Illbliss shares early career rejection over rapping in Igbo language

Nigerian rapper Illbliss has opened up about a painful rejection he faced at the start of his career over his choice to rap in Igbo.

Veteran Nigerian rapper Tobechukwu Ejiofor, popularly known as Illbliss, has opened up about a painful experience he encountered at the start of his music career.

Illbliss, who has long championed indigenous rap, revealed how a Lagos-based radio presenter once dismissed his chances of success because he chose to rap in Igbo.

The respected lyricist shared the story during a recent episode of the Real Shareholders podcast. According to him, the incident happened in his early days while promoting a track titled Igbo Boy, which was meant to celebrate the Igbo culture and people’s love for enjoyment.

“Then, 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,’” Illbliss recalled, noting that the presenter switched into fluent Yoruba while making the disparaging comment.

The rapper admitted the encounter left him deeply hurt and speechless at the time, especially since his song wasn’t a political statement but a feel-good record embracing his roots. The presenter, he added, acknowledged that the music was good but insisted it wouldn’t gain traction in Lagos because it was in Igbo.

Reflecting on the incident, Illbliss described it as a clear example of the tribal divisions that still quietly shape interactions and opportunities in Nigeria’s creative space.

“Just looking at that guy, it made me feel terrible. And it made me realise that we can pretend all we want about being one nation, but the tribal divisions are incredible to handle,” he said.

The rapper’s revelation has since reignited conversations online about tribalism and inclusivity in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

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