5 Minutes with ODUMODUBLVCK: The audacious rapper bringing Abuja drill to the mainstream.

The okporoko music pioneer on his sound and taking his career to the next level.

Black sheep for life, black sheep forever, Izgaaju till we kpeme, antiworld gangsters, GE Records, you get me?

As part of a new wave of Nigerian artists taking over the globe, ODUMODUBLVCK is sharing the vibrant community of Abuja with the world. The rapper has become a trailblazer in bringing the Abuja music subculture, a mix of hip-hop, drill, and pop, to the masses.ODUMODUBLVCK’s mantra is conviction and community, which he sprinkles throughout his distinctive music and style – the Okpu Agu – a traditionally- woven red and white cap that has resonated with young audiences in a short while due to ODUMODUBLVCK’s influence. Igbo people regard the hat as a symbol of bravery.

As a true creative, he is persistent, as his potential knows no limits. He’s already been co-signed by Afrobeats Mount Rushmore (Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Olamide), Skepta, and even football clubs, Arsenal and Barcelona. 

This year, attaining his mainstream trajectory, the rapper released his hypnotic mixtape, EZIOKWU. “Eziokwu” which translates to “The truth” in English reaffirms a significant aspect of his identity – highlife, Afrobeat, Afro-fusion, hip-hop, drill. It’s ODUMODUBLVCK’s way of saying ‘It’s me, I’m the truth.’

Every collaboration on the mixtape was solely based on what ODUMODUBLVCK calls “the right energy,” which includes the featured artists, producers, and engineers.

The project holds a truly diverse sound, with ODUMODUBLVCK acting as the narrator whilst accompanying you on a journey from Lagos and Abuja to the broader world – satisfying his current fans while catering to a newfound audience. 

Now, ODUMODUBLVCK is going global, and the rapper has already left his mark, winning the rap single of the year at the prestigious Headies Award, the Barcelona co-sign early this month, and his headline at the Piano People’s Festival in London.

Here, I chat with him to discuss his beef with Elon Musk, his music style and his manifestations for 2024.

How would you describe okporoko music or your style of music to someone who has no idea what you sound like?

Okporokpo music is bittersweet music. You know like healthy food that you don’t like. It doesn’t necessarily taste nice, but it’s healthy and you need it. When people listen to my music, I want them to be excited, I want them to be happy and feel confident with whatever they’re doing.

What’s been your favorite stage to perform so far, asides LASU of course?

There’s a place called Patako and it was mad. It was a festival and it wasn’t my city but it felt like it was my city. But I’m certain London is bringing the energy tonight. (And London indeed brought the energy!)

I noticed in your Cool FM interview, you mentioned how Elon Musk needed to send you and Blaqbonez a Tesla each because your song TESLA BOY was a hit. Did you reach out to him yet? What was his response?

I reached out to him, and he aired me now. Fool.

So you’re a talk-and-do guy, and you manifest a lot. What are you manifesting for the rest of the year and 2024? What’s it looking like for you?

We’re dropping a deluxe for the tape. We’re gonna reload it. At the moment, the tape is already a classic. They know, everybody knows, undeniable! We are going to reload it again. Additional tracks are coming. It’s going to be heavy.