Here’s a detailed and up‑to‑date biography of Lil Kesh (Keshinro Ololade):
Identity & Early Life
- Full name: Keshinro Ololade
- Stage name: Lil Kesh
- Born: 14 March 1995 (some sources say 1994 or 1999); commonly cited as 1995
- Hometown: Born and raised in Bariga, Lagos State — of Yoruba origin
Education
- Attended Stockbridge College, Bariga (primary & secondary)
- Studied Linguistics at the University of Lagos; later enrolled in Mass Communication at the National Open University of Nigeria
Music Career
- Beginnings: Started performing in 2012 in Bariga’s local scene; gained traction with his freestyle track “Lyrically,” which became popular in Nigerian universities
- Breakthrough: Signed to Olamide’s YBNL Nation in April 2014; his smash hit “Shoki” (2014) led a viral dance craze and solidified his status
- Debut Album: Released Y.A.G.I (Young And Getting It) on 17 March 2016 under YBNL; features collaborations with Davido, Olamide, Phyno, Patoranking, and others
- Label Transition: Left YBNL after contract expiration in April 2016 and founded his own label, YAGI Records, while maintaining a friendly relationship with Olamide
- Recent Projects: Released EP Forever Getting It in April 2025; continues to release singles and feature on tracks
Awards & Recognition
- Teen Choice Awards 2015: Song of the Year (“Shoki”)
- City People Entertainment Awards 2015: Popular Song (“Shoki”)
- Nigeria Entertainment Awards 2015: Nominated – Best New Act
- MTV Base Awards 2015: Nomination for “Shoki Remix”
- The Headies 2015: Nominated – Next Rated (controversy involving Olamide)
Music Style & Collaborations
- Genres: Afropop, Afrobeat, Street pop, Hip‑hop, R&B
- Collaborations: Has worked with Olamide, Davido, Phyno, Patoranking, Wizkid, Adekunle Gold, Cynthia Morgan, Chidinma, Duncan Mighty, and others
Net Worth & Lifestyle
- Estimated net worth: Between US $1M–1.5 M as of 2024–25
- Assets: Known to own a Range Rover and a Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Personal Life
- Family: Son of a pastor in Bariga; grew up in a religious household and was active in church choir and drums
- Education commitment: Despite dropping out to pursue music, returned to academics via NOUN
- Children: Welcomed his first child, a son, in April 2021
- Relationship: Generally keeps his personal life private; rumored relationships but currently believed single
Career Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2012 | Started career in Bariga open‑mics |
| 2014 | Signed with YBNL; released “Lyrically” & “Shoki” |
| 2015 | Award nominations; global recognition begins |
| 2016 | Debut album Y.A.G.I; launched YAGI Records |
| 2021 | Birth of first child |
| 2025 | Released EP Forever Getting It; continues strong |
Summary
Lil Kesh transformed from a street rapper in Bariga to one of Nigeria’s prominent Afropop voices by skillfully blending indigenous sounds, viral dances, and strategic collaborations. Founded his own label in 2016 and established significant independence in his career. With awards, hit tracks, a growing empire, and a solid fanbase, he continues to shape Nigerian music and culture.