Popular Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck has claimed that some artistes use voodoo, locally referred to as “jazz,” in their pursuit of hit songs. He made the assertion during an appearance on the Tea With Tay podcast, where he discussed the difficulty of producing songs that genuinely break through in Nigeria’s highly competitive music industry.
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According to the rapper, getting a hit is not easy, and some musicians go to extreme lengths to achieve one. He suggested that the pressure to succeed can push some artistes toward spiritual practices, although he did not name any specific artiste or provide evidence for the claim.
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“Getting a hit song is not easy. Sometimes people even do jazz to get one,” Odumodublvck said. “That is why you see some artists crashing out when they struggle to get a hit.”
Odumodublvck’s comments highlight a reality that many music fans may underestimate: creating a hit song is difficult, unpredictable, and often fleeting. A song may have strong production, a catchy hook, and a popular artiste behind it, yet still fail to connect with listeners.
The rapper said some artistes never record a single hit throughout their entire careers. In his view, that reality explains why the pressure to deliver can become overwhelming, especially in an industry where visibility, streaming numbers, endorsements, bookings, and social-media relevance often depend on having a major song.
His remarks also reflect the emotional and financial stakes involved in modern music. Artistes invest in studio time, promotion, music videos, distribution, styling, and publicity. When a release does not perform, the disappointment can be severe—not only creatively but commercially.
Praise for Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido
Despite the controversial claim, Odumodublvck used the opportunity to praise three of Nigeria’s biggest global stars: Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido. He said their ability to release hit songs consistently over many years deserves respect.
“Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido have been dropping hit songs consistently for years. You have to respect that,” he said.
That praise is significant because it shifts the conversation from speculation about shortcuts to recognition of sustained success. In an industry where trends change quickly, maintaining relevance for years requires more than one viral moment. It involves strong songwriting, production choices, branding, fan engagement, touring, collaborations, and the ability to evolve without losing a core audience.
Odumodublvck’s comments suggest that he sees consistency as the true measure of greatness. Anyone can have a hit once, but repeatedly producing songs that dominate playlists, radio, parties, and streaming platforms is a different level of achievement.
Why the Voodoo Claim Sparks Debate
The claim is likely to generate debate because it blends spirituality, superstition, and industry pressure. In Nigerian popular culture, “jazz” is often used as shorthand for spiritual manipulation or supernatural influence. Allegations of its use are common in gossip, music rivalries, and online discussions, but they are rarely supported by verifiable proof.
Odumodublvck did not present evidence, identify individuals, or explain how such practices would produce a hit song. As a result, his statement should be understood as a personal claim or industry observation rather than a confirmed fact.
Still, the comment resonates because success in the entertainment industry can appear mysterious. Some songs become massive hits despite modest promotion, while others with major budgets fail to gain traction. That unpredictability can lead people to search for explanations beyond talent, marketing, timing, and audience taste.
The Nigerian music industry has become more competitive as streaming platforms, social media, and global audiences have expanded opportunities for artistes. A song can travel beyond Nigeria within hours, but the same visibility also raises expectations.
Artists are now judged not only by whether they release music, but by whether it charts, trends, attracts millions of streams, generates TikTok challenges, and leads to shows or brand deals. That environment can make a lack of a hit feel like professional failure.
Odumodublvck has previously spoken about manipulation in the industry. In 2025, he alleged that there was a high level of “stream farming” in Nigerian music, arguing that manipulated streaming numbers did not necessarily translate into real bookings or ticket sales. His latest remarks add another layer to his broader criticism of an industry where success can be manufactured, exaggerated, or pursued through questionable means.
While Odumodublvck’s claim focuses on voodoo, the more conventional explanation for hit songs involves a combination of talent, timing, marketing, and luck. A song needs a memorable melody, relatable lyrics, strong production, and a moment when audiences are ready to embrace it.
Sometimes a song becomes popular because of a dance challenge, a viral video, a celebrity endorsement, or an unexpected cultural moment. Odumodublvck’s own breakthrough with “Declan Rice” is an example of how timing and pop culture can amplify a record. The song became a major hit after it was linked to the England midfielder, who scored for his country around the time the track gained attention.
That does not mean supernatural forces are involved. It shows how unpredictable music success can be, and why artistes may feel that hard work alone does not always guarantee results.
For fans, Odumodublvck’s comments are a reminder to separate speculation from evidence. Claims about voodoo may make for entertaining conversation, but they should not be used to accuse artistes without proof.
The more useful takeaway is his respect for consistency. Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido have remained at the top of Nigerian and African music for years, releasing songs that continue to travel across borders. Whether or not one agrees with Odumodublvck’s broader claims, his admiration for their longevity highlights what many artistes are truly chasing: not just one viral hit, but a career that keeps producing music people want to hear.
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