Panic gripped fans and performers on Saturday evening when the stage at a Lagos concert collapsed during a live performance by popular Nigerian artist Odumodublvck.
The incident occurred at SoL Beach in the Elegushi area of Lagos State during the much-anticipated Nativeland concert, which featured an impressive lineup of acts.
Odumodublvck, whose real name is Tochukwu Gbubemi Ojogwu, was delivering one of his energetic performances when the stage gave way.
Witnesses reported a moment of confusion as the artist and his crew scrambled for safety.
Social media was abuzz as videos of the stage collapse circulated widely, showing the dramatic moment the structure crumbled.
A Twitter user, @Foodlum, shared a clip of the incident, expressing concern: “I hope he [Odumodublvck] and his crew members are safe and okay.”
Another user, @ArtisteTag, claimed the collapse might have been due to the excessive weight on the stage.
“It was unsettling to watch. Such accidents shouldn’t happen at an event of this scale,” said attendee Olamide Ogunbiyi.
As news of the incident spread, fans took to social media to pray for the safety of the performers and concertgoers.
Odumodublvck, known for his charismatic stage presence and unique style, is widely celebrated in Nigeria’s music scene.
Born on October 19, 1993, the rapper and singer is a member of the hip-hop collective Anti-World Gangstars and often dons the traditional Okpu Agu cap during his performances.
He gained further acclaim this year for his feature on Davido’s hit single, Funds, alongside Chike.
The collapse has raised questions about the safety measures at concerts in Nigeria.
“This is not the first time we’ve seen such incidents at events here,” said Ebele Anyanwu, a concert production expert.
“There needs to be stricter regulations on stage construction and crowd management to prevent disasters like this.”
The Nativeland concert, powered by a popular media platform, has drawn criticism for the mishap.
While organisers are yet to release an official statement, some attendees claimed they had observed structural issues with the stage earlier in the day.
A report circulating online alleged that concerns about the stage’s weight-bearing capacity were raised before the event.
“This was avoidable,” said a disappointed fan who wished to remain anonymous.
Concert safety has become a growing concern in Nigeria, with increasing demands for industry stakeholders to prioritise the welfare of both artists and attendees.
Similar incidents have occurred in the past, leading to injuries and, in some cases, fatalities.
Experts warn that unless organisers adhere to global safety standards, the country risks repeating such tragedies.
“This incident should serve as a wake-up call,” said Ayo Makinde, a civil engineer with experience in event safety.
“Stages must be tested and certified before use, and emergency response plans must be in place.”
Despite the shocking collapse, there were no reports of serious injuries to Odumodublvck, his crew, or the audience.
Fans expressed relief that the situation did not escalate into a larger tragedy.
However, many noted the psychological impact on attendees, some of whom reportedly left the venue early out of fear.
“I couldn’t stay after that. It was too scary,” said Kehinde Afolayan, an audience member.
Odumodublvck has yet to make a public statement about the incident.
Known for his resilience and dedication to his craft, fans are hopeful that he will continue to deliver the electrifying performances for which he is known.
In an industry where live events are a key aspect of an artist’s connection with fans, the collapse is a stark reminder of the risks involved.
As investigations continue, concertgoers and performers alike are calling for a renewed focus on safety to ensure that music events remain places of joy, not danger.
