General Pype, born Olayiwola Ibrahim Majekodunmi on October 9, 1981, is a Nigerian reggae and dancehall artist known for blending reggae fusion with elements of hip-hop, rock-pop, and R&B. He gained international attention with his debut single “Keep It Cool” in 2007, which was featured on the American TV series The Shield. His 2009 hit single “Champion” further established him as a leading figure in African reggae music, being notably licensed as a theme song for sports broadcasts.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Olayiwola Ibrahim Majekodunmi |
|---|---|
| Date of birth | 9 October 1981 |
| Place of birth | Lagos State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of origin | Ogun State |
| Partner | Zee |
| Children | Two |
| Occupations | Reggae/Dancehall artist, songwriter, set designer |
| Labels | Obalende Records, CashBoy Records |
| Net Worth | Around $1 million |
Early Life and Education
Born in Lagos State and originally from Ogun State, General Pype showed musical talent early, attending St. Gregory’s Secondary School in Obalende. There, he joined a classical choir that toured significant venues across Nigeria and Africa, developing a strong foundation in vocal performance.
Later, he chose to pursue reggae music, inspired by its themes of resilience and positive messaging.
Career
General Pype started his music career singing classical and choral music before shifting focus to reggae and dancehall around 2005.
He performed with well-known international and Nigerian artists and rose to prominence with “Keep It Cool.”
Over the years, he released several popular songs, including “Champion,” “Give It to Me,” and “Mash It Up.”
He founded Obalende Records, named after his childhood neighborhood, to promote his music independently.
After a break starting in 2018 to focus on family and study set design, he resumed music activities in 2022, signing with CashBoy Records and collaborating with professional partners to expand his reach.
Personal Life
General Pype is married to Zee, and they have two children. His family commitments were a significant reason for his musical hiatus. He also pursued education in set design during this break.
Net Worth
General Pype’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million, accumulated through his music career, performances, and business ventures in the entertainment industry.
Discography
Albums and EPs
- Champion (EP, 2010)
- General Pype (2017)
Selected Singles
- “Keep It Cool” (2007)
- “Champion” (2009)
- “Champion (Remix)” ft. Dagrin, Vector, Naeto C, Sasha & GT (2010)
- “Give It to Me” (2012)
- “All The Loving” ft. Burna Boy & Phyno (2016)
- “Mash It Up” (2018)
- Multiple singles released from 2022 onwards, including “Clear Road” and “Blessed and Ready.”
Awards and Recognitions
- Channel O Music Video Award for Most Gifted Reggae & Dancehall Video (2010)
- MTV Africa Music Award nomination for Best Reggae/Dancehall (2010)
- First African artist to have a song licensed as a TV channel theme (“Champion” for Supersport/DSTV)
