Lil Kesh – Gbese
| Stage Name: | Lil Kesh |
| Real Name: | Keshinro Ololade |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 17th March, 1995 (29 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Lagos State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Not Married |
| Education: | National Open University |
| Known for: | Gbese |
Early Life and Education
Born on 17th March 1995, Keshinro Ololade, professionally known as Lil Kesh, hails from Bariga, an area in Lagos State, Nigeria. His formative years were spent in this vibrant locality, shaping his experiences and influencing his future path in the music industry. Ololade attended Stockbridge College for both his primary and secondary education, laying the foundation for his academic journey. Subsequently, he pursued higher education at the University of Lagos, where he delved into the study of Linguistics. Later, he enrolled in the National Open University, opting for Mass Communication through online courses, showcasing his commitment to both education and music.
Early Music Career
Keshinro Ololade’s foray into the world of music commenced in 2012 when he began rapping among his peers in Bariga. The initial spark in his musical journey came with the release of his debut single, “Lyrically,” which quickly gained popularity within Nigerian universities. The positive reception paved the way for Lil Kesh to sign a contract with YBNL Nation (Yahoo Boy No Laptop Nation), an independent record label founded by Olamide Adedeji in 2012.
Under the YBNL banner, Lil Kesh unleashed a series of hit singles, including the chart-topping “Shoki,” “Efejoku,” and “Gbese.” The success of these releases catapulted him into the spotlight, earning him accolades and nominations. In 2015, his nomination for Best New Act at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards underscored his rising prominence in the Nigerian music scene.
Y.A.G.I Era and Independence
In 2016, Lil Kesh released his debut studio album, “Young And Getting It” (Y.A.G.I), marking a significant milestone in his career. The album, produced by Young John and Pheelz, featured collaborations with notable artists such as Phyno, Ycee, Wale, Patoranking, Adekunle Gold, Davido, Viktoh, Olamide, and Chinko Ekun. The album showcased Lil Kesh’s versatility, incorporating elements of hip-hop and rap.
Notably, the release of the album also marked the expiration of Lil Kesh’s contract with YBNL Nation. Undeterred, he took a bold step by establishing his own record label, YAGI Records (Young And Getting It). This move showcased Lil Kesh’s determination to carve his own path in the music industry. Under the management of Massive Management Team, a marketing and event management company, Lil Kesh continued to pursue his artistic vision.
Artistic Style and Criticisms
Lil Kesh’s musical style bears similarities to his mentor, Olamide, known for seamlessly blending rap and singing in the local dialect. However, he faced criticism for what some perceived as excessive use of profanity and a lack of balance in his song lyrics. Responding to these critiques in an interview with Naij, Lil Kesh defended his approach, emphasizing that his singles catered to a specific market, while promising a more balanced album with positive themes.
Hits and Singles
Lil Kesh’s discography is punctuated with a string of successful singles. The release of “Shoki” in 2014 stands out as a pivotal moment, topping various musical charts and firmly establishing Lil Kesh in the industry. The subsequent years saw the release of notable tracks like “Efejoku,” “Is It Because I Love You?” featuring Patoranking, and “Ibile.” His independent era post-YBNL witnessed the release of singles such as “Again O,” “Flenjor” featuring Duncan Mighty, “Undertaker,” “All The Way,” and “Too Sweet.”
Awards and Nominations
Lil Kesh’s contributions to the Nigerian music scene have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by his nominations and wins at various award ceremonies. In 2015, he received a nomination for Best New Act at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. The same year, he clinched the Celebrity Award for Song Of The Year (Shoki) at the Nigerian Teen Choice Awards and the Popular Song of the Year (Shoki) at the City People Entertainment Awards. Notably, he also secured a nomination for Next Rated at The Headies 2015.
Wife and Kids
He is single and has no kids. And, details of his girlfriends are kept secret.
Net Worth
Lil Kesh, the Nigerian singer and rapper, has achieved substantial success in his music career, amassing a net worth exceeding $150,000. Through his chart-topping singles, collaborations, and the establishment of his record label, YAGI Records. You can find him on Instagram.