Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, has spoken candidly about his past struggle with illicit drug addiction and how he narrowly escaped death as a young university student.
The award-winning artiste, who has become one of the most recognisable voices in Nigeria’s hip-hop scene, revealed his story during a recent appearance on the Tea With Tay podcast.
Odumodublvck explained that his battle with substance abuse began during his undergraduate years at the University of Lagos. Despite being a bright student, he admitted that he was caught up in the dangerous cycle of drug use.
“I was a very bright student while studying at the University of Lagos. But I was indulging in illicit drugs,” he recounted. “One day, I took it and almost died. I called my mother to book my flight to return to Abuja.”
That near-fatal experience became a turning point for the rapper. He disclosed that after the incident, he only experimented with drugs one more time before deciding to quit completely.
The Declan Rice crooner expressed gratitude for surviving what could have been a tragic end, noting that not everyone battling drug addiction is lucky enough to make it out alive.
“I’m grateful because there are some people that went into that life [illicit substance consumption] and they didn’t make it out,” Odumodublvck said. “Some people didn’t make it alive, some had lost people to it like they died because of drug abuse. Some even committed suicide due to drug overdose. I’ve seen a pregnant woman and her husband battling drug addiction. It’s really terrible!”
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His testimony highlights the destructive power of drug addiction, which has claimed the lives of many young people across Nigeria and the world.
The rapper used the opportunity to issue a strong warning to young Nigerians about the dangers of drug abuse. According to him, indulging in illicit substances can not only destroy promising careers but also lead to irreversible health damage and, in many cases, death.
He urged his fans and youths in general to avoid drugs at all costs, stressing that nothing good comes from dependency on harmful substances.
“Some people think drugs will give them confidence or make them perform better, but it’s a lie,” he said. “At the end of the day, it destroys you. If not your body, then your mind. I was lucky to escape, but many others are not.”
Odumodublvck’s journey from his struggles with substance abuse to becoming a household name in Nigerian music underscores his resilience. His openness about his past battles also adds a layer of vulnerability to his artistic persona, which has resonated with fans who see him as authentic and relatable.
The rapper has risen to fame with hits like Declan Rice, Pity The Boy, and his collaborations with some of the country’s biggest artistes. His unique style, which blends rap with alternative Afro influences, has earned him both critical acclaim and a loyal fanbase.
Nigeria, like many other countries, has grappled with the growing menace of substance abuse, particularly among youths. A report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) previously highlighted that millions of Nigerians, especially in the 18–35 age bracket, have experimented with drugs such as cannabis, opioids, and synthetic substances.
Experts have consistently warned that the rising trend poses a serious threat to public health, productivity, and national development. Artists like Odumodublvck sharing their stories, therefore, play a critical role in sensitising young people about the risks involved.
By openly revisiting a dark chapter of his life, Odumodublvck has positioned himself as more than just a rapper but also as a voice of caution and hope. His story stands as a reminder that fame and talent cannot shield anyone from the consequences of drug abuse, and that survival is often a matter of chance, discipline, and timely intervention.
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As his career continues to flourish, the rapper’s testimony may serve as both an inspiration and a deterrent for young fans who look up to him, reinforcing the message that life and health are far more valuable than any temporary high.
