Lil Kesh

Keshinro Ololade (born March 17, 1995), widely known by his stage name Lil Kesh, is a prominent Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is recognized as a significant figure in the Nigerian Street Pop and Afrobeats genres, known for his energetic delivery and catchy hit songs. Early Life and Education Lil Kesh was born and raised in Bariga, an area of Lagos State, Nigeria, but he is originally from Osun State. He completed his primary and secondary education at Stockbridge College. Driven by his passion for music, he later pursued higher education, studying Linguistics at the University of Lagos. He furthered his studies online, obtaining a degree in Mass Communication from the National Open University of Nigeria. Career Progression Lil Kesh began his musical career in 2012, initially rapping among his peers in Bariga. His first notable success came in January 2014 with the release of his debut single, "Lyrically," which quickly gained traction across Nigerian universities. His talent caught the attention of Nigerian rapper Olamide, who subsequently signed him to his record label, YBNL Nation (Yahoo Boy No Laptop). Major Achievements and Notable Works While signed to YBNL Nation, Lil Kesh experienced a rapid rise to prominence, solidifying his status as a street-pop sensation. His definitive breakout single, "Shoki" (2014), became a national anthem and earned him critical acclaim, including nominations for major awards. Following "Shoki," he released other popular tracks such as "Efejoku" and "Gbese." In March 2016, he released his debut studio album, *YAGI* (Young and Getting It), under the YBNL imprint. The album featured collaborations with top artists like Olamide, Phyno, and Davido. Current Status Upon the expiration of his two-year contract with YBNL Nation, Lil Kesh established his own record label, YAGI Records, in 2016. The transition allowed him to maintain full creative control while continuing to release successful music. Lil Kesh remains active in the Nigerian music scene, contributing to the evolution of Afrobeats, Hip-hop, and Street Pop genres.