Nigerian rapper Olamide has come out to defend Yoruba culture, arguing that indigenous practices should not be branded evil or demonic. The remarks were reported by GistLover on November 4, 2026.
According to the report, the music star, who strongly identifies with his Yoruba roots, believes traditional customs should not be condemned or misunderstood simply because of certain beliefs and perceptions about them.
What Olamide said
GistLover reported that Olamide used black soap, a traditional item, to illustrate his point, saying he has no problem accepting such things and is proud of his cultural background. He is quoted as saying:
“Our culture and tradition are not diabolical and should not be demonised. I’m a Yoruba boy; if you give me black soap, I will collect it,” he said.
The publisher framed the comments as a call to respect cultural heritage and to avoid linking indigenous Yoruba practices with negative spiritual beliefs.
Reactions
Two readers who commented under the GistLover post appeared to agree with him. One, identified as Tosin, wrote: “Those whites really mess Africa up with that their religion.” Another, Martins, wrote: “Yes true We should not abandon our customs and tradition because of the white religions.” These are individual reader comments and do not represent wider public opinion.
The source does not say when or where Olamide made the remarks, or what prompted them. It also does not say whether he was responding to a specific person or event.
