The shocking stage collapse that marred the Nativeland Festival in Lagos on December 21, 2024, left fans stunned and worried about the safety of performers and concertgoers. Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck, who was performing at the time of the incident, has finally broken his silence on the dramatic event, sharing his experience and thoughts on the aftermath.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with HIPTV, Odumodublvck revealed that despite the terrifying nature of the incident, he remained remarkably calm during the chaos. The rapper, whose real name is Tochukwu Okechukwu, attributed his composure to his deep faith in God, citing that he “didn’t panic at all” despite the unfolding danger.
“The moment the stage started to collapse, I could feel the tension in the air, but for some reason, I wasn’t scared. I didn’t panic because God is always in me,” Odumodublvck explained with a serene expression. “I just stayed focused and kept myself calm. It could have been worse, but luckily, no one died.”
The stage collapse occurred mid-performance as Odumodublvck was thrilling the crowd at one of the biggest music festivals of the year. Eyewitnesses reported that the structure collapsed suddenly, sending fans and performers scrambling to safety. Fortunately, prompt action from security personnel and medical teams ensured that the injured were swiftly attended to.
Odumodublvck stressed that despite the incident’s severity, the situation was managed effectively, and all necessary steps were taken to assist those who were injured. “I’m grateful that the casualties were taken care of immediately, and to my knowledge, they are doing well now,” he said. “It’s truly a blessing that no one lost their life that night.”
Following the disaster, the organizers of Nativeland Festival, led by the Native company, issued a statement acknowledging the collapse and promising a thorough investigation into the cause. In his interview, Odumodublvck revealed that the investigation was already underway, and he expressed his support for the process.
“The company behind the show, Native, has taken responsibility and launched an investigation into the matter,” he explained. “They are working with the stage and production teams to figure out exactly what went wrong. It’s good to see them take action, and I trust that they will figure it out.”
The rapper also took time to highlight the complexities of organizing large-scale events like Nativeland Festival, stressing that the blame for such incidents cannot be placed on one person or group. He pointed out that events of this magnitude involve multiple teams, including production, lighting, sound, and security, all of whom play a vital role in ensuring the event runs smoothly.
“People don’t always understand how many different teams are involved in putting together a show,” Odumodublvck noted. “There’s the production crew, the lighting and sound teams, and the security personnel. Everyone has their role to play, and it’s unfair to point fingers at one person when things go wrong.”
Despite the unfortunate incident, the rapper expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support he received from fans and fellow performers. He noted that the experience had reminded him of the importance of safety and the need to appreciate the teams that work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly.
“I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that anything can happen, and you have to be prepared for the unexpected,” Odumodublvck remarked. “That night, I just focused on staying safe and doing everything I could to make sure others were safe too. I’m thankful for the quick response from everyone involved.”
The Nativeland Festival, known for its high-energy performances and diverse lineup, has since come under scrutiny, with fans and critics alike questioning what went wrong. The stage collapse is not the first time safety concerns have arisen at large-scale music events in Nigeria, sparking debates on the need for better planning and stricter regulations.
However, Odumodublvck was keen to emphasize that such incidents should not overshadow the hard work of everyone involved in the event. “I’ve worked with Native before, and I know the team takes safety seriously. Things like this can happen, but it doesn’t mean that the entire process is flawed. It’s just a part of the risks we face in this industry.”
As investigations continue and the Nativeland Festival team works to prevent similar incidents in the future, Odumodublvck remains focused on his career and his fans. The rapper, whose latest album has been met with critical acclaim, thanked his supporters for their understanding and vowed to continue delivering the best music and performances.
“This experience has reminded me of how precious life is,” he reflected. “We don’t always know what will happen, but we have to keep moving forward. I’m grateful for everyone’s support, and I’m looking forward to getting back on stage soon.”
Odumodublvck’s experience at the Nativeland Festival serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers involved in live performances, but it also highlights the resilience and professionalism of the teams that work behind the scenes. As the investigation into the collapse continues, fans can only hope that lessons will be learned to prevent future incidents.