Popular Nigerian rapper Illbliss, whose real name is Tobechukwu Ejiofor, recently shared a story from his early days as an upcoming artist trying to break into the Lagos music scene.
Back then, he released a track titled Igbo Boy. But instead of support, a Lagos radio presenter discouraged him. The presenter said he wouldn’t make it in the city’s music industry because he rapped mostly in the Igbo language.
Illbliss told the story during an episode of the Real Shareholders podcast. He said the presenter even questioned what he was trying to do in Lagos. The man switched to speaking fluent Yoruba, saying things like, “When you can’t beat them, you join them.” Though the presenter admitted the music was good, he claimed it wouldn’t get far.
Illbliss explained that the song wasn’t even controversial—it simply celebrated how Igbo people enjoy life and have fun. But the presenter’s reaction deeply affected him. It made him feel disappointed and hurt.
He ended by saying that, no matter how much Nigerians pretend to be united as one country, the strong tribal differences are still very hard to ignore.
