Ayo Shonaiya Regrets Turning Down Dagrin
Nigerian music executive Ayo Shonaiya recalls with regret his decision to pass on late rapper Dagrin before the star’s meteoric rise to fame and tragic death
Ayo Shonaiya Dagrin connection resurfaced in an emotional reflection by the music executive, entertainment lawyer and filmmaker, who revealed that passing on the late rap icon was the biggest regret of his career.
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Shonaiya shared the story on X (formerly Twitter), recalling how his former personal assistant, Destiny, had introduced him to Dagrin during a casual meeting at a hotel in Opebi, Lagos.
Destiny, confident in the rapper’s potential, insisted that the young artist would become the next big thing in Nigerian hip-hop due to his raw Yoruba punchlines.
“I wasn’t really feeling it like that,” Shonaiya admitted, explaining that he turned down the opportunity to work with Dagrin.
After listening to a few rough demo tracks played from a CD by the poolside, the two went their separate ways, but not before taking a photo.
Less than a year later, Dagrin released his breakout hit Kondo, produced by the then-rising Sarz. Shonaiya bumped into the rapper once more, this time at Tee-A’s Lounge behind the Headies office in Ikeja.
Rest in peace Dagrin. Only God knows the heights you would have reached.
“He made sure he reminded me that I passed on him. Lol,” Shonaiya wrote, recalling the bittersweet moment with admiration.
They took another photo that night, and Shonaiya said he was genuinely happy for Dagrin’s success.
Sadly, it would be their last meeting. Dagrin, born Oladapo Olaitan Olaonipekun, died in a car accident in April 2010 at the age of 25.
His death stunned the music industry and is widely considered one of the most tragic losses in Nigerian music history.
“Rest in peace Dagrin,” Shonaiya concluded. “Only God knows the heights you would have reached.”
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Dagrin remains a seminal figure in Nigerian hip-hop. His songs Pon Pon Pon and Kondo helped usher Yoruba rap into the mainstream, influencing a new generation of artists and fans.
