Nigerian hip-hop artist Odumodublvck has issued a powerful defense of Nigerian hip-hop and the global sensation that is Afrobeats, responding to recent criticism from industry pundits and cultural commentators who have questioned the authenticity and longevity of both genres.
In an exclusive interview with Pulse Nigeria, Odumodublvck, known for his bold and socially conscious lyrics, stated, “It’s easy for people outside of Nigeria to misinterpret what hip-hop and Afrobeats are about. These genres are not just sounds, they’re movements. They are a reflection of our experiences, struggles, and our culture. If you don’t understand that, you can’t truly criticize it.”
The comments come after a recent surge of debates about the global dominance of Afrobeats, with some critics arguing that the genre’s widespread commercial success is causing a shift away from the more traditional forms of Nigerian music, including hip-hop. Some even argue that Afrobeats is overshadowing homegrown hip-hop artists, leading to concerns about the future of the genre.
Odumodublvck, however, remains resolute in his defense, asserting that both genres can coexist, and should be seen as complementary rather than competitive. “Hip-hop has always been a form of expression. From the streets of Lagos to the world stage, Nigerian hip-hop has had its own evolution. The growth of Afrobeats doesn’t diminish our contributions in hip-hop; it only highlights the global reach of African culture,” he explained.
The artist also touched on the evolving nature of Nigerian hip-hop, stressing that the genre has long incorporated elements of traditional sounds, Afrobeat rhythms, and storytelling rooted in Nigerian history. “What people fail to realize is that Nigerian hip-hop has always been intertwined with our culture. We’ve always been talking about the streets, the hustle, the life. It’s just that now, we’re bringing that story to a larger audience, while still staying true to our roots.”
Odumodublvck’s remarks come at a time when the Nigerian music scene is in a transitional phase. While Afrobeats continues to dominate international charts, artists like Odumodublvck, M.I Abaga, and Falz are working hard to keep Nigerian hip-hop in the conversation. Despite the growing popularity of Afrobeats stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, Nigerian hip-hop remains an influential voice in the country’s musical landscape, with fans and artists alike fighting to keep it relevant in the face of global trends.
“Afrobeats is an evolution of our sound, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only sound coming out of Nigeria,” Odumodublvck concluded. “The world is finally paying attention to African music in all its forms, and that’s something we should be proud of. Whether it’s hip-hop, Afrobeats, or any other genre, the world can’t ignore what we’ve got anymore.”
As Nigerian artists continue to break boundaries and reshape global perceptions, Odumodublvck’s message of unity and cultural pride resonates louder than ever—reminding critics that Nigeria’s diverse music scene is stronger for its variety.
source: thenationonlineng.net