This Is Africa - Illbliss
Illbliss - who is also known as the Oga Boss - is one of Nigeria’s most influential rappers. He first made a name for himself back in 2008 and pioneered the use of indigenous languages in hip-hop, which led to the birth of the so-called Eastern-Igbo Boy Movement.
Illbliss has collaborated with global stars such as WizKid on Many Men, Odumodublvck on Full Chest, and Runtown on Alhaji (Can’t Hear you) - which is one of his most streamed songs ever.
In this episode, he shares his insights with old-time friend DJ Edu on the state of Nigeria’s music industry – including whether the streaming numbers add up to financial security for artists, the role of social media and how he’s kept relevant in the ever-changing Afrobeats scene.
Illbliss also talks about the influence of his wife and his daughters on his song-writing, and gives a shout to DJ Edu for the role he played in helping bring to life the song that changed the course of his career: OMG with Mr Eazi and Reekado Banks.
DJ Edu’s 10in10 tracklist:
Angelina - Masauti (Kenya)
Ndanzwa Mhere - Nisha Ts ft Daruler HKD (Zimbabwe)
Uleke - Driemo (Malawi)
B4 B4 - Davido, FOLA & Mayorkun (Nigeria)
Tayari - Xouh & Barnaba (Tanzania)
Katchoupiano - Pheno Ambro (Togo)
Mpinzira - Natacha Burundi (Burundi)
Yo Aweh - DJ Spuzza (Namibia)
Phusha iPhupho - Nicole Elocin & Shino Kikai ft Amahle Gasa (South Africa)
Some Tem - DRAMA 07 (Sierra Leone)
Presenter: DJ Edu
Producers: Penny Dale & Catherine Fellows
Published on Friday, 25th September 2026.
Available Podcasts from This Is Africa
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