Renowned rapper, Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, has shed light on the lack of recognition and respect for hip-hop and its artists in Nigeria. During a recent interview with the CTRL Room, the ‘Declan Rice’ hitmaker shared his experiences as an emerging artist.
Odumodublvck recalled the struggles he faced in the early stages of his career, citing instances where he wasn’t offered seats at award events. This lack of recognition motivated him to seek avenues where his craft would be acknowledged and valued.
He recounted a pivotal moment when a suggestion was made to connect with afrobeats superstar Davido to boost his fame. However, he chose a different path, aligning himself with UK grime stars whose genre resonated with his artistic vision.
“In 2019, someone in my team said we should go to Lagos and meet Davido. But I was like, ‘What will Davido do for me? Even if Davido takes me to America and puts me on stage and I’m rapping my stuff, his fans won’t understand because they are afrobeats fans,’” Odumodublvck revealed.
He emphasized the importance of aligning with artists who share a similar vision and sound, opting for a route that was true to his identity and aspirations. This decision eventually propelled him to the top of the Nigerian music scene, defying all odds.
“I was like, I don’t need Davido for anything now. Let me follow people that align with my vision. And that was how we just came together and we’re here now. Number one in the country against all odds. Tell them, they’ve to respect that thing. Because we went for an award show and we didn’t even have seats. They don’t respect hip-hop in Nigeria. They don’t respect us,” he added.
“If Wizkid said Hip Hop is dead then he’s right”
– Odumodublvck
— BASITO (@itzbasito) October 17, 2023
The rapper also acknowledged Wizkid’s statement that “hip-hop is dead,” resonating with the sentiment.