‘We’re rewarding people for doing dumb things online’ — Rapper Ycee speaks on ‘Olodo uprising’ and Peller culture

Nigerian rapper Ycee has shared his concerns about what he described as an “Olodo uprising” and the declining value placed on education in Nigeria.

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Speaking during a podcast interview, the rapper said the country is gradually rewarding ignorance while academic excellence continues to receive less attention.

“There’s a massive attack on the educational system in Nigeria,” he said, citing insecurity, poor leadership and a lack of priority for education.

According to Ycee, many young people no longer see school as important, as internet fame and quick money appear to be more attractive.

“It’s not even just Yahoo culture. Now we have Peller culture,” he said.

The rapper argued that when society rewards people for doing outrageous or controversial things online, it sends the wrong message to impressionable young people.

“If we keep rewarding all these guys, people will think all they need to do is go online, do something crazy and get clicks and numbers. That’s what moves the needle in Nigeria,” he said.

Ycee, however, noted that he has nothing personal against Peller, adding that everyone is free to make money, but questioned how sustainable such a path would be in the long run.

Watch video below …

“Nigerian society is no longer celebrating academic excellence. It’s not even Yahoo culture anymore, now we have a Peller culture.” 

— Rapper Ycee expresses concern over what he describes as a growing disregard for education in Nigeria.pic.twitter.com/ZsPggXxKia

— Linda Ikeji Blog (@lindaikeji) June 25, 2026