Maintain was a popular Nigerian Alternative rap & Afro-pop group formed in the late 90s by Olumide Edwards Adegbulu “Olu Maintain” and his cousin, Tolu Ogunniyi “Tolu Maintain“. The duo was later joined by Adeboye Bammeke, popularly known as Big Bamo who also doubled as their manager .

The group released their debut album “Domitila” in 1997 which immediately put them on the list of the promising young artistes in the burgeoning contemporary music scene. The group’s rise to fame was mostly based off samples and covers of popular American rap/Hiphop songs. Most notably on one of their biggest hits till date “I Catch Cold“, a parody of Ludacris and Nate Dogg’s 2001 smash hit “Area Codes“.

Their music was also famous and often inspired by comedic, satirical and politically underlined lyrics. The group went on to release 2 more albums between 1998 and 2004 which included notable songs like “I Catch Cold“, Maintain in India, “Ni Bo Lawa gbe lo” and “Alo“.

Three years after the group disbanded, “Olu maintain” kick started his solo career with the 2007 hit “Yahoozee” while his two former bandmates Tolu and Bamo left the music industry to pursue professional careers in other fields of endeavour.
“Alo” is one the hits released by the group before their separation.It’s the characteristic Maintain track that still resonates in todays political climate 17 years after it was released.

Here is the video

Enjoy!