Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, better known by his stage name Odumodublvck, made a bold statement on the popular podcast “Cocktails & Takeaways” hosted by Madame Joyce. Odumodublvck claims that the recent achievements of singers Tems and Ayra Starr have surpassed the contributions of legendary figures in Nigerian music.
Odumodublvck’s Provocative Claim
While sharing an anecdote about encountering Tems’ manager on a flight to London, Odumodublvck declared,
“What you [Tems] and Ayra Starr have done is bigger than anything Wizkid, Burna Boy, and even Fela have done.”
He challenged listeners to “quote him anywhere.”
Highlighting the Challenges Faced by Female Artists
Odumodublvck attributes his controversial claim to the immense adversity faced by female artists in the music industry. He suggests that a significant portion of industry figures, from show promoters to producers and even fellow artists, prioritize sexual favours over artistic merit when dealing with women. Odumodublvck emphasizes the difficulty of navigating this environment while still creating high-quality music.
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Acknowledging the Difficulty of Being an Artist
Odumodublvck expands his argument beyond gender, acknowledging the general challenges faced by all artists. He playfully assigns the title of “number one hardest job in the world” to being a woman, followed closely by being a musician. He highlights the fierce competition within the industry, with millions of artists vying for attention and the difficulty of standing out amidst a constant stream of new music. Financial instability is another hurdle, with artists often struggling to secure consistent payment for their work. Odumodublvck emphasizes the dedication required to succeed, recounting his own experience of waiting six years for his first significant paycheck.
Tems and Ayra Starr’s Recent Success
Odumodublvck’s comments come amidst the well-deserved success of both Tems and Ayra Starr. Tems’ album “Born In The Wild” achieved the highest chart position ever for a female Nigerian artist on the U.S. Billboard 200, peaking at number 56. Ayra Starr’s album “The Year I Turned 21” achieved another historic feat, becoming the first album by a Nigerian female artist to debut on the coveted U.S. Billboard 200 chart.
A Spark for Conversation
Odumodublvck’s statement is sure to spark debate within the Nigerian music industry and beyond. While some may find his comparison between Tems and Ayra Starr to Fela, Wizkid, and Burna Boy extreme, his emphasis on the challenges faced by female artists undoubtedly adds a valuable perspective to the conversation.
