Renowned Nigerian rapper, activist, and cultural critic Tobechukwu Melvin Ejiofor, popularly known as Illbliss, has raised alarm over the worsening state of Nigeria's socio-political climate, citing increasing insecurity, deepening economic hardship, censorship, and the rise of state-sponsored propaganda as key issues threatening the nation's democracy and freedom of expression.
Speaking during a thought-provoking episode of The Real Shareholders podcast, Illbliss offered a sobering reflection on Nigeria's trajectory, warning that the current administration appears to be embracing more covert and sophisticated means of silencing dissent and reshaping public perception, especially through the manipulation of digital platforms.
According to the veteran lyricist, while the country has always faced forms of media censorship, the situation has now escalated with deliberate efforts to erase socially conscious music and critical commentary from both mainstream and digital airwaves. He referenced his 2020 protest single, Country, which he said was quietly removed from radio playlists despite public demand, simply because of its bold critique of Nigeria’s governance and failing systems.
"Before 'Country', I dropped songs like 'A Different Kind of War' and 'National Cake'. But radio OAPs would call me aside to say they couldn’t spin them anymore. They feared fines and backlash. That’s the level of quiet censorship we’re dealing with," Illbliss revealed.
He further noted that while many once viewed social media as a haven for truth and resistance, even that space is no longer free from control. The rapper detailed how digital propaganda now floods timelines and comment sections, often orchestrated to drown out voices of resistance.
"You drop a song with truth, and suddenly there are coordinated tweets attacking you with the same line: 'Why are you mocking Nigeria?' or 'It's not as bad as you're saying.' That’s not coincidence. That’s strategy. That’s digital manipulation."
Illbliss expressed deep concern that the government and its allies are now deploying influencers, sponsored content creators, and podcasts to sanitize public discourse and paint a misleading picture of the country’s progress, despite the harsh lived realities of ordinary citizens.
"They’ve moved beyond traditional media. Now, there are podcasts specifically designed to gaslight the public. These hosts don’t question. They just echo government lines. Meanwhile, the masses are struggling daily with inflation, power failure, insecurity, and hopelessness."
The rapper didn’t mince words in accusing the state of "funding distractions" online to divert attention from pressing issues. He called on Nigerian citizens to sharpen their media literacy and be more discerning about the sources and motives behind the content they consume online.
"The digital space used to be our tool for activism. Now, I’m not so sure. It feels infiltrated. We have to ask hard questions—who’s funding these platforms? Who benefits from our silence or confusion?" Illbliss said, urging for greater vigilance and unity among conscious voices.
He concluded by stating that unless Nigerians push back against the growing normalization of propaganda and censorship—both online and offline—the country risks entering a new era where truth itself becomes endangered.
"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