The Recording Academy, organisers of the GRAMMY Awards, has officially recognized the late Nigerian rapper, Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun, popularly known as Dagrin and his seminal track “Pon Pon Pon”, naming it among the top 10 songs shaping the evolution of Afrobeats.
This historic acknowledgment is a long-awaited validation of a truth the streets have held for over a decade: “Pon Pon Pon” is not just a song, it is an anthem. It is the undisputed cornerstone of Afro-Street Rap and the moment Nigeria’s indigenous rap found its loudest, proudest voice.
Originally released in 2009, “Pon Pon Pon” captured the raw spirit of the streets, blending gritty realism with lyrical dexterity. Delivered in a seamless mix of Yoruba and street English, the track provided an unfiltered lens into life in Lagos.
Dagrin didn’t just introduce Yoruba rap to mainstream audiences—he forced it into the spotlight and demanded respect for the voice of the underrepresented.
Behind this global recognition lies a crucial effort to preserve and protect Dagrin’s musical heritage. Spearheading this mission is Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Limited (DMCE), a full-service rights management company offering catalog administration, IP valuation, acquisition, and copyright clearance services.
Under the leadership of General Manager Ezekiel Olayinka, DMCE intervened after years of unchecked exploitation of Dagrin’s music. Following the rapper’s untimely death, his catalog became fragmented and was often used without authorization or compensation to the Estate.
DMCE took up the challenge of restoring dignity and order to Dagrin’s legacy. By securing a letter of administration from the Lagos State Probate Registry, the company ensured the Estate was legally involved. Within a year, DMCE successfully reclaimed rights from illegal users and consolidated Dagrin’s musical assets.
DMCE’s efforts have not stopped at preservation. The company recently brokered a landmark deal with Sony Music Publishing Nigeria on behalf of Dagrin’s Estate. This move has elevated Dagrin’s catalog to a global platform and introduced new generations to his influential sound.
The partnership culminated in the launch of the “Legend Sampling Camp” by Sony Music Publishing Nigeria in August 2024. The event saw contemporary artists reinterpret works by Nigerian music legends including Dagrin, K1 De Ultimate, King Dr. Saheed Osupa, and the late Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, all represented by DMCE.
The initiative demonstrated that Dagrin’s music remains a wellspring of inspiration within the evolving Afrobeats soundscape.
The Recording Academy’s recognition may be global, but it echoes what fans, critics, and artists across Nigeria have always known: Dagrin is immortal. His music reshaped an industry, inspired a generation, and opened doors for indigenous rap to thrive.
The continued efforts of his family and partners like DMCE ensure that the King of Afro-Street Rap is not just remembered, but revered. His voice still echoes in the beats of today’s stars, his truth still lives in the hearts of the streets, and his legacy is louder than ever.