From Festac Dreams to Rap Royalty The Fearless Rise of Ycee

Ycee

In the heart of Lagos, where traffic never truly sleeps and ambition hums louder than generators, a young boy once scribbled rhymes in the corners of his notebooks. He was not yet the confident rapper commanding stages across Africa. He was simply Oludemilade Martin Alejo, a boy with sharp wit, restless curiosity, and a deep love for words.

The world would later know him as Ycee. But long before the fame, there was a journey shaped by discipline, doubt, boldness, and reinvention.

Growing Up in Festac

Ycee was born on January 29, 1993, in Festac Town, Lagos State. Festac is more than just a residential area. It is a community layered with culture, middle class aspirations, and street intelligence. It is the kind of place where children grow up hearing different languages, absorbing different styles, and learning quickly how to navigate social dynamics.

Raised in a Christian home, Ycee’s upbringing was structured. Education was emphasized. Respect was non negotiable. Like many Nigerian parents, his family believed academic excellence was the foundation of success.

As a child, he was observant. Quiet at times, but mentally active. He listened closely to conversations around him. He noticed how people expressed power through speech. That fascination with language would later become his weapon.

Music entered his life early. The early 2000s were a transformative period in Nigerian music. Hip hop, Afrobeats, and R and B were blending. Artists like 2Baba and Dbanj were dominating airwaves. International rap also influenced young Nigerians deeply.

Ycee listened carefully. Not just to beats but to bars.

School Days and the Birth of a Rapper

While in secondary school, Ycee began experimenting with rap. What started as playful freestyling among friends slowly became serious craft. He discovered that he had rhythm in his speech. He could ride beats naturally.

He also realized something else. Words gave him power.

Through rap, he could express confidence even when he felt uncertain. He could exaggerate dreams while still living modestly. He could project ambition before achieving it.

After secondary school, he pursued higher education at the University of Lagos, where he studied Marine Biology. It was an unexpected choice for someone deeply immersed in music, but it reflected the balance between passion and practicality that defined his early years.

University life exposed him to diverse influences. Campus talent shows, social events, and underground music circles gave him platforms to sharpen his skills.

Early Recordings and Struggles

Breaking into the Nigerian music industry is rarely smooth. Ycee recorded early tracks and shared them locally. The reception was modest. There were no instant viral moments. No overnight deals.

He experienced rejection. He faced skepticism. Many people saw rap as difficult to sustain commercially in Nigeria compared to Afrobeats.

But Ycee believed that authenticity would eventually win.

He refined his style. His delivery was confident yet conversational. He blended English with street slang. He created a sound that felt both urban and relatable.

The Jagaban Explosion

In 2015, everything changed.

Ycee released “Jagaban.” The song was bold. Swagger heavy. Memorable. The title itself carried weight, referencing power and influence.

“Jagaban” spread rapidly. The streets embraced it. Radio picked it up. Social media amplified it.

Soon, a remix featuring Olamide gave the song even more momentum. Olamide’s co sign was significant. It validated Ycee’s credibility within Nigeria’s competitive rap scene.

The once struggling university graduate was now a rising star.

Signing with Tinny Entertainment

Following the success of Jagaban, Ycee signed with Tinny Entertainment. The label provided structure and promotional support.

Under Tinny Entertainment, he released “Omo Alhaji,” a track that further cemented his place in mainstream music. The song was playful, catchy, and widely embraced.

Suddenly, Ycee was no longer just a rapper. He was a pop culture figure.

He earned nominations at major award shows. He was recognized as one of the promising voices redefining Nigerian rap.

Transition from Rapper to Versatile Hitmaker

Ycee quickly realized something important about the Nigerian market. Pure rap had limits. To sustain relevance, versatility was key.

He began incorporating melodic hooks into his music. He balanced rap verses with catchy choruses.

His debut album Ycee vs Zaheer released in 2017 showcased this duality. The album title symbolized internal conflict. Ycee represented the public persona. Zaheer represented the private self.

The project featured collaborations with artists like Maleek Berry and Simi.

It was a statement project. It proved that he was more than a one hit wonder.

Challenges and Label Exit

Success does not erase tension. Over time, issues emerged between Ycee and Tinny Entertainment. Contract disputes and public disagreements surfaced.

The situation became a lesson in the business side of music.

Eventually, Ycee parted ways with the label. The transition was not simple. Legal complexities and career uncertainty created pressure.

But it also marked a new beginning.

Independence and ANBT

After leaving Tinny Entertainment, Ycee launched his own imprint, ANBT which stands for Ain’t Nobody Badder Than.

The name reflected confidence. It was both branding and declaration.

Independence meant creative control. It also meant increased responsibility. Without a major label machine behind him, Ycee had to rely heavily on strategy and digital presence.

He released music consistently, experimenting with new sounds. His EP Quarantunes during the global pandemic showed adaptability. While the world slowed down, he stayed productive.

Style and Personality

Ycee’s style is confident but calculated. He does not rely heavily on controversy. Instead, he lets music carry his message.

His fashion evolved alongside his music. From street casual to polished minimalism, his image matured over time.

He often speaks openly about growth, mental clarity, and lessons learned from industry experiences.

International Aspirations

As Afrobeats expanded globally through artists like Burna Boy and Wizkid, Ycee positioned himself within that movement.

Though primarily recognized as a Nigerian rapper, his melodic versatility allows crossover potential.

Streaming platforms helped his music reach audiences beyond Africa.

Reinvention and Maturity

In 2021, he released Love Drunk, an album that leaned more into melody and introspection than aggressive rap.

It showed evolution. The once fiery Jagaban rapper was now exploring vulnerability.

Growth is rarely linear. Ycee’s journey includes peaks and recalibration. But through each phase, he remained committed to authenticity.

Influence on Nigerian Rap

Ycee belongs to a generation that bridged indigenous street rap and modern Afropop. He proved that rap could still thrive within a melody driven market.

Younger rappers cite his early success as inspiration.

He demonstrated that branding, confidence, and strategic collaborations matter just as much as lyrical skill.

The Human Behind the Artist

Beyond music, Ycee values privacy. He keeps much of his personal life low key.

He has spoken about mental health and the importance of self awareness. Fame, he acknowledges, can distort reality.

But he approaches his career thoughtfully, understanding both the art and the business.

Legacy in Motion

Ycee’s story is not simply about a viral hit. It is about navigating an industry that constantly shifts.

From a Festac boy scribbling rhymes to a nationally recognized artist, his journey reflects ambition.

He did not follow one fixed path. He adapted. He learned. He rebuilt when necessary.

And perhaps that is his greatest strength.

In a world where trends fade quickly, survival belongs to those willing to evolve.

Ycee’s voice still carries confidence. But beneath that confidence is experience.

The notebook scribbles became chart topping verses. The campus freestyles became award nominations. The young dreamer became a brand.

And somewhere in Festac, a new boy is probably scribbling rhymes, believing he can do the same.