Veteran Nigerian rapper Tobechukwu Ejiofor, better known as Illbliss, has expressed his concerns over the transition of several prominent Nigerian music stars from hip-hop to the more commercially successful afrobeats genre.
In a recent interview with Radio Now 95.3 FM, Illbliss reflected on a time when rap music was thriving in Nigeria. He mentioned how artists like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy, who initially started their careers in rap, have now become global icons within the afrobeats genre.
Illbliss highlighted the significant impact these artists once had on the Nigerian hip-hop scene. However, he pointed out that their shift towards afrobeats has greatly enhanced their international profiles, leading to worldwide recognition and success.
While acknowledging the achievements of these artists, Illbliss lamented the challenges faced by the hip-hop genre in Nigeria, noting that it remains less commercially viable compared to afrobeats. He mentioned that only a few rappers, including himself, have been able to attain commercial success within the hip-hop scene.
“We lost a lot of our soldiers; we lost Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido. Three of them were rappers. I guess they found the afrobeats vibe and it made them global stars,” Illbliss remarked during the interview.
He further emphasized the difficulties of thriving in the Nigerian hip-hop industry, acknowledging that only a handful of artists, such as Vector, M.I., Reminisce, Olamide, and Phyno, have managed to make a significant impact.
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