Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, has sparked a fresh debate on the growing issue of “stream farming” in the country’s music industry.
He claimed that some artists artificially inflate their streaming numbers, but these numbers do not reflect real fan engagement.
Taking to his X (formerly Twitter) account, Odumodublvck expressed his concerns. He stated that the manipulation of streaming numbers does not lead to increased concert bookings or ticket sales, both locally and internationally.
“There’s a high level of stream farming going on in the Nigerian music industry,” he wrote. “Farming is crazy because it’s not translating into shows. It’s not translating into bookings and ticket sales, home and abroad. So, what’s the point?”
His statement has reignited discussions about the authenticity of streaming figures in Nigeria’s competitive music scene. Many industry insiders and fans have long suspected that some artists use artificial methods to boost their rankings on streaming platforms.
The Ongoing Debate on Stream Farming
Odumodublvck is not the first artist to speak on this issue. Another rapper, Blaqbonez, has also repeatedly accused some artists of using “streaming farms” to manipulate their rankings, particularly on Apple Music Nigeria charts. He has argued that these artists do not have a genuine fan base but instead rely on fake streams to maintain a dominant presence on music platforms.
However, not everyone agrees with these claims. In a 2023 interview, renowned Nigerian music executive Don Jazzy dismissed the idea of streaming farms. He insisted that no such technology exists and that artists succeed based on their talent, hard work, and strategic promotion.
“There is no such thing as a streaming farm,” Don Jazzy said at the time, rejecting the idea that musicians could pay to artificially boost their streams.
A Growing Concern in the Industry
Despite Don Jazzy’s dismissal, allegations of stream manipulation have not disappeared. Many industry professionals and music fans continue to question the validity of certain artists’ streaming numbers. Some believe that streaming services need to implement stricter measures to detect and eliminate fake streams.
The controversy raises important questions about the integrity of the Nigerian music industry. Streaming numbers influence an artist’s visibility, brand deals, and revenue. If these figures are artificially inflated, it could give some musicians an unfair advantage over those who rely solely on organic growth.
Some observers argue that if an artist’s streaming numbers do not match their concert turnout, it is a clear indication of artificial manipulation. Others, however, believe that an artist’s ability to sell out shows depends on more than just their streaming numbers—it also involves factors like branding, marketing, and audience connection.
The Future of Streaming in Nigerian Music
With streaming platforms playing a bigger role in music distribution, the debate over stream farming is unlikely to fade anytime soon. If fake streams continue to be a concern, streaming services might need to introduce stronger verification systems.
For now, Odumodublvck’s statement has once again put the spotlight on the credibility of streaming numbers in Nigeria. Whether or not industry leaders take action, one thing remains clear: real fan engagement, not inflated statistics, determines an artist’s long-term success.
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