Brymo

Olawale Ashimi (born September 27, 1986), popularly known as Brymo, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and composer recognized for his distinctive blend of African folk music, pop, and rock. He is often regarded as one of Nigeria's most unconventional and lyrically profound contemporary artists, known for his poetic songwriting and thematic depth.Early Life and Education Brymo was born and raised in Okokomaiko, a low-income area of Lagos State, Nigeria. His mother was a petty trader, and his father was a carpenter. He was exposed to music early in life, influenced by his father's love for Fela Kuti, who became a significant inspiration. He attended Aganju Aka Primary School and later a secondary school in Okokomaiko. Brymo began writing music at the age of 14. Although he briefly enrolled at the Lagos State University (LASU) to study Zoology, he left after his first year to fully pursue his music career.Career Progression Brymo began his career performing at local venues and releasing his debut studio album, *Brymstone*, in 2007. His breakthrough came in 2010 when he was featured on Ice Prince's hit song, "Oleku." In 2011, he signed a recording contract with Chocolate City, one of Nigeria's leading labels at the time, and released his second studio album, *The Son of a Kapenta* (2012). This album solidified his presence in the mainstream. Following a highly publicized legal dispute with Chocolate City over contract and album release issues in 2013, Brymo left the label to pursue an independent path. This transition marked a creative shift, allowing him greater artistic control. He released his third album, *Merchant, Dealers & Slaves* (2013), followed by *Tabula Rasa* (2014), both under his independent imprint, TSB Records. His independent career established his reputation for creating sophisticated, thought-provoking music outside the typical commercial Afrobeats mold.Major Achievements and Notable Works Brymo’s discography is celebrated for its lyrical brilliance and genre diversity. His notable works include: * **"Ara" (2012):** A critical and commercial hit that is considered one of his signature songs. * ***Merchant, Dealers & Slaves*** **(2013):** This album earned him Album of the Year at the 2014 Headies Awards. * ***Tabula Rasa*** **(2014):** Praised for its philosophical themes and instrumentation. * ***Klĭtôrĭs*** **(2016):** An ambitious album that received widespread critical acclaim. * ***Oṣó*** **(2018):** Known for its rich, indigenous Yoruba narrative and sound. * ***Yellow*** **(2020):** A deeply introspective album exploring themes of love, politics, and existence.Brymo is highly regarded in the Nigerian alternative music scene and has received multiple award nominations throughout his career, including winning the Recording of the Year for "Good Morning" at the 2013 Headies and multiple nominations for his albums.Current Status Brymo continues to operate as an independent artist and remains prolific. He frequently releases new music and maintains a dedicated fanbase. He is recognized for his powerful live performances and consistent exploration of new artistic frontiers, often integrating global sounds with traditional Nigerian musical elements. He is currently based in Lagos, Nigeria.