Olusegun Osaniyi, also known as Lord of Ajasa, is a Nigerian rapper and songwriter. Because of his skill with words, he was dubbed the “Lord of Flavour” (Ajasa is the Yoruba word for flavor) in school. Lord of Ajasa was a powerful poet with lyrics etched in a deep Yoruba dialect who popularized Yoruba dialect rap and inspired a number of newcomers to follow in his footsteps. Ajasa rose to prominence with the release of the song “Ma Yi lo” in 2000.
Early Life and Education
Ajasa was born on July 16, 1982, in Akure, Ondo State. He attended Aquinas College in Akure, Ondo State, for primary and secondary school before enrolling at Ondo State Polytechnic (now Rufus Giwa Polytechnic) to study Quantity Survey.
Career
Ajasa rose to prominence after the release of his debut single, “Ma Yi Lo,” in 2000. In 2005, he released the rave track “Otiya,” which catapulted him to fame among Nigerian music fans and industry insiders. As a result of the single’s success, his debut album, “It’s Too Much,” was released that same year under the banner of Platinum Records. Lord of Ajasa has attended numerous important events in Nigeria. He is the artist with whom promoters and other musicians want to collaborate. He has appeared in more featured appearances than any other Nigerian hip-hop performer due to his inventive and energetic musical abilities.
His influence has been recognized by organizations that deemed it appropriate to recognize his inventiveness. He won the Afro Hip Hop Society Awards’ Best Rap Indigenous Category in 2001, and he was nominated for a Hip Hop World Award in the category of Lyricist On The Roll in 2006. He sought a new platform to realign and capitalize on his highlighted ideals and potential in order to build on his artistic achievements and the accolades showered upon him by industry insiders. As a result, in collaboration with Illific Solutions Ltd., a premier entertainment marketing firm, a comprehensive re-branding effort for the Lord of Ajasa brand was launched.
The three songs were released in 2007 to launch the campaign: the first was “Oro Awe,” a jazzy, heavy-drum roll production by ID Cabasa that was a tribute song for his kin in Akure; the second was “Esa Lo Ba De,” a hard-core hustler’s anthem that debuted with a stunning video directed by Ayo Banjo and d.o.p. Clarence Peters of Capital; Ajasa’s most recent release is a strong challenger in the music industry because of its variety of original ideas, technical skill, and desire to enthral the listener; Second Turning By the Right, the eagerly awaited sophomore album, was released in May 2008.
Lord of Ajasa wrote the song, which features 9ice’s monster smash single “Le fenu So,” and ID Cabasa produced it. Rotimi Oshodi, also known as R-Cube, a young and talented director, shot the video in Lagos recently.
He has since ventured into show organizing and talent management since leaving the music scene and having a health breakdown.
Personal Life
Ajasa is married to Funmi Kasali, and the couple has two sons, but little is known about his social life. He referred to himself as the “Father of Yoruba Hip-Hop Rap” in one of his interviews, and he is not in competition or conflict with anyone. He also considered Da’Grin and Olamide to be his sons in the industry.
Ajasa’s Health Struggles
During the first few weeks of January 2019, it was revealed that Ajasa had a peptic ulcer and would require surgery. According to renowned Afrobeats musician Alariwo, who first announced the news on Instagram, the rapper requires enough money to be relocated to a better facility where surgery can be performed. He was taken to Ikorodu General Hospital, where he is being treated.
There were also claims that he was neglected by his colleagues in the hospital. He later came out to refute the claims. One of his friends,ID Cabasa, later revealed that people like Olamide, 9ice, and Babanla2phat, among others, have been in touch with Lord of Ajasa’s wife.
Discography
Albums
- The CEO
- It’s too much.
- The Spirit
- 3rd Avenue
- Ironla
Selected Singles
- The Spirit
- Ijala
- 36 Kinihun
- Kilomo
- Ota lenu
- Skit
- Democrazy
- Baboo
- Le fenuso
- Agbawo
- Esa Lo bade
- O ti ya
- Ara Awe
- Lacasera
- Who Be dat
- Omo Igboro
- Halleluyah
Awards and Nominations
- City People’s Music Throwback Hall of Fame Award
- Best Rap Indigenous Category of the Afro Hip Hop Society Awards 2001
- Nominee in the category Lyricist On The Roll in the Hip Hop World Awards in 2006.
- The Headies Award for Lyricist on the Roll
Net Worth
His net worth is currently unavailable, but he has done well for himself in the music scene over the past decade.
