Veteran Nigerian rapper Olusegun Osaniyi, popularly known as Lord of Ajasa, has officially become a United States citizen.
The pioneer of mainstream Yoruba-language rap announced the milestone on Wednesday, October 7, sharing photographs and videos from the occasion on his social media pages.
In one of the videos, Lord of Ajasa was seen holding his United States citizenship certificate alongside an American flag. He also posed with his wife, Funmi, as they celebrated the achievement.
“My fans, I’m now a US citizen; you all should know. This is my new country’s flag. I’m now fighting for my new country,” the rapper said in a video. (Premium Times Nigeria)
In another post, he simply wrote, “Thank You America,” as he expressed his appreciation following the naturalisation milestone. (Legit.ng - Nigeria news.)
The announcement quickly attracted congratulatory messages from colleagues, music producers and fans who celebrated the rapper’s new status.
Music producer and Coded Tunes founder, Olumide “ID Cabasa” Ogunade, congratulated him, while singer 9ice also joined others in celebrating the veteran artiste. (Punch Newspapers)
Lord of Ajasa remains an important figure in the development of indigenous Nigerian hip-hop. He gained prominence in the early 2000s with songs such as “Ma Yi Lo,” helping to establish Yoruba-language rap as a prominent part of Nigeria’s mainstream music scene.
His influence predates the emergence of several artistes who later became major names in indigenous Nigerian hip-hop, including Dagrin, Olamide and Reminisce. He also worked with a number of prominent Nigerian musicians during his career. (Premium Times Nigeria)
Born Olusegun Osaniyi, the rapper has remained associated with the evolution of Yoruba rap and is recognised for helping create a pathway for indigenous-language music to gain wider acceptance among Nigerian audiences.
His US citizenship marks a new personal chapter for the veteran musician, who has maintained links with the United States through performances and other engagements over the years.
The milestone has now prompted renewed appreciation of his contribution to Nigerian hip-hop, with fans and fellow artistes celebrating both his personal achievement and his longstanding place in the history of indigenous rap.
For Lord of Ajasa, the moment represents more than a change in citizenship status. It is a major personal milestone for an artiste whose career has spanned decades and whose work helped shape the sound and direction of Yoruba rap in Nigeria.
Post a Comment