Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck has sparked mixed reactions after calling on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide financial support for Nigerian artists.
The rapper made the appeal on Friday while reacting to Tinubu’s post about his meeting in Paris with Vincent Bolloré of the Bolloré Group. The meeting focused on expanded investment in Nigeria’s creative and digital economy, according to the Presidency.
Odumodublvck urged the President to go beyond acknowledging the global recognition Nigeria’s entertainment industry has earned and provide direct financial backing for entertainers.
“Baba come give boys advance from government funds. Na you go be the biggest label boss. Because of you, artists no go fight their labels and underground artists go see something.
“Baba, come sign all of us. And I mean all of us.”
The comment drew criticism from some fans, who questioned why the rapper was responding to the President’s Paris meeting while, according to them, remaining silent on terrorism and economic hardship in Nigeria.
Responding to his critics, Odumodublvck argued that artists rarely benefit from government support compared with civil servants and business owners who receive certain forms of assistance.
He said he had yet to see an artist receive government financial support to produce an album, despite the contribution of Nigerian entertainers, particularly musicians, to the country’s global image.
“Jaga [Jagaban], give me to fly high. I deserve it, sir. Governmental backing for artists gatts dey,” he added.
The request has also drawn attention because of reports that Odumodublvck previously turned down a large payment to perform at a Tinubu campaign event. The reported earlier decision and his latest appeal have prompted online discussions about his political position and relationship with the President.
However, the funding request itself does not establish a political endorsement. His comments were specifically framed around government financial support for artists and the wider entertainment industry.
