Nigerian rapper Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, popularly known as Odumodublvck, sparked widespread discussion following a dramatic moment at the 17th Headies Awards held at the Landmark Event Centre in Lagos. During his acceptance speech for the prestigious Next Rated Artist award, presented by Afrobeats star Davido, Odumodublvck’s microphone was abruptly muted, prompting him to refuse to leave the stage alongside his mother and over 11 crew members. The incident, which went viral, occurred as he spoke about overcoming barriers in his career, crediting his success to his faith in Jesus Christ.
In a post on X on April 29, 2025, Odumodublvck attributed the interruption to his mention of Jesus Christ, stating, “I was talking about Jesus and they tried to shut me down. I am hundred percent sure that if I was talking about His Excellency Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu I would not have been cut off.” He suggested that the organizers, citing time constraints, were less tolerant of his religious expression compared to a potential reference to a political figure. Despite the disruption, he expressed no resentment, saying, “I genuinely have no bad blood towards the Headies, rather, I am grateful they put my mic back on to spread the gospel.”
After the microphone was restored, Odumodublvck delivered a powerful message: “Against all odds, I have pushed against so many barriers like this… Me standing here today is proof that all those things are fallacies. It only would have been possible through my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who has been there for me through thick and thin.” He concluded by echoing Kanye West’s iconic Grammy speech style, declaring, “Tonight, God has shown that God reigns,” earning cheers from the audience. The rapper, who also won Best Rap Single for his collaboration “Cast” with Shallipopi, reiterated his faith, proclaiming, “Jesus is king. He is before now and forever.”
The incident drew mixed reactions online. Supporters praised his boldness and unapologetic stance, with some calling it a historic Headies moment, while critics argued he overstepped in a multi-faith setting, accusing him of “virtue signaling” given his music’s themes of street culture. One X user commented, “You cannot have a body of work about sex, cultism, and violence then want to use Jesus to catch cruise on a Headies stage,” reflecting the polarized sentiment. Others defended him, noting the disrespect of muting a winner’s speech.
Odumodublvck’s Next Rated win, which comes with a car prize, follows his 2024 Rookie of the Year award, making him the first artist to secure both honors at the Headies. His rise from Abuja’s underground rap scene to mainstream success with hits like “Declan Rice” underscores his influence in Nigerian hip-hop. The 17th Headies, themed “Back to Base,” marked the event’s return to Nigeria after two years in the U.S., but faced criticism for poor time management and organizational lapses, amplifying the controversy around Odumodublvck’s moment.
This episode highlights ongoing debates about freedom of expression, faith, and professionalism in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Odumodublvck’s defiance and gratitude resonate with fans, cementing his reputation as a bold voice in Afrobeats and rap. As he prepares to release his anticipated album The Industry Machine, his Headies moment will likely remain a defining chapter in his career.
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