Ikigai (EP)

Ikigai
EP by
Olamide
Released26 June 2024 (2024-06-26)
Genre
Length22:05
Language
Label
Producer
  • Semzi
  • Eskeez
  • Pheelz
  • Rami Beatz
  • Otis
Olamide chronology
Unruly
(2023) 		Ikigai
(2024) 		Olamidé
(2025)

Ikigai / 生き甲斐 (Vol. 1) (Japanese: Reason for living; romanized: 生き甲斐) is the second EP by Nigerian rapper Olamide, released on 26 June 2024 by YBNL Nation.[1][2] The EP features guest appearances from Netherlands-based Sabri, and current and former YBNL acts Asake, Young Jonn, Lil Kesh, Fireboy DML, and Pheelz. Its production was handled by Semzi, Eskeez, Pheelz, Rami Beatz, and Otis. It follows his 2023 album Unruly,[3] and won Album of the Year at the African Entertainment Awards USA 2024.[4]

Background

In an interview with BET, Olamide revealed that the reason for the EP's title was to remind himself that he shouldn't give up on music.[5]

Critical reception

Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria described Ikigai as "another wholesome chapter in Olamide's legacy in Nigerian music as he delivers a project that shows just how in touch he is with the soundscape." He concluded "By displaying an admirable ability to evolve and having successfully shed off the pressure of chasing chart toppers while maintaining is star power, Olamide is a blueprint on how to age beautifully." He awarded it a 8.1/10.[6] Abioye Damilare Samson, writing for the online music magazine Afrocritik, said that "Olamide flawlessly integrates Asian production elements with Afropop influences, crafting a novel and distinct auditory experience." The EP was awarded a 6.9/10 by Samson.[7]

Accolades

Year Awards ceremony Award description(s) Results
2024 African Entertainment Awards USA 2024 Album of the Year[4] Won

Track listing

Ikigai track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Metaverse"Olamide AdedejiSemzi2:59
2."Uptown Disco" (with Fireboy DML and Asake)
  • Semzi
  • Eskeez
3:59
3."Makaveli"AdedejiSemzi3:08
4."Knockout" (with Sabri)
  • Adedeji
  • Loubna Sabri
Semzi3:32
5."Hello Habibi"Adedeji
  • Ramii Beatz
  • Otis
2:16
6."Morowore"AdedejiSemzi3:28
7."Synchro System" (featuring Pheelz, Young Jonn and Lil Kesh)
Pheelz2:43
Total length:22:05

Charts

Chart performance for Ikigai
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Nigerian Albums (TurnTable)[8] 1
US World Albums (Billboard)[9] 13

Release history

Release history and formats for Carpe Diem
Region Date Format Label
Worldwide 26 June 2021
United States 30 January 2025 Vinyl

References

  1. ^ Adebiyi, Adeayo (27 June 2024). "Olamide brings YBNL together for his 10th project 'Ikigai'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
  2. ^ BellaNaija.com (27 June 2024). "Olamide Drops Surprise EP Ikigai / 生き甲斐 (Vol. 1)". BellaNaija. Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  3. ^ eyesoflagos (28 June 2024). "Hot Album: Olamide – Ikigai / 生き甲斐, Vol. 1 Ep mp3 Album Download". Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  4. ^ a b "African Entertainment Awards USA: All the winners". Music in Africa. 11 November 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  5. ^ Banjo, Dara (16 August 2024). "Olamide Returns with 'Ikigai Vol. 1,' Rekindling His Passion for Music and Elevating Nigerian Genres". BET. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  6. ^ Adebiyi, Adeayo (3 July 2024). "'Ikigai' is another wholesome chapter in Olamide's legacy [Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  7. ^ Damilare Samson, Abioye (2 July 2024). ""Ikigai" Review: Olamide's New EP Expands His Cultural Cachet". Afrocritik. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  8. ^ "Official Top 100 Albums (July 5th, 2024 - July 11th, 2024)". TurnTable. Archived from the original on 20 July 2024. Retrieved 30 September 2025.
  9. ^ "World Albums: Week of July 13, 2024". Billboard. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
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