WAGE WAR” by ODUMODUBLVCK

Song Details

• Title: WAGE WAR
• Artist: ODUMODUBLVCK
• Genre: Hip-Hop / Drill / Afrobeats
• Mood: Aggressive, Resilient, Determined
• Themes: Battle for Success, Struggles & Perseverance, Self-Confidence, Spiritual Protection
• Language & Style: Pidgin-English, War Metaphors, Braggadocio

Step-by-Step Lyrical Breakdown & Meaning

[Intro]

Black sheep forever, black sheep for life
Izgaaju ’til we kpeme, Antiworld gangsters
GE records, you get me? ODUMODUBLVCK
Yeah, kala
Yeah

Interpretation:

• Declares himself a black sheep, meaning an outcast or someone who refuses to conform.
• “Izgaaju ’til we kpeme” → Izgaaju refers to a rebellious, unbreakable spirit, and kpeme is slang for “until we die.”
• “Antiworld gangsters” represents his clique, a resistance movement against mainstream structures.
• Mentions GE Records, his label, and “Kala”, which means money in Nigerian street slang.

[Chorus]

Even for overseas, you’ll never let me go
“Odumo you dey sleep” (I know) Holy spirit cover me cloth
Na why I wage war, wage war
Na why I wage war, wage war
I go wage war
Na why I wage war, wage war
I even arrange war (Kala)
I arrange war, arrange war
Na why, na why, na why, I wage war

Interpretation:

• Despite his growing international fame, people still try to bring him down (“Even for overseas, you’ll never let me go”).
• “Odumo you dey sleep?” → This phrase mocks those who doubt his awareness, showing he’s always alert and ready for battle.
• “Holy spirit cover me cloth” → Calls for spiritual protection in his struggles.
• “Wage war” & “Arrange war” → Represents his fight against industry oppression, critics, and fake supporters.

[Verse 1]

They not only want to be me
I’m who they think they are

Interpretation:

• He claims his rivals idolize him but fail to be like him.
• His authenticity sets him apart from those who imitate him.

Upon all their coup d’état, I’m the one who [?]

Interpretation:

• “Coup d’état” → Likely refers to industry betrayals, politics, and power struggles, yet he remains victorious.

Kala na you crash the chart, everybody for hip-hop love this one
Even if they lie, they know I’m the guy

Interpretation:

• “Kala na you crash the chart” → His success (money, “kala”) dominates the industry charts.
• “Everybody for hip-hop love this one” → Even his haters respect his artistry.

Everything I have, I know they wish they had inside

Interpretation:

• Expresses confidence that his rivals envy him.

Down to my shima, with only one verse I fit off their ciga

Interpretation:

• “Shima” refers to traditional Nigerian attire (symbolizing his identity).
• Claims he can destroy his rivals with just one verse.

Match my ciga [?]
Which party wan test my gangster, which label wan show their power (Wey dey pay)

Interpretation:

• Dares rivals to challenge him, knowing he has the upper hand.
• Criticizes record labels trying to manipulate artists.

Jesus dey my back, him dey my corner

Interpretation:

• Acknowledges divine protection amid the industry’s challenges.

I’m the evil in this forest

Interpretation:

• Positions himself as a dominant force in the music industry, feared by competitors.

[Chorus] (Repeated)

• Reinforces his war-like mentality and refusal to back down.

Song Themes & Meaning

1. Fighting Against the System (Waging War)

• “Wage war” symbolizes his battle against industry oppression, fake friends, and doubters.
• References political struggles, hinting that success comes with constant battles.

2. Confidence & Self-Awareness

• Declares himself the true leader in hip-hop, while others are mere imitators.
• Even if his enemies deny his greatness, they secretly admire him.

3. Spiritual Protection & Destiny

• Mentions divine protection (“Holy spirit cover me cloth”) against his enemies.
• Suggests his rise to fame is part of a divine plan.

4. Industry Politics & Betrayal

• Hints at power struggles within record labels.
• Mentions how people try to undermine him but fail.

FAQs About WAGE WAR

1. What does “Wage War” mean in this song?

• It means fighting against oppression, industry struggles, and personal battles.

2. Who is ODUMODUBLVCK addressing in the song?

• He addresses critics, fake friends, record labels, and anyone who doubted his rise.

3. What does “Kala” mean?

• “Kala” is Nigerian street slang for money.

4. Why does he mention “Holy spirit cover me cloth”?

• This symbolizes divine protection against negativity and bad energy.

5. What does “Black sheep forever” mean?

• It represents being an outcast, rebelling against the norm, and standing out.

Conclusion

“WAGE WAR” is a powerful anthem of resilience, self-confidence, and defiance. ODUMODUBLVCK portrays himself as a warrior in the industry, fighting against enemies, critics, and fake friends.

He blends spirituality, confidence, and street wisdom to emphasize that his success is not accidental but a result of battles won. With references to industry politics, divine protection, and war metaphors, ODUMODUBLVCK establishes himself as a dominant force in Nigerian hip-hop.

This song is not just about music—it’s about survival, respect, and making a mark that no one can erase.