Olamide has landed his first international certifications, with the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) awarding Silver plaques to two of his standout collaborations: “Infinity” featuring Omah Lay and “Amapiano” with Asake.
It’s a milestone that’s been a long time coming for the YBNL boss. Despite over a decade of dominance on the Nigerian scene and a catalogue stacked with era-defining records, Olamide had, until now, never earned a certification outside Nigeria. The BPI’s recognition changes that, engraving his commercial footprint in the UK, one of the most influential markets for Afrobeats and its subgenres.
“Infinity,” the Omah Lay-assisted cut off Olamide’s 2020 album Carpe Diem, and “Amapiano,” his 2023 team-up with Asake off the Work of Art album, both hit silver status in the UK.
Both records also mark new certification wins for their featured acts. Asake already has a run of BPI Silver plaques to his name from records like “Sungba,” “Terminator,” and “Lonely at the Top,” so “Amapiano” simply extends that streak. For Omah Lay, though, “Infinity” adds to a growing certification résumé that includes hits like “Attention” with Justin Bieber.
For Olamide, though, this is uncharted territory: proof that delay is not denial, and that his influence on contemporary Afrobeats sound extends into realms he hasn’t formally been recognized in until now.