Veteran Nigerian artist Mr P (Peter Okoye of P-Square) has praised rapper OdumoduBlvck for his recently concluded university tour, describing the initiative as a powerful nod to the early roots of the Nigerian music industry.
Speaking during a recent interview on Naija FM, Mr P expressed his admiration for OdumoduBlvck’s “The Greatest School Tour”, which saw the buzzing rapper perform across eight universities in various states across Nigeria.
“He’s going back to the basics. We used to push our songs with campus performances back in the day,” Mr P said.
Back in the formative years of Afrobeats, university tours were essential for fan engagement and music promotion. With students serving as a core audience, campus shows were a rite of passage for emerging artists and a staple in the promotional cycle for established ones.
However, in recent years, the global explosion of Afrobeats has shifted the focus to international tours and streaming charts, leaving local circuits, especially campus events, underutilized. Coupled with logistical, economic, and security challenges, local touring has become a daunting task for most artists.
OdumoduBlvck’s decision to reconnect with fans on university campuses has been widely commended as a refreshing move that brings artists closer to the grassroots. Mr P joins a growing list of industry figures calling for a revival of local touring, citing it as vital for artist development and fan engagement.
He also referenced fellow rising star Llona, who has been on his own extensive tour across Nigeria, saying such efforts should be encouraged.
During the interview, Mr P also touched on his ongoing family rift, including tensions with his twin brother Paul and older brother Jude Okoye, whom he recently petitioned to the EFCC over fraud allegations. He reflected on how fans and the media often fuel feuds between artists, referencing the persistent narrative of rivalry between Wizkid and Davido.
“Sometimes, it’s not even the artists, it’s the fans who blow things out of proportion,” he noted.
As the Nigerian music scene continues to evolve globally, Mr P’s remarks serve as a timely reminder of the importance of staying connected to local roots.
