One of African rap’s breakout stars has delivered a new local anthem. ODUMODUBLVCK is back with a music video for “ISALE EKO,” a tribute to his hometown of Lagos.
The Yoruba-derived Eko, which translates to “Cassava Farm,” is the name residents use to lovingly refer to Lagos. With “ISALE EKO,” ODUMODUBLVCK’s signature blend of drill, grime, and Afrobeats comes together in service of local pride. Over a skittering, synth-powered beat, he continues his hot streak with a range of high-energy raps and melodic outpourings. In the “ISALE EKO” video, shot by Thiago in Italy, ODUMODUBLVCK and his entourage hit the road in a caravan including an ambulance, trucks, and motorcycles, bringing Nigerian energy to the European continent.
“ISALE EKO” follows the recent hits “MOTION SICKNESS” and “THEY LOVE ME” as well as ODUMODUBLVCK’s late 2025 debut album INDUSTRY MACHINE. The LP found a parade of big names including Skepta, Wizkid, Pa Salieu, Giggs, Saweetie, Cash Cobain, Stormzy, Zlatan, Patoranking, Davido, and Seun Kuti hopping on tracks to anoint ODUMODUBLVCK as one of the most exciting new forces in global hip-hop. “While the [Afrobeats] movement explores international reign, he’s been forging his own unique path in that trajectory,” OkayAfrica wrote of ODUMODUBLVCK in a review of the album. “He wants to do everything: he raps and sings, he adlibs, and is a voracious performer. On-stage, Odumodu assumes the fiery swagger of a masquerade, ostensibly embodying the Igbo masquerade behind his moniker.”
ODUMODUBLVCK broke out internationally with his 2023 single “Declan Rice,” which became a worldwide phenomenon, including use by Arsenal FC when the English Premier League club was introducing the titular soccer superstar Declan Rice as a new signing. It put ODUMODUBLVCK on the road to becoming the fastest to a billion Spotify streams among African rappers. He has appeared on projects by Tobe Nwigwe, Davido, Headie One, Rema, and MGK among others.
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