In a raw and unfiltered moment that’s resonating with fans and fellow artists alike, Nigerian rap sensation Blaqbonez has voiced his deep disappointment over missing out on the coveted Best Video Award at three major accolade ceremonies this year: The Headies, AFRIMMA, and SoundCity Awards. The “Sex Over Love” hitmaker, whose visual storytelling has long been a cornerstone of his artistry, shared his frustration in a candid clip that’s quickly gone viral, saying, “I am genuinely upset that I didn’t win the award…” The revelation has ignited a wave of support, with many calling it a glaring oversight in a year where his videos dominated streams and conversations.
Blaqbonez, born Emeka Akumefule and signed to Chocolate City, has built a reputation for innovative visuals that blend sharp lyricism with cinematic flair. Tracks like “Like Ice Spice” and “Bezos” from his recent projects featured high-concept direction that racked up millions of views, yet walked away empty-handed in the Best Video categories across the board. At the 17th Headies in April, where performers like Blaqbonez lit up the stage alongside Davido and Rema, the Best Video nod went elsewhere despite his strong contention. AFRIMMA’s September gala in Texas, celebrating African music excellence, saw him snag Best Male Rap Act in past years but no love for his visuals this time around. SoundCity’s MVP Awards echoed the sentiment, leaving fans questioning the criteria in a category where Blaqbonez’s work screamed innovation.
The video, shared widely on X, captures Blaqbonez in a vulnerable exchange, his usual bravado giving way to honest reflection on the grind behind his craft. “It’s not about the hardware; it’s about the recognition for the vision we pour into these,” he elaborated in follow-up posts, hinting at collaborations with top directors that deserved the spotlight. This isn’t the first time the 29-year-old has clashed with award bodies—back in 2020, he sparked a continent-wide beef with Kenyan rapper Khaligraph Jones over a SoundCity snub, even dropping a diss track that became a hip-hop staple. Yet, his track record speaks volumes: a 2023 Headies win for Best Rap Album with Young Preacher, and consistent nods that affirm his status as a genre innovator.
Social media has erupted in solidarity, with the clip amassing over 1,000 views in hours. “Blaqbonez carrying Nigerian rap on his back, and they snub his videos? Make it make sense 😤,” tweeted @HipHopNaija, sparking a thread of 200+ replies filled with fan-voted “people’s choice” montages of his top visuals. Industry peers chimed in too—@ChocolateCityMG posted, “The work speaks louder than any trophy. Keep shining, Emeka,” while critics like @AfrobeatsWatch argued, “This triple miss exposes biases in video judging—Blaq’s creativity is unmatched.” Even skeptics acknowledged the validity, with one user noting, “He’s not wrong to feel it. Awards should reflect impact, and his vids do that.”
Blaqbonez has historically downplayed accolades in favor of commercial success, once stating he’s “not after winning awards but to make money.” But this admission reveals a human side to the self-proclaimed “Best Rapper in Africa,” especially as he gears up for his upcoming album No Excuses, teased as his most ambitious yet. In a landscape where Afrobeats visuals often steal the show, his frustration underscores a push for more equitable recognition in rap’s visual evolution.
As debates rage on X about potential biases and fan-favorite alternatives, Blaqbonez’s honesty could spark broader conversations on award transparency. For now, the rapper remains unfazed, channeling the slight into fuel—because when Emeka speaks his mind, the culture listens.