IllRymz, born Olowu Bardia Adebola on December 3, 1985, is a Nigerian TV host, radio personality, writer, producer, MC, musician, and ex-model from a Yoruba lineage with Persian maternal roots. He rose to prominence through hosting Nigerian Idol, Radio Outloud with Nokia & ILL, and StarGist, alongside music ventures and steering the media outfit Contagious Collective. His portfolio features radio production for brands such as Coca-Cola and celebrity chats with figures like Nas.
Profile Summary
| Full name | Olowu Bardia (Bordia) Adebola |
| Date of birth | December 3, 1985 |
| Place of birth | Lagos, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Lagos State |
| Partner | Omotara Odunusi (married 2019) |
| Children | N/A |
| Occupations | TV host, radio presenter, musician, producer, MC, model |
| Net worth | $500,000–$1.7 million |
Early Life and Education
IllRymz grew up in Lagos with a Yoruba father and Persian mother. By age 3, he modeled for a U.S. beauty brand and performed in church choirs, revealing innate flair for entertainment and song. He pursued Mass Communication at the University of Lagos, earning his degree around 2006.
Career
IllRymz entered television in 2007 with Nokia First Chance, advancing to Nigezie and Soundcity for programs like Global Countdown and One on One sessions.
He emceed Nigerian Idol seasons 2 through 5 from 2011 to 2015, plus StarGist and BET A-List, while crafting radio series such as Coke Studio Radio Hour and directing Contagious Collective.
In music, he launched with “No Mago Mago!” in 2006 and dropped the “Licensed to ILL” mixtape in 2019; he also modeled for Coca-Cola and MTN.
Personal Life
IllRymz wed interior designer Omotara Odunusi in a traditional rite, capped by a white wedding in 2019. No public details confirm any children.
Net Worth
IllRymz’s wealth sits estimated between $500,000 and $1.7 million, fueled by media contracts with KeyQaad and Sire Records, hosting gigs, and production endeavors.
Discography
Standout tracks encompass his 2006 single “No Mago Mago!”, 2011’s “Ko Ta Yaya” produced by Dr. Frabz, “Pa Da Wa”, “Feel My Parol” by Samklef, and 2012’s “Malami” with Femi Kuti. The 2019 mixtape Licensed to ILL boasts cuts like “Figure 8”, “Body Language”, “Zanza”, “Friday Night”, and “Gbagaun”.
Awards and Nominations
IllRymz has emceed various award ceremonies, earning acclaim for his Nigerian Idol tenure and production on MTV Africa Music Awards promotions, though individual wins remain less spotlighted.
