Veteran Nigerian rapper Olusegun Osaniyi, popularly known as Lord of Ajasa, has become a United States citizen, marking a major milestone in the life of one of the early pioneers of indigenous Nigerian hip-hop.
The rapper shared photographs and videos from the citizenship ceremony on his Instagram page on Wednesday, including an image of himself holding his American citizenship certificate.
In another photograph, Lord of Ajasa posed alongside his wife with the United States flag, as he celebrated the milestone with his followers.
The announcement quickly attracted congratulatory messages from colleagues, music producers, fans and other members of the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Among those who celebrated the rapper was veteran music producer and Coded Tunes founder, Olumide Ogunade, popularly known as ID Cabasa.
“Congratulations Lord Oshi,” ID Cabasa wrote.
Lord of Ajasa responded, “Thanks Cabasa.”
His contemporary, singer Abolore Akande, popularly known as 9ice, also congratulated him in the comment section.
“Congrats apase1👑🙌🙌🙌,” 9ice wrote.
Lord of Ajasa replied, “Thanks Baalè.”
The development has also renewed conversations about the rapper’s contribution to the growth of Yoruba-language rap and indigenous Nigerian hip-hop.
Lord of Ajasa emerged prominently during the early years of Nigerian hip-hop and became known for incorporating Yoruba language and culture into mainstream rap at a time when the genre was still developing its local identity.
His work helped establish indigenous-language rap as a significant part of Nigeria’s evolving hip-hop scene, preceding the later rise of artistes such as Dagrin, Olamide and Reminisce.
Some of his songs, including “Le Fenu So,” “Esha Lo Bade” and “Mai Lo,” remain associated with discussions about the early era of Yoruba rap and the development of indigenous hip-hop in Nigeria.
The rapper’s career has also been linked to the wider evolution of Nigeria’s music industry, including the period when the Coded Tunes collective became an important force in the country’s early 2000s music scene.
His US citizenship has now added another chapter to the career of the veteran artiste, who has spent considerable time in the United States over the years for performances, events and other engagements.
Fans and music enthusiasts have continued to celebrate the milestone while reflecting on Lord of Ajasa’s place in the history of Nigerian hip-hop and his contribution to the popularity of indigenous rap.
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