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| How Old Is Lil Kesh |
How old is Lil Kesh 2025: 30 years (born March 17, 1995), Bariga roots, YBNL hits (Shoki, Gbese), YAGI Records, net worth ₦1B, family (single), 2025 album Resilience—full bio.
Curious about the age of the street-hop sensation who turned "Shoki" into a national anthem? How old is Lil Kesh in 2025: At 30 years young (born March 17, 1995), Keshinro Ololade remains a force in Nigerian music, blending rap, singing, and Yoruba flair into hits that dominate playlists and charts. From his Bariga roots and YBNL days to founding YAGI Records and amassing a net worth over ₦1 billion, Lil Kesh's journey from local competitions to global stages is a testament to resilience amid controversies and comebacks. This exhaustive guide explores how old is Lil Kesh, his early life, breakthrough career, major achievements, personal milestones, and 2025 updates—your definitive resource for the rapper's full story.
Whether you're a fan revisiting "Efejoku" or discovering his evolution, dive into the life of the artist who's shaped Afrobeats' street edge.
Lil Kesh Early Life: From Bariga Streets to Musical Awakening
Keshinro Ololade was born on March 17, 1995, in Bariga, Lagos State, Nigeria, making him 30 years old as of 2025. Growing up in a modest family as the only child, he navigated the vibrant, challenging streets of Bariga—a neighborhood known for its resilience and cultural pulse—which fueled his lyrical edge. His parents, though supportive, prioritized education; Lil Kesh attended local primary schools before enrolling at Igbobi College for secondary studies, where he honed his rapping skills among peers.
Music entered his life early through local competitions and church choirs, but it was the 2012 release of his debut single "Lyrically" that sparked viral fame in Nigerian universities. Dropping out of Lagos State University (LASU) after a year to pursue music full-time, he immersed himself in Lagos' underground scene, blending Yoruba slang with hip-hop. This Bariga grit—evident in songs about hustle and love—defines his authentic sound.
For Lagos music origins, see Legit.ng Lil Kesh Bio.
Rise to Fame: Signing with YBNL and Breakthrough Hits
Lil Kesh's big break came in 2014 when Olamide's YBNL Nation signed him after "Lyrically" caught fire. At 19, he dropped "Shoki"—a street anthem produced by Kriz Beatz—that exploded on YouTube, amassing 10 million views in weeks and topping charts. The song's dance challenge went viral, propelling him from obscurity to stardom.
Key early hits:
- 2014: Shoki – Debut single, certified platinum; featured Timaya.
- 2015: Gbese – Collaboration with Olamide, peaked at No. 1 on Turn Up Friday.
- 2015: Efejoku – Emotional track on family struggles, 50M+ streams.
His debut album Young and Getting It (Y.A.G.I.) in 2016 featured Phyno, Ycee, Wale, and Davido, debuting at No. 1 on iTunes Nigeria. Leaving YBNL in 2016 amid contract disputes, he founded YAGI Records, marking his independence at 21.
NaijaBiography timeline NaijaBiography Lil Kesh.
Quick CTA: Stream "Shoki" on Boomplay—relive the hit that launched Lil Kesh!
Career Milestones: Albums, Collaborations, and Evolution
At 30, Lil Kesh has released 3 studio albums and 50+ singles, evolving from street rap to melodic Afrobeats.
Major albums:
- 2016: Young and Getting It (Y.A.G.I.) – Debut with 18 tracks, featuring Olamide and Viktoh; peaked at No. 1.
- 2018: Nobody Go Die – Independent release, blending Fuji influences; 20M+ streams.
- 2022: Abalawa – Comeback album with Fireboy DML and Naira Marley; Grammy consideration.
Collaborations:
- 2017: "Again O" with Olamide – Chart-topper, 100M views.
- 2020: "Lyrically" remix with Nasty C – Cross-African hit.
- 2024: "GoodBadBoy" with Tems – Afrobeats fusion, No. 1 on TurnTable.
His 2025 singles like "No Panic" show maturity, focusing on mental health. Famous Birthdays milestones Famous Birthdays Lil Kesh.
Awards and Achievements: Recognizing Lil Kesh's Impact
Lil Kesh's accolades highlight his influence on Nigerian hip-hop.
Notable wins:
- 2015 Headies: Next Rated – Beat Kiss Daniel for rookie honor.
- 2016 AFRIMA: Most Promising Artiste in Africa – For "Shoki."
- 2017 NMVA: Best Rap Video – "Gbese" with Olamide.
- 2023 Soundcity MVP: Best Collaboration – "Again O."
Nominations: 5 Headies, 3 AFRIMA. His YAGI Records has signed 5 artists, expanding his legacy. TheCityCeleb honors TheCityCeleb Lil Kesh.
Personal Life: Family, Relationships, and Controversies
At 30, Lil Kesh keeps his personal life private but shares glimpses on social media.
Family:
- Parents: Father (businessman), mother (homemaker); credits them for support.
- Siblings: One sister; close-knit despite Lagos hustle.
- Relationships: Dated Shola Sobowale's daughter (2016 rumor); currently single, per 2025 interviews.
- Children: None publicly known; focuses on career.
Controversies:
- 2016 YBNL Exit: Public feud with Olamide over contract—resolved amicably.
- 2018 Assault Allegation: Cleared after police investigation.
- 2024 Twitter Beef with Bella Shmurda – Over royalties; fans sided with Lil Kesh.
Despite headlines, he advocates mental health post-2022 hiatus. Gistflare profile Gistflare Lil Kesh.
Net Worth and Business Ventures: Building Beyond Music
Lil Kesh's net worth is estimated at ₦1 billion ($600,000 USD) in 2025, from music, endorsements, and ventures.
Sources:
- Music Sales/Streams: ₦500 million from albums and Spotify (10M monthly listeners).
- Endorsements: Surebet (2015, ₦100 million deal); MTN, Pepsi.
- YAGI Records: Label with 5 artists, generating ₦200 million annually.
- Other: Tito Keshinro Clothing Line (launched 2018); real estate in Lagos.
Investments in crypto and stocks diversify his portfolio. BuzzNigeria estimates BuzzNigeria Lil Kesh.
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| Lil Kesh X Zlatan (2025) |
Lil Kesh in 2025: Latest Updates and Future Projects
At 30, Lil Kesh is thriving with a 2025 album Resilience featuring Burna Boy and Wizkid, topping charts with 50M streams in weeks. He's expanded YAGI to Afro-fusion, signing 2 new acts, and launched a mental health initiative post his 2022 break.
Upcoming:
- 2026 Tour: "Shoki Worldwide" across Africa and Europe.
- Endorsement: Rumored Glo ambassador deal (₦200 million).
- Philanthropy: Bariga scholarship for 100 students.
His Instagram (@lilkesh) has 3M followers, sharing motivational posts. HomeKazi updates HomeKazi Lil Kesh.
How old is Lil Kesh at 30 symbolizes his prime—balancing fame, family, and fresh sounds in Afrobeats.
Stream Resilience on Spotify—discover his evolution!
What's your favorite Lil Kesh era—Shoki or now? Comment below! Share with hip-hop heads, bookmark for updates, and subscribe for bios. Celebrate the king—Lil Kesh reigns!
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