Iamsmallmarley

Template:Hlist dd: Template:Hlist dd: Template:Use mdy dates Template:Hlist dd: | birth_place = oshodi, isolo, Nigeria

| genre = {{hlist dd:|Emo hip-hop|drill

| occupation =

• Rapper
• singer
• songwriter
• record executive

| years_active = 2022–present | label = Template:Hlist dd:

Akande Yusuf Ayinde (born 27 April 2007), known professionally as iamsmallmarley or Small Marley, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is known for blending elements of hip hop, emo rap, melodic rap, drill, and R\&B to reflect the experiences and realities of urban youth in Nigeria. Signed to *Erukumagadascar Music*, he gained recognition through independently released singles and EPs that explore themes of struggle, identity, and resilience.

\== Early Life and Background == Akande Yusuf Ayinde was born on 27 April 2007 in Oshodi-Isolo, Lagos State, Nigeria. He grew up in a Yoruba household, surrounded by a diverse array of musical influences including Yoruba traditional music, highlife, and contemporary hip hop. His early experiences in the bustling city of Lagos shaped both his worldview and artistic voice.

From a young age, music became an emotional outlet for Small Marley. At age 12, he released his debut single "Awon Omokekeke", which gained attention for its raw storytelling and relatable lyrics. This marked the beginning of a promising career in music.

\== Career == \=== Breakthrough and Rise === Small Marley officially began his music career in 2022. That year marked the release of several notable tracks and projects that showcased his growth and stylistic diversity. Some of his prominent albums and EPs include:

• Hustle
• Bad Boy
• When Niggas Dey
• Hustler EP – featuring tracks like "Hustla dey Hustle" and "Struggle"
• Para Boy EP – a more introspective project exploring themes of survival and identity

He also gained attention for singles such as:

• "Bad Race"
• "Dirti Games"
• "Ends Time"
• "3 Pills"
• "Race"
• "Bad Novel"
• "From O\`Block to 300K Niggas"
• "The Lost Pages"
• "The Last Chapter"
• "Ramadan"

\=== Artistic Style and Influence === Small Marley's music is characterized by its emotionally honest lyrics, vivid storytelling, and rhythmic versatility. Drawing from street culture, religious themes, and the socio-political climate of Nigeria, his songs resonate deeply with young listeners navigating similar life struggles. He often blends Yoruba and English in his lyrics, adding cultural depth and linguistic richness to his music.

His influences range from global icons like Tupac Shakur and Juice WRLD to Nigerian legends such as Olamide and Dagrin. These inspirations can be felt in the cadence of his rap, his melodic hooks, and his ability to switch seamlessly between hard-hitting street anthems and introspective ballads.

\=== Collaborations and Impact === He collaborated with fellow artists including:

• "Poverty" featuring Prince Muller
• "Thug Life" featuring Lil Zeez

His music has been praised for its authenticity, and he is often regarded as a voice for the streets. Small Marley’s appeal lies in his relatability — his songs tell the stories of young Nigerians facing societal, economic, and emotional challenges.

\== Controversies == Small Marley's association with the term "O`Block" sparked some controversy, particularly regarding the use of the name popularized by Chicago's hip hop scene. However, his track "From O`Block to 300K Niggas" is widely interpreted as a metaphorical bridge between struggles in different global ghettos. While some critics questioned the reference, fans saw it as a creative way to draw parallels between Nigerian street life and global urban experiences.

\== Education == Small Marley is a student at Gateway ICT Polytechnic Saapade (GAPOSA), where he pursues higher education alongside his music career. Balancing academic life with an active presence in the music industry has presented challenges, but it has also provided him with broader perspectives that influence his artistic expression.

He is studying Mass Communication, which complements his lyrical storytelling and public engagement. His academic journey reflects a deeper commitment to intellectual development and responsible social commentary through music.

\== Personal Life == He has familial ties to Akande Sodiq, Akande Omowumi, and Akande Fatimah. Small Marley is fluent in both Yoruba and English, which contributes to the bilingual nature of his lyrics. He describes his upbringing as "real and humbling," a foundation that keeps him grounded despite his rising fame.

He is deeply religious and observes Ramadan, which is also reflected in his music. Outside the studio, he enjoys reading African literature, spending time with family, and participating in youth empowerment programs.

\== Discography == \=== Selected Singles and Projects ===

• "Bad Race"
• "Dirti Games"
• "Ends Time"
• "3 Pills"
• "Race"
• "Bad Novel"
• "From O\`Block to 300K Niggas"
• "The Lost Pages"
• "The Last Chapter"
• "Ramadan"

\=== Albums/EPs ===

• Hustle
• Bad Boy
• When Niggas Dey
• Hustler EP
• Para Boy EP
• Ghetto Scriptures – a conceptual EP exploring the spiritual side of urban struggle
• Street Gospel – a blend of motivational rap and Afrobeat-infused sermons

\=== Additional Tracks ===

• "Bad Ways"
• "In de Trenches"
• "Home"
• "Sad Pains Love"
• "Toxicwrld"
• "Outhere"
• "Hot World"
• "Next Gen Hustler"
• "Yoruba Drill"
• "Street Born Star"

\== Social Media Presence == Small Marley has built a growing fanbase across social media platforms, where his music resonates with thousands of followers. His presence online has helped amplify his voice and reach audiences beyond Nigeria. On YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, he shares behind-the-scenes footage, freestyles, and inspirational content that engages youth communities.

\== Legacy and Vision == Though still early in his career, iamsmallmarley is recognized as one of the rising voices of a new generation of Nigerian artists who merge street credibility with lyrical substance. His vision includes using music to inspire underprivileged youth, bridging cultural gaps through sound, and amplifying local stories on a global scale.

He has plans to launch his own creative collective under Erukumagadascar Music, aimed at mentoring upcoming talents in his community.

\== References ==

\== External Links ==

• \[[1](https://youtube.com/@iamsmallmarley) iamsmallmarley on YouTube]

\[\[Category:2007 births]] \[\[Category\:Living people]] \[\[Category\:Nigerian rappers]] \[\[Category\:Nigerian hip hop musicians]] \[\[Category\:People from Lagos State]] \[\[Category\:Gateway Polytechnic alumni]] \[\[Category\:Yoruba musicians]]