Nigerian musician Anthony Ebuka Victor, better known as Victony, has explained the artists who have influenced his rap career.
Victony, who began his career as a rapper before branching out into other genres, cited global hip-hop icons like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, J. Cole, and Meek Mill, as well as Nigerian artists MI Abaga, Odumodublvck, and Shallipopi as his inspirations.
In a recent interview with Sway Universe, Victony shared, “I began my career as a rapper and was greatly influenced by Kendrick Lamar, especially because of his artistry. Kendrick isn’t just about his lyrics; it’s also about how he visualizes and presents his work to fans, which made me a dedicated follower.
“I also admire Drake for his versatility. He was one of the first American artists to embrace the Afrobeats movement. I was a fan of Drake even before that. Of course, I also listened to J. Cole and Meek Mill.”
“MI Abaga also inspires me because he was one of the pioneers who made rap popular in Nigeria, showing young artists that success as a rapper in the country was achievable. Now, we see artists like Odumodublvck, who just completed his U.S. tour, and Shallipopi. Rap is gaining traction in Nigeria, and I sometimes mix it with Afrobeats,” Victony explained.
He added that he hopes to inspire other Nigerian children to pursue their dreams.
“I’m doing this for Doyin and for the kids in Ojo. I hope they see me and feel inspired,” he stated.
