Victony Credits Drake, Shallipopi, and Odumodublvck as Key Influences in His Music Journey

Nigerian musician Anthony Ebuka Victor, better known as Victony, has opened up about the artists who have inspired his musical journey. The singer, who initially started his career as a rapper, mentioned global icons like Kendrick Lamar, Drake, J. Cole, and Meek Mill, as well as Nigerian rap legends MI Abaga, Odumodublvck, and Shallipopi, as his key influences.

In a recent interview with Sway Universe, Victony shared how these artists shaped his approach to music. “I started [my career] as a rapper. I really looked up to Kendrick Lamar earlier in my career because of his artistry. Kendrick is that one rapper who is not just about what he says but also his visualisation and the way he presents it to his fans. That made me a strong fan of Kendrick,” he said.

He also praised Drake for his versatility and early embrace of Afrobeats. “Drake’s flexibility is amazing. He’s one of the first Americans to hop on the Afrobeats wave, and I was a fan even before that,” Victony noted. “Obviously, I listened to J. Cole and some Meek Mill too.”

Victony highlighted the impact of MI Abaga on the Nigerian rap scene, crediting him with popularizing the genre in the country. He expressed his admiration for contemporary Nigerian rappers like Odumodublvck and Shallipopi, who he believes are helping to elevate rap in Nigeria. “Rap is becoming big in Nigeria. Sometimes, I blend it with Afrobeats,” he added.

The artist also shared his desire to inspire the next generation, particularly the youth from his hometown. “I am doing this for Doyin. I am doing this for the kids in Ojo. I hope that they look at me and get inspired,” Victony said.