Nigerian creative artiste Diran Oludele Gabriel, professionally known as OLUDe, is building a career that spans Afrobeat, songwriting, music production, video directing, graphic design and digital content creation.
The Oyo State-born creative, who is based in Lagos, is pursuing a multidisciplinary approach to the entertainment industry, combining music performance with behind-the-scenes production and visual storytelling.
OLUDe’s journey into entertainment was driven by his passion for music and storytelling. He gained early recognition after winning a Most Talented award, an achievement that encouraged him to take his craft more seriously and invest in developing his artistic abilities.
Initially focused on Afrobeat as a performing artiste, he gradually expanded his interests to other aspects of music and visual production.
His background as a Mass Communication student also helped shape his interest in content creation, providing a foundation for exploring storytelling through sound, images and digital media.
Beyond developing his own music, OLUDe has contributed to projects by other artistes through songwriting and music production. His collaborations include Samkizz, Lydia Arica, Loorè, Donsmart and other emerging musicians.
He sees these collaborations as an opportunity to support the growth of the Afrobeat scene by helping upcoming artistes develop their sound, improve their craft and explore their creative potential.
OLUDe’s music also draws on themes of faith, perseverance, hard work and hope. Through relatable experiences and positive messages, he aims to create songs that connect with young listeners navigating personal ambitions and challenges.
A notable moment in his career came with his performance at the 2025 Ibadan Crossover Festival, where he featured among the event’s official artistes alongside performers, including Dremo.
The appearance added to his live performance experience and provided an opportunity to reach audiences through an organised festival platform, complementing his performances at clubs and other entertainment events.
His career has also received recognition through award nominations. Following his Most Talented award, OLUDe has earned nominations in categories such as Artiste of the Year and Best Song of the Year.
He has also received two nominations for housemate positions on live television shows, offering potential avenues for wider exposure beyond music.
The artiste is preparing to release a new song titled On God, which he describes as a personal record reflecting his journey, faith and the influence of his mother’s prayers on his life.
The forthcoming release is expected to offer listeners insight into the experiences and convictions that have shaped his development as an artiste.
As Nigeria’s entertainment industry continues to accommodate creatives working across different disciplines, OLUDe is seeking to establish a distinct identity through the combination of performance, production and visual content development.
With new music in the pipeline and ongoing collaborations with other artistes, he is focused on expanding his industry presence, strengthening his creative brand and encouraging other emerging talents.
OLUDe is available on social media via @Im_Olude.
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