Babatunde Rahim is a Nigerian vocalist more widely recognized by his stage title, Lyta. He obtained a recording agreement with YBNL Nation in 2018; however, he departed the label in May 2019 after a disagreement with Olamide, the owner of the organization. In 2019, he released his initial 5-track EP, Id.
Formative years and career
Lyta hails from Kwara State; he grew up in Ajegunle and was a member of the music group Ile Kewu at his local mosque. On February 3, 2018, the specifics of his recording contract with YBNL Nation were disclosed. Lyta stated in 2019 that he had no formal arrangements with YBNL Nation. On February 14, 2018, Lyta’s breakout track with YBNL Nation, “Time,” featuring vocals by Olamide, was launched.
Lyta exited YBNL Nation in 2019 due to personal and contractual reasons. After leaving YBNL, he joined Doro Musik Gang, and on July 12, 2019, he released the Killertunes-produced track “Monalisa.” In less than a month post-release, Director K’s “Monalisa” visuals amassed over 500,000 views.
A few weeks after “Monalisa” debuted, Lyta received a communication from Davido wanting to collaborate on an official remix. After reaching an agreement, Davido and Lyta traveled to Dakar for the remix and video production. The “Monalisa” remix was launched on August 30, 2019. The song was described as a “beautiful paradox, with intense expressions of yearning” by Rolling Stone magazine’s Elias Light. The associated music video for the remix was directed by
On December 6, 2019, Lyta released the Afrobeat single “Worry,” produced by Killer Tunes. The visuals for “Worry” were filmed and directed by Simplicity Visual Studios in London.
YBNL departure
Lyta’s exit from YBNL sparked speculation when Olamide unfollowed him on Instagram. Lyta publicly announced his departure from YBNL Nation on Naijaloaded TV in May 2019. He stated he never signed a formal agreement with the label, despite receiving between $50,000 and $80,000 for appearances. Olamide informed Guardian Life in a statement that Lyta had declined to follow YBNL’s promotional schedule.
New record label
In 2020, Lyta joined Naira Marley’s Marlian Records. He also released “Hold Me Down (Omo Gidi),” his debut single with the label. The “Hold Me Down” music video, directed by TG Omori, drew inspiration from K-pop boy bands GOT7 and BTS. The music video for “Just Right” by GOT7 is substantially similar to the original. However, Lyta failed to seek permission, leading to outrage among K-pop fans. “I am not contracted with Marlian records,” Lyta stated. “I just feel that Naira Marley appreciates me.”
Lyta and Mental Health Challenges
On November 15, 2023, a Twitter user reached out seeking support for Nigerian artist, Lyta. She claims the young musician is experiencing depression and in urgent need of help.
This was disclosed in a message from her Twitter account, @theopeszn, where she urged her followers to assist him.
According to her, Lyta is no longer his authentic self and feels ashamed to speak out.
The artist had previously voiced his struggles with sadness, claiming that numerous individuals approached him for financial assistance due to his fame, yet he had nothing to his name at that time.
This young woman indicated that the musician’s condition appears to have worsened.
Discography
EPs
Id (2019)
Singles
Time (2018)
Self-Made (2018)
Worry (2019)
Monalisa (2018)
Mama (2020)
Hold Me Down (2020)
Everybody (2020)
Ramadan (2020)
Birthday Wish (2020)
Hold Me Down (Omo Gidi) (2020)
Are You Sure (2021)
