Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, has stirred intense discussion across Africa and the diaspora following his remarks that black-on-black injustice in Africa is a bigger problem than racism in America.
Speaking in a recent interview with BET, the “Declan Rice” hitmaker addressed the complexities of race, identity, and social justice, arguing that while racism remains a global issue, black people in Africa often face greater oppression and inequality at the hands of their own leaders and systems.
Odumodublvck, known for his socially conscious lyrics and outspoken nature, did not mince words as he analyzed the contrast between the African experience and the realities of black life in the United States.
“We cannot deny the fact that America is now a better place for black people,” he said during the interview. “The things that black people have suffered in America are not compared to the things that black people have suffered in the hands of black people in Africa.”
His comments immediately went viral, drawing both support and criticism across social media platforms, where fans, activists, and scholars weighed in on what has become a deeply polarizing conversation.
“A Hard Truth or a False Equivalence?”
Odumodublvck’s assertion challenges long-held narratives about systemic racism and colonial legacy. While some hailed his statement as “bold and brutally honest,” others condemned it as “misguided and insensitive.”
Supporters argued that the rapper was highlighting an uncomfortable truth — that corruption, poor governance, and social inequality continue to plague African societies, often perpetuated by black leaders and institutions themselves.
One social commentator on X (formerly Twitter) wrote:
“Odumodublvck said what many won’t dare say. Racism is evil, yes, but the betrayal and exploitation we face from our own people are even more painful. How can black nations be rich in resources yet keep their citizens in poverty?”
Another user disagreed, countering that the artist’s remarks overlooked centuries of structural oppression and white supremacy that continue to affect black lives globally.
“Comparing black-on-black injustice to racism is a false equivalence. One is rooted in internal corruption; the other in global oppression that devalues black lives everywhere,” the post read.
The Broader Context
Odumodublvck’s perspective taps into a broader debate about leadership, colonial legacy, and self-accountability in Africa. Many analysts argue that while racism remains a major issue in the West, internalized oppression, bad governance, and economic inequality have contributed to Africa’s persistent struggles.
Across much of the continent, citizens face systemic challenges — from police brutality and unemployment to weak institutions and lack of infrastructure — often under governments led by black leaders. Critics have long described this as “the failure of post-colonial leadership.”
Political analyst Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke commented that Odumodublvck’s statement, though controversial, forces an important conversation.
“He’s right to say we must look inward. Africa’s biggest obstacle today is not external racism but the corruption, tribalism, and injustice within our own borders. Until we confront that, progress will remain slow.”
However, Dr. Okeke also cautioned against minimizing the impact of racism, noting that black people in the United States and Europe continue to face systemic barriers in education, employment, and law enforcement.
From Music to Meaning
Odumodublvck has built his career on authenticity, often using his platform to address social and political realities. Emerging as one of the leading voices in Nigeria’s new wave of hip-hop and alternative music, the rapper is known for fusing traditional sounds with bold, thought-provoking lyrics.
His music often reflects his identity as a street poet and social observer, bridging the gap between entertainment and advocacy. In songs such as “Declan Rice” and “Picanto,” he subtly infuses commentary about Nigeria’s sociopolitical climate, personal struggle, and cultural pride.
With his recent remarks, Odumodublvck once again positions himself as more than an entertainer — he’s becoming a provocateur, using his influence to ignite dialogue about Africa’s self-inflicted wounds.
The Social Media Backlash
The rapper’s comments triggered an online storm, with thousands of users debating the complexities of oppression, racism, and self-governance. Many accused him of “dismissing the historical trauma of slavery and racism,” while others defended his right to speak candidly about Africa’s internal struggles.
A section of his fans argued that his statement was “misinterpreted”, suggesting that Odumodublvck’s intent was not to belittle the experience of black Americans but to urge Africans to take responsibility for their own societies.
One fan wrote,
“He’s not saying racism doesn’t exist — he’s saying we can’t keep blaming colonialism forever while we mistreat each other and elect corrupt leaders. Africa must fix Africa.”
Others accused him of generalizing and ignoring the progress and resilience shown by many African nations despite colonial legacies.
Beyond the Controversy
Odumodublvck’s comments, though divisive, have sparked what many describe as a “necessary conversation.” They highlight a growing generational shift among African youth — a demand for introspection and accountability beyond blaming external forces.
In recent years, young Africans have increasingly used music, art, and digital platforms to address deep-rooted issues such as police brutality, inequality, and bad leadership. Movements like #EndSARS in Nigeria, FeesMustFall in South Africa, and other youth-led campaigns across the continent have demonstrated the power of voices refusing to remain silent.
Cultural critic Adaeze Nwosu noted,
“Odumodublvck’s statement may be controversial, but it shows the frustration of a generation that is tired of excuses. They want change, and they’re not afraid to challenge their own systems.”
The Bigger Picture
Whether one agrees or disagrees with his position, Odumodublvck’s interview underscores a painful reality: that the struggle for equality among black people is multifaceted. While racism continues to threaten black lives globally, internal divisions, corruption, and injustice remain equally damaging within African nations.
As debates continue, Odumodublvck’s words have cemented his place as one of Africa’s most fearless young voices — an artist willing to risk backlash to challenge the status quo.
And perhaps, in the end, that was his goal — to remind Africans that the true fight for liberation is not just against racism from others, but also against injustice within.
