Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, has stirred conversation with his recent criticism of Lagos as a base for upcoming musicians.
The Abuja-born music star argued that the city, often regarded as Nigeria’s entertainment hub, is not the best environment for young talents to grow their careers. According to him, Lagos promotes selfishness and greed among artists.
In a post shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Odumodublvck wrote that Lagos is “the most selfish place to grow” as a young artist. He warned that living and working there could shape artists into “greedy, selfish, and self-centred packaged beasts.”
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The rapper, known for his raw and unapologetic style, said that his upbringing in Abuja gave him a unique perspective on life and the music industry. He believes this difference has been a key factor in his success.
“The worst place for a young artist to grow is Lagos,” he stated. “You will become them; a greedy, selfish, and self-centred packaged beast. That’s why it was easy to run through the industry as The Machine wey I be. I too real for una.”
Odumodublvck’s remarks reflect an ongoing conversation in Nigeria’s entertainment space about the pressures and competitive culture in Lagos. The city has long been the centre of the nation’s music, film, and fashion industries, attracting thousands of hopefuls every year. However, it has also faced criticism for fostering a cutthroat atmosphere where only the toughest survive.
By contrast, Abuja, where Odumodublvck began his career, is known for its slower pace and less aggressive entertainment scene. Many artists from the city say this environment allows them to focus more on creativity rather than constant competition.
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Odumodublvck’s career trajectory seems to support his point. He rose to fame with his unique sound and street-inspired storytelling, building a loyal fan base without being heavily based in Lagos. His success story is often cited as proof that artists can achieve national fame without fully immersing themselves in the Lagos entertainment circle.
His comments have sparked mixed reactions online. Some fans agreed with his stance, saying Lagos can change people’s personalities and values. Others, however, argued that Lagos remains the best place to build connections, secure record deals, and gain media visibility.
Regardless of the debate, Odumodublvck’s statement adds another voice to the growing discussion on whether young Nigerian artists should seek opportunities outside Lagos. For him, staying true to his roots and avoiding what he sees as the city’s toxic traits has been a winning strategy.
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