Tochukwu Ojogwu, a hip-hop artist based in Abuja, known by his stage name Odumodublvck, recently emphasized his reluctance to relocate to Lagos, Nigeria’s entertainment capital, due to concerns about its impact on his mental health. He expressed a preference for remaining in the slower-paced and more laid-back environment of Abuja, where he enjoys recognition and a sense of belonging.
During an appearance on the Echoo Room podcast hosted by Quincy Jonze, Odumodublvck likened the music scene in Lagos to a fish pond with numerous fishermen vying for a limited number of opportunities. In contrast, he highlighted Abuja’s smaller pool of artists and indicated that he feels more confident in his chances of success there. He acknowledged the power of the internet in connecting him with a wider audience and expressed his ability to travel to Lagos for specific engagements but expressed concerns about permanently immersing himself in the competitive Lagos scene.
Odumodublvck explained that remaining in Abuja is a strategic decision to protect his brand, mental well-being, and financial stability. He illustrated his point by mentioning that in Lagos, top artists like Wizkid would prioritize collaborating with several other artists before considering working with him. On the other hand, in Abuja, if an artist like Skepta were to visit, there would be fewer artists to choose from, potentially increasing his chances of being included in such collaborations.
Odumodublvck’s decision to stay in Abuja reflects his assessment of the music industry dynamics in Lagos and his preference for a more favorable environment to thrive as an artist.
