Veteran Nigerian rapper and social commentator, Tobechukwu Melvin Ejiofor, popularly known as Illbliss, has voiced serious concerns about the growing insecurity, economic hardship, rising propaganda, and what he describes as the quiet censorship of dissenting voices in Nigeria.
The respected lyricist made these remarks during a recent episode of The Real Shareholders podcast, where he reflected on the state of the nation and the evolving tactics of control in both traditional and digital media.
According to Illbliss, Nigeria is currently navigating one of the most dangerous periods in its history especially with its propaganda. He lamented the increasing suppression of conscious music and public commentary critical of the government, revealing that his 2020 protest track Country was pulled from radio stations for its outspoken message.
“Before Country, I had songs like A Different Kind of War and National Cake. But OAPs would tell me they couldn’t play them because it could attract fines,” Illbliss disclosed, highlighting how censorship has long existed in mainstream media.
The rapper, however, noted that this suppression has now extended to digital spaces. He pointed out that online backlash against critical voices often feels organized and artificial. “You drop a record and suddenly get hit with over a hundred tweets saying, ‘Why are you mocking the country? It’s not that bad.’ You can tell it’s coordinated. That’s digital propaganda,” he stated.
Illbliss also accused the government of moving beyond controlling traditional airwaves to subtly influencing public opinion through social media platforms and sponsored narratives. He expressed dismay at how podcasts and online influencers are increasingly being used to promote positive government narratives, even when everyday realities contradict those claims.
“We thought social media was our safe space for activism, but now you have to wonder, has the government started funding distractions? Have they gotten more sophisticated than we thought?” he questioned.
The rapper concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant about the weaponization of digital spaces, warning that the lines between genuine public discourse and manufactured propaganda are becoming dangerously blurred.
“Propagandists can have a podcast just to say the government is doing great…”
illBliss tells a story of his conscious song, Country being taken off radio. pic.twitter.com/oPHetx835I
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) June 17, 2025
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