As daring as this project may seem, listeners should get used to it, because it’s just the beginning.

You’ve likely heard mainstream Afro-pop songs in Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa, the three most widely known Nigerian languages. Even in the early 2000s, 2Baba gave us hits in his native Idoma language. But have you ever heard Afro-pop in Urhobo? Probably not.

Enter Evolusion, a bold and groundbreaking project by ace producer-turned-singer Tudac.
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But first, what is the Urhobo language? The Urhobo people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, predominantly live in Delta State, with a presence in parts of Edo and Bayelsa states. Known for their rich culture, ancestral heritage, and oil-rich region, the Urhobo people also boast notable entertainment talents from Warri, one of Nigeria’s most famous cities. Despite this, the Urhobo language has rarely been used in mainstream music.

Artists like Sokoh Stanley, Dave Ogbeni, Erigga, Yung6ix, Bovi, and I Go Dye—talented entertainers of Urhobo descent—are well-known across Nigeria. Yet, even among these icons, the language hasn’t been projected in the way other ethnic languages like Yoruba or Igbo have.

This is why Tudac’s Evolusion, releasing on Friday, September 20th, 2024, is not only a bold artistic statement but also a potential milestone for the Urhobo nation and Nigerian music lovers.

According to Tudac, Evolusion is the first Afro-pop project exclusively in the Urhobo language, drawing inspiration from the traditional Urhobo Ema dance tune. Think of the Haka dance, made famous by New Zealand’s Maori people, and you get a sense of Tudac’s vision: to infuse Urhobo culture into Afro-pop and, eventually, take it global.

Much like other globally recognized music genres that fuse traditional sounds with modern elements, Urhobo Afro-pop blends the native rhythms of Urhobo music with contemporary pop influences. On this project, Tudac sings entirely in Urhobo, mixing native sounds with modern Afro-pop beats, while keeping the melodies accessible to broader audiences through catchy rhythms and relatable lyrics.

Pop music, with its catchy hooks and simple, memorable structures, has a universal appeal. It’s one of the reasons listeners in Nigeria and beyond have been able to pick up slang and phrases from Yoruba, Igbo, and other widely spoken languages in Afro-pop songs. Tudac aims to do the same for Urhobo with Evolusion, giving the language a chance to shine on the global stage.

Music has always been a powerful way to introduce and popularize cultural elements. From Fela Kuti’s Afrobeat to Angélique Kidjo’s innovative sound, to Nigerian Afro-pop icons like 2Baba, Olamide, P-Square, Davido, Burna Boy, Phyno, and Wizkid—these artists have not only defined their genres but have also shaped how African languages are perceived worldwide. Tudac hopes to leave a similar mark with Evolusion, helping to position the Urhobo language and sound within the global Afro-pop conversation.
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