One of the most fascinating things about Nigerian Pop is the producer–artist synergy that often defines entire eras. Time and time again, we’ve seen artists form tight creative bonds with producers, so much so that, whenever they collaborate, fans already know it’s going to bang.
There are many examples of these powerful pairings, but one of the most iconic remains Olamide and Young Jonn.
Before he became a singing pop star known for crooning melodies over amapiano and Afrobeats-inflected production, Young Jonn was simply “the wicked producer”, a tag that rang out across some of the most unforgettable hits by Olamide from the early 2010s to the late 2010s.
Together, they made classic hit songs and built a golden run. A moment in Nigerian music history where street anthems, coded slang, and futuristic beats collided with raw talent. From party starters to reflective bangers, the Olamide–Young Jonn collaboration shaped the sonic direction of the streets and airwaves in ways that can never be forgotten.
Here’s a look back at some of the songs that defined that era as the golden run of Baddo and the wicked producer, Young Jonn.
“Science Student” (2018)
Controversial yet undeniably infectious, “Science Student” was another proof of Olamide and Young Jonn’s street dominance. Though NBC issued a “Not To Be Broadcast” ban over concerns about its perceived glorification of drug use, the track still moved through the culture like wildfire.
With its chanted bridge, “ko s’ewe, ko s’egbo”, and the signature Shaku Shaku rhythm, the song became a dance-floor favourite and a viral sensation. Fans flooded Instagram with skits and dance clips, hoping to ride its momentum. Regardless of the message, “Science Student” was a masterclass in beat-driven storytelling; it is raw, provocative, and catchy.
“Bobo” (2015)
If there’s one thing Street Pop has always done effortlessly, it’s birthing dance styles, and Shakiti Bobo from Olamide’s “Bobo” was no exception. Produced by Young Jonn and powered by Olamide’s signature confidence, the track became a defining hit of 2015.
Baddo rapped on the song and also staked his claim as a pop heavyweight, pairing sharp lyrics with Young Jonn’s bouncing, synth-heavy production. But what truly sealed the song’s legacy was its viral dance: simple, stylish, and impossible to ignore.
“Falila Ketan” (2014)
Tucked into the “Street OT” album, “Falila Ketan” was Olamide at his most playful and provocative. With Young Jonn’s bouncy, uptempo beat setting the pace, Baddo spins a cheeky love story around a bow-legged muse named Falila.
The lyrics might raise eyebrows, but the energy is pure dancefloor gold. Equal parts raunchy and irresistible, the track quickly became a fan favourite, which proves that sometimes, even the most unfiltered street jams can still feel like love songs in disguise.
“Wo!!” (2017)
At the dawn of the Shaku Shaku era, Olamide did what only he could by taking the bubbling street trend and pushing it into the mainstream. With Young Jonn behind the boards, “Wo!!” became an instant street anthem and one of the biggest songs of 2017.
The beat was infectious, the hook was addictive, and Olamide’s delivery was playful, commanding, and built for the dancefloor. “Wo!!” rode on the Shaku Shaku wave and still amplified it. If it had dropped during TikTok’s peak, it would’ve gone global. But even without that boost, it had the streets in a chokehold.
“Update” (2017)
Released in 2017, “Update” finds Olamide in a reflective yet vibrant mood, blending street sensibilities with subtle introspection.
Over Young Jonn’s crisp, rolling production, Baddo delivers solid verses in his signature silky tone, playfully questioning when success, money, love, and recognition will finally arrive. It’s a track that balances groove with yearning, and once again, Olamide and Young Jonn prove their chemistry is foolproof.
“Story for the Gods” (2014)
Released as part of “Street OT”, Olamide’s fourth studio album, “Story for the Gods”, was a cultural moment. Powered by Young Jonn’s hypnotic production and Baddo’s cheeky lyricism, the track quickly became a club and street anthem. Their chemistry was undeniable. Olamide’s free-flow delivery met Young Jonn’s pulsating beat in perfect sync.
Beyond the sound, the song’s title evolved into everyday slang: whenever someone was caught lying or exaggerating, the response was simple, “story for the gods”. It is a hit song that moved bodies and gave birth to slang.
