Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun aka Dagrin
Dagrin
Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun, known professionally as Dagrin, was a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and one of the most influential pioneers of indigenous hip hop. He was born on October 25, 1984, in Ogun State, Nigeria, and grew up in the Meiran area of Lagos State.
Dagrin rose to fame with his groundbreaking album C.E.O (Chief Executive Omota), which featured hit singles like Pon Pon Pon, Kondo, and Ghetto Dream. His music blended Yoruba, Pidgin, and English, earning him the title of the “President of the Streets.”
Widely regarded as the voice of the youth, Dagrin’s lyrics touched on themes of street hustle, survival, and social realities in Nigeria. His influence paved the way for future generations of indigenous rappers, including Olamide, Reminisce, and CDQ.
Tragically, Dagrin died on April 22, 2010, at the age of 25 following a car accident. His untimely death shocked the music industry, but his legacy as a trailblazer for Nigerian rap continues to live on.
