Nigerian rapper Olamide has announced a new project titled “IKIGAI (生き甲斐)” Vol. 1. The announcement was made on social media platforms on Wednesday.
“IKIGAI (生き甲斐)” is a Japanese concept that translates to ‘reason for being’ or ‘life purpose’. It is a combination of four kanji characters: 生 (i) meaning ‘life’, 気 (ki) meaning ‘spirit’, ガイ (gai) meaning ‘value’ or ‘worth’, and (ai) meaning ‘to meet’ or ‘to come together.’
Ikigai represents the things that give life meaning, happiness, and fulfillment, encompassing relationships, passions, and pursuits that bring value and joy, including loved ones, personal interests, and purposeful endeavors.
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Details about the project are scarce, but it will feature collaborations with fellow Nigerian artists Asake, Fireboy DML, Pheelz, Young Jonn, Lil Kesh, and Sabri. These artists started their careers on the YBNL Nation label founded by Olamide and directly benefited from its support and infrastructure.
Even without a direct label connection, Olamide’s long-standing success in Afrobeats and his ability to blend it with Yoruba elements likely inspired these artists and helped pave the way for their integration of those influences into their music.
Release date and other information about “IKIGAI (生き甲斐)” Vol. 1 have not been announced.
