Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck has drawn mixed reactions after asking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to provide financial assistance to him and other artists.
The request came on Friday in response to a post on Tinubu’s X account about his meeting in Paris with Vincent Bolloré, an entertainment and media executive at Bolloré Group. Odumodublvck urged the president to go beyond praising the entertainment industry’s contribution to Nigeria and offer direct financial support.
“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.”
Fan criticism and artist response#
Some fans criticised the rapper for engaging with the president’s Paris meeting while staying silent on terrorism and hardship in Nigeria.
In response, Odumodublvck said artists rarely receive government support, unlike civil servants and business owners, who receive certain benefits. He added that he had not seen an artiste whom the government had supported financially to make an album, even though musicians have brought global recognition to Nigeria.
“Jaga [Jagaban], give me to fly high. I deserve it, sir. Governmental backing for artists gatts dey.”
Past campaign payment report#
The request has drawn attention because Odumodublvck was previously reported to have turned down a large sum to perform at a Tinubu campaign event. His public appeal for government funds, made while the president is seeking re-election, a few months before Nigeria’s presidential election, has raised questions about his integrity and political stance.
