Veteran Nigerian rapper Olusegun Osaniyi, popularly known as Lord of Ajasa, has become a United States citizen, prompting an outpouring of congratulatory messages from fellow artistes, music producers and fans.
One of the pioneer of mainstream Yoruba rap shared clips, photographs and Instagram stories on his page, #lordofajasa, on Wednesday, holding his American citizenship certificate.
In another photograph, the rapper and his wife posed with the American flag, marking the milestone that quickly attracted attention from fans and entertainment platforms.
The development also revived conversations about Lord of Ajasa’s place in the history of indigenous Nigerian hip-hop, particularly his role in popularising Yoruba rap before the emergence of acts such as Dagrin, Olamide and Reminisce.
PUNCH Online reports that his long-time associates and contemporaries were among those who celebrated the milestone in the comment section of his Instagram post.
Music producer and Coded Tunes founder, Olumide Ogunade, popularly known as ID Cabasa, wrote, “Congratulations Lord Oshi.”
Lord of Ajasa replied, “Thanks Cabasa.”
His contemporary, singer Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice, also congratulated him, writing, “Congrats apase1👑🙌🙌🙌”
Lord of Ajasa responded, “Thanks Baalè.”
Other social media users also joined the congratulatory messages as the post attracted renewed attention to the veteran rapper.
Music lovers and hip-hop enthusiasts have long recognised Lord of Ajasa as one of the early figures who helped establish indigenous-language rap as a prominent part of Nigeria’s mainstream music culture.
His songs, including “Le Fenu So,” “Esha Lo Bade,” and “Mai Lo,” have remained associated with throwback conversations about the early years of Yoruba hip-hop.
Lord of Ajasa’s name also frequently resurfaces during discussions about the evolution of Nigerian hip-hop, including conversations around the early indigenous rap movement and the Coded Tunes era.
His naturalisation has also put to rest years of speculation among fans about his frequent stays in the United States, where he has regularly performed at shows, events and other engagements, PUNCH Online reports.
(Punch)
