It’s a moment of collective pride, a truth the streets have held for over a decade, now stamped and certified by the highest authority in music. The Recording Academy, the institution behind the GRAMMYs, recently recognized Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun aka, Dagrin’s immortal hit, “Pon Pon Pon,” which stands as the sole rap song among the top 10 songs shaping the evolution of Afrobeats. For those of us who lived through the seismic shift that Dagrin created, this isn’t just news; it’s a long-overdue coronation.
This recognition affirms what we’ve always known: “Pon Pon Pon” is more than just a rap song. It’s a cultural artifact. It’s the raw, unfiltered audio-documentary of life in Lagos, delivered with a gritty realism and lyrical dexterity that redefined what was possible in Nigerian music. Dagrin didn’t just pioneer Yoruba rap; he grabbed the mainstream by the collar and forced it to respect the language of the streets. The track’s infectious beat, combined with its vivid storytelling and unapologetic use of slang, cemented its place as the eternal anthem of Afro-Street Rap.
Behind the Legacy: The Crucial Role of Digital Music Commerce And Exchange Limited (DMCE)
While we celebrate the man and his music, it’s vital to spotlight the meticulous work happening behind the scenes to preserve this legacy. This is where Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Limited (DMCE), under the leadership of General Manager Ezekiel Olayinka, has played an indispensable role. Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Limited (DMCE) is a full-service company offering catalog administration, IP valuation, acquisition, and rights management. They also function as a copyright clearinghouse for businesses that use music.
Following Dagrin’s tragic passing, his musical catalog was fragmented and often exploited without proper compensation to his Estate. The team at DMCE undertook the monumental task of protecting his life’s work. They legally secured the rights by obtaining a letter of administration from Lagos State Probate registry and ensured that the family was rightfully involved. Within a single year, they painstakingly retrieved his catalog from illegal users and aggregating his musical assets.
Building the Future from a Legendary Blueprint
DMCE’s vision extends beyond mere preservation. They are actively building on Dagrin’s foundation. They successfully facilitated a landmark deal for his Estate with Sony Music Publishing Nigeria, further cementing his place in the global music landscape.
Perhaps most innovatively, this partnership led to the “Legend Sampling Camp” by Sony Music Publishing Nigeria in August 2024. This initiative saw modern artists reimagine and sample iconic works from legends like Dagrin, K1 De Ultimate, King Dr. Saheed Osupa and the Late Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister (MFR), who are all represented by DMCE, proving that his sound is not just a memory but a living, breathing source of inspiration for the next generation of Afrobeats stars.
The Recording Academy’s recognition is a global acknowledgment of Dagrin’s genius. But the enduring flame of his legacy is kept alive by the dedicated efforts of his family and partners like DMCE, who ensure that the King of Afro-Street Rap and Indigenous Rap is never forgotten. His influence is everywhere, his impact is undeniable, and his music remains timeless.
Go stream “Pon Pon Pon” today and pay homage to the pioneer, the legend—Dagrin. Akogun!
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