If life were a subject, it would be advanced mathematics or a more difficult course. Every day, people try to improve on yesterday because they don’t know what tomorrow may bring. The fear of great loss that comes with an elderly person’s passing is unbearable, but what can be said about the loss of a young, an ambitious man who only wanted to live his life to the fullest and pass away in the process?
Another inexplicable loss is when someone prospers in adversity or poverty but meets an untimely end while he or she is reaping the rewards of his or her toil. Numerous individuals fall prey to fate and its startling complexities. This also applies to Oladipo Olaitan Olanipekun, better known as Dagrin.
Thirteen years following the tragic demise of Oladipo Olaitan, or “Dagrin,” the world still have not come in agreement with the passing of the rapper. Folks still recall the young man who was raised in the streets of Ogun and Lagos respectively, was a naive newcomer to the music business, won our hearts, and rose to fame.
Dagrin, who battled to fill a void in the music industry, did not live to see the fruits of his labors. He made waves in the industry during a period when R&B was king and indigenous rap was still struggling to survive. He created a style that we all adored using pidgin, Yoruba, and English.
At first, Oladipo Olaitan was a DJ who would go around the Meiran neighborhood of Lagos. Although he had trouble connecting with others and was unsure if his musical taste would be accepted, he still liked music. He consented to try things out, eased into rapping from his DJ gig, and took advantage of every chance to amuse people at events.
Olaitan, popularly known as Dagrin, gained popularity and started his journey to fame in the Lagos music scene by performing at funerals, naming ceremonies, birthday parties, and other events.
He embodied the spirit of constructive fight. He sang beautiful songs as well. Many Nigerians were able to relate to his songs because they are excellent representations of what actually occurred on the streets of Lagos. They discovered a new, beyond-life Fela Anikulapo – Afrojuju Maestro in Dagrin. Even though his stay on earth was brief, the memories of his hardships, victories, and failures that he made while he was alive continued to shape many stories after his death.
Even now, his songs remain timeless. Problems that he tackled thirteen years ago persist in contemporary Nigeria. It was accurate to label him a prophet. You’re equally correct if you continue to refer to him as a seer. In the street, Dagrin was a prophet and an activist. He gave us lyrics as a blessing. The song “Se Demo-cracy ni eleyi abi crazy-demo” is still one we won’t quickly forget.
EARLY LIFE
On October 25, 1984, Oladipo Olaitan Olanipekun—better known by his stage name, Dagrin—was born in Ogun State. Olaniyi Abolaji Olaonipekun is his mother’s name, and Falilat Olaonipekun is his father. He is the brother of Olatunbosun Olaonipekun and the sister of Bukky Olaonipekun.
EDUCATION
Dagrin completed his senior secondary education at Egbado College’s Community High School, Rosemary Nursery and Primary School, and Good Shepherd Nursery and Primary School.
MARITAL LIFE
Following the death of well-known rapper Dagrin, there were rumors that he was father to a child, but WITHIN NIGERIA was unable to verify within the time of reporting. He was dating a woman prior to his passing, though. As of the filing date, the identity of his girlfriend is unknown.
CAREER
According to research, Dagrin’s first studio album, “Still on the Matter,” didn’t make the charts because of little promotion. 2009 saw the release of Dagrin’s second studio album, Chief Executive Omoita (C.E.O.). His 2010 nominations for Best Album, Best Rap Act, Best Vocal Collaboration, and Hottest Single “Pon Pon Pon” at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards included four nominations total. In 2010, his album C.E.O. (Chief Executive Omoita) received a nomination for the Hip Hop World Award in the category of best rap album.
As a result, the singles “Kondo” and “Pon Pon Pon” were published. Dagrin worked with a number of Nigerian musicians, including Y.Q., 9ice, MI Abaga, Iceberg Slim, Omobaba, Terry G., Ms. Chief, Owen G., K01, Code, Mister Dollar, TMD Entertainment, Omawumi, Chudy K, Bigiano, and Konga. Among his musical partners were Sossick, Dr. Frabz, Sheyman, Frenzy, 02, and Heavy L Beatz. Following his passing, Dagrin’s third studio album, If I Die, was made available.
DEATH
He passed away in Mushin, Lagos State, on April 22, 2010, at the age of 25. His musical career commenced in 1994 and lasted until his death in 2010 at the age of 25. After a horrifying accident, he was hospitalized for a few days before passing away.
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