strong lyrics and energy caught Olamide’s attention, leading to a major turning point in Lil Kesh’s career.

Although he started as a rapper, Lil Kesh explained that he does not like to call himself one. “I am a rapper, but I don’t like to identify as a rapper intentionally. I came into the game as a rapper,” he said. According to him, rap alone would not give him the success he wanted in Nigeria’s music scene.

He realized that Nigerians enjoy music they can dance to. This understanding made him shift from pure rap to a more pop-friendly sound. Lil Kesh also mentioned that many rappers struggle to stay relevant because they don’t evolve. However, he praised Olamide as one of the few who combined rap and Afrobeats to build a lasting career.

After signing with YBNL, Lil Kesh released hits like “Shoki,” “Efejoku,” and “Is It Because I Love You.” These songs made him one of the biggest stars in Nigerian street pop. His energetic style and catchy lyrics kept fans excited and engaged.

Ten years after his debut, Lil Kesh is still going strong. In April 2025, he released a new EP titled “Forever Getting It,” proving that he remains connected to the pulse of the culture.

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