Illbliss Gives Powerful Advice To Young Nigerian Artistes
Illbliss advice to young artistes focuses on community and self-reliance. The rapper shared practical tips at the African Creative Market in Lagos.
The advice of Illbliss to young artistes has once again affirmed his role as a seasoned mentor and thought leader in Nigeria’s creative space.
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The award-winning rapper, actor, and businessman — real name Tobechukwu Melvin Ejiofor — spoke passionately on Friday, 19 September 2025, at the African Creative Market held at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
During a vibrant panel session titled “Who Owns the Future of Imagination: Digital Renaissance – Invention, Influence or Extraction?”, Illbliss, fondly called Oga Boss, delivered a powerful message to upcoming artistes across the continent.
“If I was to speak to a 20-year-old artiste, I would advise that you go and build your community — people who will follow and believe in you,” he said. “I don’t care if it’s the guy down your street, the people in your hostel, or those in your village. Let people start to believe in you.”
He stressed that grassroots support and information are vital for any creative looking to thrive in today’s evolving music industry.
“Get information. A lot of artistes are not informed. They think it’s up to management,” he continued. “God is not going to send a destiny-shaping manager from somewhere to sort it all out for you. You are your first manager, your first marketer, your first choreographer — everything is up to you.”
Illbliss, who co-founded The Goretti Company, a talent management hub credited with launching the careers of Phyno and Chidinma, used the example of rising Afrobeats artiste Liona, who independently toured 24 states in Nigeria, to underscore the power of self-drive and ownership.
“That’s the spirit. You have to figure it out yourself first before anyone else can buy into your vision,” he noted. “Build your community. Then let your listeners — the people who believe in you — take you from there. And don’t forget: information is power.”
The session was moderated by media consultant and producer Bukola Oloyede, and also featured top industry voices like Clarence Peters, Malik Afegbua, Kofoworola Eze, and Seju Alero Mike.
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With practical advice grounded in real-world experience, Illbliss’ message resonated as a wake-up call for the next generation of African creatives: stay grounded, stay informed, and take ownership of your journey.
