Tonade Sodiq Olamide, popularly known as Maybreed, is one of the unsung heroes behind the rise of some of Nigeria’s most exciting music talents. A Finance graduate turned music entrepreneur, Maybreed’s journey into the industry is one of vision, self-development, and undeniable impact.
His story began in 2015 when he ventured into music blogging (Maybreedblog and GistMP3), immersing himself in the vibrant Nigerian music scene. Over the years, he evolved from a passionate observer to a key background player in promoting and managing artistes. His love for music, combined with an entrepreneurial spirit, has led him to carve a respected name in the business side of the industry.
A longtime friend and collaborator of Nigerian artiste Bella Shmurda, Maybreed co-founded the record label Dagbana Republik in 2020 alongside Bella Shmurda, Sanni Falade and Orekoya Seun. The label is now home to Bella Shmurda and rising star FOLA. Beyond just forming a label, Maybreed has played a vital role in shaping the brand and direction of these artistes. His contributions also extend to working with fast-rising talents like Shoday. In addition to co-owning Dagbana Republik, Maybreed is the founder of Canny Consults, a creative consultancy firm focused on music distribution, branding, and artiste development. His work spans across major music establishments in Nigeria, where he has contributed to building sustainable careers for both established and emerging acts.
In this exclusive interview with TurnTable Charts, Maybreed opens up about his growth from campus hustle to industry influence, his experiences navigating the music business, and his vision for the future.
TTC: Hello! How would you introduce yourself to us?
MAYBREED: My name is Tonade Sodiq Olamide, popularly known as Maybreed. I own and run Canny Consults Management and Run Dangbana Republik with my partners Bella Shmurda, Sanmi Falade (my attorney), and Orekoya “Pumping” Seun.
TTC: Your transition has spanned multiple industries, from blogging to finance, and now co-owning a record label. How did you navigate these transitions, and what inspired your shift into music?
MAYBREED: I wouldn’t say I span multiple industries, and that’s because I didn’t get to practice what I studied in school, which is Finance, but yeah! Blogging has been all fun, and honestly, it was music-driven, so there was no transition per se because it has always been music for me. And on co-owning a record label, it’s just me and my friends having fun and building a community.
TTC: You initially entered the music industry by working with DJ Kaywise. Was working on music always the ultimate goal for you, or did it happen organically over time?
MAYBREED: Like I said, it has always been music ever since. Fun fact, I tried singing, it wasn't on a serious level, but I had a book where I wrote lyrics. I’ve been into the music industry before DJ Kaywise but that was in the LASU community. I worked with a couple of artistes there but the first big name at the time was DJ Kaywise! Big respect to him though.
TTC: You played an essential role in Bella Shmurda’s rise to success. How did you two first connect, and what has it been like working together, especially now as co-owners of a record label?
MAYBREED: Bella Shmurda and I played different roles in each other’s lives. He helped me grow while I helped him grow too. Poco Lee did the official introduction back in school and since then we’ve connected and we’ve been great. He tasked me to learn on the journey and like I said, it was me having fun then it turned into a big thing. Bella would just wake up and say "Maybreed, can you do so so thing?” and I’d say “No”. He’d then say “Omo, you gaz learn am o coz na you gaz do am” and that’s how we both helped ourselves grow. It's not an easy ride either as we have our fights and all, but we keep going because it’s a for-life thing.
TTC: Shoday is currently making waves across TikTok and other platforms. Can you share more about your journey with him and your contribution to his rise?
MAYBREED: Shout out to Shoday, one of the most hardworking artistes out here. Working with Shoday is on another level and he makes working easy for me. He is a brother, a friend, and a partner, I can keep going! I brought in my bit and he did his own assignment diligently. We were equal contributors to the waves he’s making now and we’re still on that energy of equal contributions till we take the global stage! Y’all watch out for us!
TTC: Looking ahead, what are some long-term goals you’re aiming to achieve in the music industry?
MAYBREED: I just want my impact to be felt positively, to lay down a legacy and blueprint for others who want to have fun while building something great to follow.
TTC: Finally, what advice would you give to aspiring music executives looking to transition from another career path into the industry?
MAYBREED: Love what you do! Stay consistent at it, also! There would be so many setbacks and unreplied DMs from the OGs but don’t give up because of that. Don't wait for validation and believe in God.