Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun,[1] also known asDagrin (25 October 1984 – 22 April 2010), was aNigerianrapper fromOgun, Nigeria.[2] A film of his life entitledGhetto Dreamz was produced in April 2011.[3][4] He is recognized for paving the way for indigenous rap in Nigeria.[5] He is widely considered one of the greatest Nigerian rappers of all time.[6][7][8][9]
He released his first studio album Still On The Matter in 2006-07. In 2009, He released his second studio album called C.E.O. (Chief Executive Omoita). In 2010 he was nominated for the Nigerian Entertainment Awards for Best Album (C.E.O.), Hottest Single "Pon Pon Pon", Best Rap Act and Best Collaboration with vocals.[11] His albumC.E.O. (Chief executive OmotaEnglish: Chief Executive Thug) won the Hip hop World Award 2010 for best rap album.[12] From it came the singles "Pon Pon Pon", and "Kondo". Dagrin worked with other Nigerian artists such as Y.Q, 9ice, M.I, Iceberg Slim, Omobaba, Hyce_age Terry G, Ms Chief, Owen G, K01, code, MISTAR DOLLAR, TMD entertainment,Omawumi, Chudy K, Bigiano, and Konga. His third studio If I Die was released posthumously.
Da Grin was cited as one of the pioneers of dialectrap singers ofYoruba andPidgin inNigeria. Nigerian journalist, Idoko Salihu ofPremium Times, stated that "Da Grin was a rapper who revolutionised the Nigerian rap industry, he infused English with his native dialect".[13]
M.I. released "End of Time" tribute to Da Grin after the rapper's demise in 2010.[14]'Nigerian All Stars' which included Sheyman, Ruggedman, Banky W, Omawunmi,Lord of Ajasa, Tony Tetuila and a host of others released "My Pain", a tribute to Da Grin after his death.[15] Rapper Olamide released "Tribute to Dagrin" in 2011.[16]
Musicians who regard Da Grin as influence on their careers. Notable singers of this caliber include Olamide,[17][18] CDQ,[19] Reminisce, Oladips, YQ[20]Nito-P[21] etc.
A film of his lifeGhetto Dreamz, starring Trybson Dudukoko andDoris Simeon-Ademinokan as his girlfriend has been made and was released in April 2011.[22]
