Lagos, Nigeria — Fifteen years after his tragic death, Dagrin, born Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun, is being honored in a major way. His iconic 2009 hit “Pon Pon Pon” has been listed by the Recording Academy, the body behind the GRAMMY Awards, as one of the top 10 songs shaping the evolution of Afrobeats globally.
This achievement is no small feat. It marks “Pon Pon Pon” as the only rap song on the influential list, setting it apart as a cultural and musical milestone in Nigerian history. For many fans, this global recognition confirms what they’ve believed all along: Dagrin didn’t just rap—he changed the game.
A Street Anthem That Made History
When “Pon Pon Pon” was released in 2009, the Nigerian music scene was mostly filled with pop and foreign sounds. Dagrin came in with a bold Yoruba flow, raw storytelling, and gritty beats that painted a vivid picture of Lagos street life—chaotic, energetic, real.
The song wasn’t just a hit—it became an anthem for young Nigerians who finally saw their own language, struggles, and dreams reflected in music.
“Pon Pon Pon introduced us to real street rap in our own language. It was a moment that made many of us believe we could be heard,” said a fan on social media.
Protecting a Legacy: Behind the Scenes Work by DMCE
After Dagrin died in a car accident in April 2010, his music was widely played—but his rights weren’t properly managed. His songs were used without approval, and his family didn’t receive the recognition or compensation they deserved.
That changed when Digital Music Commerce and Exchange Limited (DMCE) stepped in. Under the leadership of Ezekiel Olayinka, DMCE worked closely with Dagrin’s family to legally reclaim his music rights. They got official documentation from the Lagos State Probate Registry, removed unauthorized copies, and began rebuilding his musical catalog.
Dagrin Meets Sony Music: A Global Comeback
In a big move, DMCE also helped broker a strategic partnership between Dagrin’s estate and Sony Music Publishing Nigeria. This brought his music back into the international spotlight, allowing global platforms and artists to access and rework his sounds.
One result of that partnership was the “Legend Sampling Camp” held in August 2024. The event brought together top producers and artists to sample and reimagine the works of Nigerian music legends, including Dagrin, K1 De Ultimate, King Dr. Saheed Osupa, and the late Chief Dr. Sikiru Ayinde Barrister—all artists whose musical estates are now represented by DMCE.
Dagrin’s Global Impact
While the GRAMMY spotlight has reintroduced Dagrin’s music to the world, his real influence lies in how much his music still resonates with the streets. His lyrics talked about everyday life—the hustle, the pain, the hope. And that’s why “Pon Pon Pon” is still streamed, remixed, and referenced today.
“The GRAMMY recognition is amazing,” said Ezekiel Olayinka of DMCE. “But what matters most is that Dagrin’s voice still speaks to a new generation. That’s the real legacy.”
