Illbliss Voices Concern Over Shift from Rap to Afrobeats
Veteran Nigerian rapper Tobechukwu Ejiofor, widely recognized as Illbliss, recently shared his thoughts on the noticeable exodus of prominent music stars from the rap scene to the burgeoning genre of afrobeats. In an engaging interview with Radio Now 95.3 FM, Illbliss reflected on the vibrant history of Nigerian rap, emphasizing how it served as a powerful platform for artistic expression, creativity, and cultural storytelling. He lamented that the landscape has shifted dramatically, with many key figures abandoning rap for afrobeats.
During his conversation, Illbliss nostalgically recalled a time when artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido were emerging rappers, carving out their identities in the hip-hop arena. He highlighted that these artists, who once contributed significantly to the rap scene, have transitioned to afrobeats, achieving remarkable success on a global scale. This evolution, while admirable, left Illbliss feeling a sense of loss for the rap genre that shaped his career and influenced countless others.
Illbliss's concerns underscore a broader issue within the Nigerian music industry, where the rise of afrobeats has overshadowed traditional hip-hop. He pointed out that the departure of these talented artists from rap not only diminishes the genre's visibility but also signifies a shift in the cultural narrative. As afrobeats continues to dominate the global music scene, Illbliss hopes that the rich legacy of Nigerian rap will not fade and that future generations will remember and honor its impactful roots.
In his words:
- “We (Hip-Hop community) 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.
- “Hip-hop is a tough sell in Nigeria. Not everybody has been as fortunate as myself or Vector, M.I., Reminisce, Olamide, and Phyno. It’s not a long list.”
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Written: ( 07:50 pm)
