Veteran Nigerian rapper Illbliss has shared a deeply personal experience about the early struggles he faced breaking into the Lagos music scene due to tribal bias. During a recent appearance on the Real Shareholders podcast, Illbliss recounted how a Lagos-based radio presenter once told him he would not succeed in the industry because he rapped in Igbo.
According to Illbliss, the discouraging moment occurred shortly after the release of his track Igbo Boy, a song meant to celebrate the culture and joy of the Igbo people. Rather than receiving support, he was met with stark rejection. “A radio presenter called me and said, ‘What are you trying to do? You can’t make it here. You’ve come here with an agenda. Omo-Igbo,’” he recalled, noting how the presenter then switched to Yoruba to drive his point further.
The comment left him shocked and disheartened. Although the music had no political undertones and was not intended to offend, the presenter dismissed its prospects, saying, “The music is good, but it won’t go far.”
Illbliss used the moment to highlight the tribal divisions that still quietly persist in Nigeria, noting how such experiences reveal the deep-rooted challenges of national unity. “We can disguise all we want about being one nation, but the tribal divisions are incredible to handle,” he said.
In addition to sharing this story, Illbliss offered practical advice to upcoming artistes. Via a post on X, he urged them to learn other skills or take up side hustles to sustain themselves financially. “Learn a skill or find a second and third hustle that will help you keep the lights on,” he advised, stressing the importance of financial stability in navigating the uncertainties of the music industry.
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