Illbliss Shares Tips for Young Artistes to Succeed

Nigerian rapper, actor, and entrepreneur Tobechukwu Melvin Ejiofor, popularly known as Illbliss, has advised young artistes on two key steps to develop their craft and succeed in the industry: building a local community and seeking relevant information.

Speaking on Friday, 19 September, at the session “Who Owns the Future of Imagination: Digital Renaissance – Invention, Influence or Extraction?” during the 2025 African Creative Market at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, Illbliss emphasized starting small and leveraging local support systems.

“If I was to speak to a 20-year-old artiste, I would advise that you go and build your community — people who will follow and believe in you. I don’t care if it’s the guy down your street, the people in your hostel, or those in your village. Let people start to believe in you,” he said.

He also highlighted self-reliance and knowledge acquisition: “A lot of artistes are not informed… You are your first manager, your first marketer, your first choreographer — everything is up to you. There is no team.”

Illbliss cited rising Afrobeats star Liona as an example of independent drive, noting the singer toured 24 states at his own expense. “Build your community. Then let your listeners — the people who believe in you — take you from there. And don’t forget: information is power,” he added.

The session was moderated by media and creative consultant Bukola Oloyede and featured speakers including Clarence Peters, Kofoworola Eze, Malik Afegbua, and Seju Alero Mike.