Get Familiar: Odumodublvck
Interview by Betty Ogundipe | Edited by Passion Dzenga | Photography by Betty Ogundipe and Josh Scurville
Hailing from Abuja, Nigeria, Odumodublvck is a talented rapper, singer, and songwriter who is swiftly making his mark in the world of music. As a member of the esteemed hip-hop collective Anti World Gangstars, Odumodublvck brings a unique energy and charisma to his stage performances that captivates audiences from all walks of life. Known for his impressive genre-blending abilities, Odumodublvck effortlessly weaves elements of rap, afro music, and soulful melodies into his music, creating a distinct sound that resonates with fans worldwide. His artistry knows no boundaries, as he fearlessly explores new musical territories and breaks the mold of conventional hip-hop.
In 2022, Odumodublvck's talent and dedication were recognized when he inked a record deal with NATIVE Records, in collaboration with the iconic Def Jam. This partnership opened up new avenues for his music to reach a broader audience, and the world eagerly awaited his next move. Odumodublvck then unveiled his highly anticipated debut single under NATIVE Records, titled "Picanto," featuring the gifted talents of ECko Miles and Zlatan. The track proved to be an instant hit, earning him his first chart entry on the prestigious Nigeria TurnTable Top 100.
With an ever-growing fan base and a string of successful releases to his name, Odumodublvck's journey in the music industry is one filled with promise and potential. His dedication to pushing boundaries, crafting innovative sounds, and delivering electrifying performances is what sets him apart as a true rap sensation in the afro music landscape. So, get familiar with Odumodublvck, for he is destined to leave an indelible mark on the music world, proving that his name is one to remember and his artistry is set to revolutionize the Nigerian and global music scene.
Tell us about your music. Who are your influences?
My music is basically grime, drill, hip hop and something I call okporoko music. It's like progressive afrobeats and a little bit of traditional vibes. My influences are Fela, Burna Boy, Skepta. Those are the three guys off the top of my head.
One of your latest singles is dedicated to Declan Rice. Why do you support West Ham and how did you feel about their performance this season?
Been a West Ham fan since I sang Declan Rice to be honest. I'm a big lover of football and since the moment I set my eyes on Declan, I always knew the guy was destined for greatness. That was way before the track came up so yeah it just happened to be like that at the end of the day. Had to start supporting them because of him.
I had to dedicate the song to Declan because where I’m coming from, hip hop, grime and drill are underdog genres, and Declan is like an underdog player because he plays for one of the least clubs in London but he still finds his way into the English National Team and that's how we are, regardless of the genre of our music, we find ourselves amongst the big boys in the industry.
West Ham performance this season - in the league we were a bit shaky but towards the end we became a better version of ourselves you know and to top it up with the conference league final, the first European trophy in 50 something years, that's so big. Declan being the youngest English captain to lift a European trophy is so big.
A lot of your music videos have Nollywood themes. Is this an important part of your image?
A lot of my music videos having the Nollywood themes, I think it's just two so far, because that's the direction the videographer decided to go with.
How would you describe your lyrics?
My lyrics are real. It's like a reflection of my life. If not my life, the life of my friends.
In your videos, you’re seen sporting a red crochet hat along with your friends. Can you explain the concept behind this?
The concept behind my crochet hat is in my town, they call it "OKPU AGU" meaning a warriors hat and I feel that the music industry is a jungle and you always have to be ready for war.
You were born in Lagos State but you live in Abuja. Why did you move?
I moved to Abuja because my dad works here and living in Abuja for me is way better for me than Lagos. Lagos is a crazy place. Here in abuja we are more reserved, we are chilled basically.
How is Naija culture important to you?
Nigerian culture is so important to me. It's my life you know. The culture is as important as my life so wherever I'm going, I must carry it to wherever I'm going to. That's why on records, when you hear me on records you know that this guy is a Nigerian from the first step.
You have an entourage of highly talented rappers and producers from Lagos. Do you guys intend on collaborating in the future?
Yeah! We are already collaborating with artists from Lagos and that's just how it's gonna be. Not just Lagos, New York, Chicago, UK you know, the entire world down to Asia if we can.
You have an EP coming out on Friday, August 25th, can you tell us what the title means and a bit more about what the project is about. What can we expect to hear?
Yeah my EP is coming out in August. EZIOKWU means the truth. What you guys are hearing is the truth basically. The melodies are peak. I have been planning this EP for the longest time. It was going to be an album but I brought it down to an EP so i can have a "version 2" of it. This part is were I introduce the okporoko melodies and a little bit of hip hop to spice it up just to introduce the sound to people.
What are you working on and what can we expect from you in the next year?
Next year. Tomorrow is not promised so we cannot say what we're going to give next year but with the slightest idea, it's going to be EZIOKWU volume 2 I guess.
