The rapper, born Emeka Akumefule, used the experience to highlight his triumph over doubt. Since that jab in 2017, Blaqbonez has risen to become one of Nigeria‘s most innovative and versatile artists, blending hip-hop with Afrobeats in hits like “Bling” and “Haba.” His debut album, Sex Over Love (2021), and subsequent projects like Young Preacher (2022), have cemented his status, earning him co-signs from giants like Wizkid and Burna Boy. “No be every kind of talent fit last for years,” he tweeted, asserting, “I know who I am, I will be here for as long I want to be, the music I make nobody can make it.”
Blaqbonez also gave a nod to his day-one supporters, distinguishing them from newer fans who discovered him through mainstream successes. “I have fans that have been there since the very beginning, not the ones wey discover me with ‘Bling’ or all that shit, the ones I’m talking about know themselves,” he wrote. This shoutout reflects his gratitude for a loyal base that’s followed him from his underground rap days—where he won Terry Tha Rapman’s Zombie Competition in 2012 and battled in cyphers—to his current chart-topping prominence.
His comments resonate amid Nigeria’s competitive music landscape, where staying relevant is a feat few achieve. While the YBNL signee who mocked him has largely faded from the spotlight, Blaqbonez’s trajectory—marked by consistent releases, genre-blending creativity, and a bold persona—proves his point. From his early mixtapes like Hip-Hop in Blaq to his recent EP Of Many Colors: Orange (2024), he’s shown a knack for evolution that keeps him ahead of the curve, positioning him as a torchbearer for Nigerian rap as noted by The Guardian. For Blaqbonez, this isn’t just bravado—it’s a testament to a work ethic and talent he believes are unmatched, ensuring his voice endures where others falter.
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