Lotanna Udezue (Biglo)

Lotanna Udezue, best known by his stage name Biglo, was a pioneering Nigerian rapper, singer, and music producer who left an indelible mark on the country’s hip-hop landscape in the early 2000s. With his signature blend of humor, sharp lyricism, and production talent, Biglo became a household name and helped shape Nigeria’s evolving rap scene.

EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION

Born on July 5, 1977, to Barristers S.P.C. and Mrs. Udezue, Biglo hailed from Akamili, Umudim, Nnewi North in Anambra State, though he was raised in the bustling neighborhood of Surulere, Lagos. From a young age, he showed an affinity for music and creativity.

Biglo attended St. Saviour’s Primary School, Ikoyi, Lagos, where his early love for music began to take root. For his secondary education, he moved on to the prestigious King’s College, Lagos Island, a school known for producing some of Nigeria’s brightest talents across various fields. Pursuing his academic interests further, Biglo studied Microbiology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, graduating in 2001. Throughout his university years, his passion for music deepened, and he began experimenting with production software and developing his signature sound.

MUSIC CAREER

Early Musical Roots and Style Formation

Biglo’s journey into music was influenced by a childhood immersed in diverse sounds. He learned to play the piano at an early age, sparking a lifelong passion for both classical and contemporary music. While at university, he became well-known for working behind the scenes, producing beats for fellow student artists, and fusing hip-hop with local Nigerian sounds like highlife and Afrobeat. This blend of Western and African styles would later become the foundation of his musical identity.

Breakthrough with “Delicious” and National Recognition

Biglo’s big break came in 2004 with the release of “Delicious,” a collaborative single with fellow rapper 2Shotz. The track was a humorous, cheeky anthem filled with playful lyrics and an infectious hook that quickly caught on with listeners. “Delicious” became a street and radio sensation, dominating hip-hop charts, party playlists, and urban airwaves across Nigeria.

The song’s mainstream success was not just commercial—it was also critically acclaimed. “Delicious” won Best Rap Collaboration at the Hip Hop World Awards (now known as The Headies), affirming Biglo’s role as one of the standout voices of his generation. His witty delivery, charismatic persona, and ability to inject comedy into rap set him apart at a time when the Nigerian hip-hop scene was still finding its footing.

Signature Sound and Artistic Identity

BigLo distinguished himself by fusing humor, storytelling, and pop-culture references into his music. He often played the role of a relatable, sometimes bumbling Nigerian character navigating urban life, relationships, and fame. His ability to laugh at himself—and to make listeners laugh while also vibing to the beat—was one of his strongest assets.

Lyrically, he strayed from the braggadocio of American rap. Instead, his verses were rich with pidgin English, satire, and local idioms. This made his music accessible and beloved by fans across class lines. Musically, his beats blended hip-hop drums with Afrobeat, R&B, and traditional Igbo music elements, a signature that set him apart from his peers.

DISCOGRAPHY

• Delicious (feat. 2Shotz)
• Kick A Little Game
• Who No Know
• Goodbye (feat. Maideena & The Coup)
• Anyhow
• Money Identity (feat. Flavour N’abania)
• Delicious (Remix) (feat. 2Shotz)

NOMINATIONS AND RECOGNITION

Hip Hop World Award (The Headies) – Best Rap Collaboration – “Delicious” (feat. 2Shotz) – 2005
Critical Acclaim for lyrical humor and production in early Nigerian hip-hop
Heavy Radio and TV Rotation for “Delicious” in the mid-2000s
Pop Culture Influence – widely referenced in Nigerian youth and music circles.
Posthumous Tributes recognizing his legacy in Nigerian music after his death in 2020

NOTABLE COLLABORATIONS

• 2Shotz
  BigLo’s most iconic collaboration was with rapper 2Shotz on the hit single “Delicious”. This song, released in 2004, was a comic and catchy track that skyrocketed both artists to national recognition. The duo worked together again on a remix of “Delicious”, strengthening their creative chemistry and impact on Nigerian hip-hop. Their partnership is remembered as one of the most successful comedic-rap pairings of that era.
• Flavour N’abania
  BigLo teamed up with highlife sensation Flavour on the track “Money Identity”, a fusion of hip-hop and highlife that showcased his versatility and ability to cross musical genres. The collaboration aimed to reach a wider audience and was part of his planned comeback project before his passing.
• Maideena & The Coup
  On the song “Goodbye”, BigLo featured vocals from Maideena and The Coup, delivering a more soulful and introspective tone compared to his usual comic style. It demonstrated his range beyond humorous storytelling.
• Ruggedman
  As one of Nigeria’s respected rap pioneers, Ruggedman worked with BigLo during the early 2000s underground scene. Though details of specific songs are less documented, both artists were part of the early wave pushing Nigerian rap into the mainstream.
• Styl-Plus
  Known for their R&B harmonies, Styl-Plus collaborated with BigLo during the mid-2000s. Their blend of smooth vocals and his witty raps provided a refreshing sound that appealed to a cross-genre audience.
  Durella, W4, Abounce, and Toscar

These artists were featured or linked to BigLo’s planned album “Money Identity”. Each collaboration explored different sounds—from Durella’s energetic street style to W4’s Afro-pop influence—demonstrating BigLo’s willingness to innovate and evolve his sound even as the Nigerian music scene shifted.

HEALTH CHALLENGE AND DEATH

In 2018, BigLo (Lotanna Udezue) shocked fans and the Nigerian music community when he publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (kidney failure). It was a deeply emotional moment that marked a turning point in his life and career. At this stage of the illness, his kidneys had lost nearly all ability to function on their own, and he became entirely dependent on dialysis treatment, which he underwent three times a week.

BigLo, who had relocated to the United States, shared updates with fans about his health through social media. His resilience and openness about his condition were praised, especially given the stigma that often surrounds chronic illness. Despite being visibly weakened, he remained hopeful and expressed his desire to return to music fully once his health stabilized.

To support his mounting medical expenses, his cousin — UK-based rapper Zuby Udezue — organized a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser drew attention both within the Nigerian diaspora and among the local entertainment community. Many fans and artists offered their support, prayers, and donations.

However, in December 2020, tragedy struck again. BigLo announced via Facebook that he had tested positive for COVID-19. The virus posed a severe threat given his already compromised immune system and ongoing kidney failure.

Sadly, on December 25, 2020 — Christmas Day, BigLo passed away in California at the age of 42. His death was confirmed by close friends and family and was widely mourned in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

His passing was not only a loss to music but also a somber reminder of the challenges faced by artists dealing with chronic illness away from the spotlight. Tributes poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and entertainment figures, many remembering him for his humor, humility, and the joy his music brought.

LEGACY

BigLo, born Lotanna Udezue, remains a cherished figure in the history of Nigerian music, particularly for his unique contributions to the evolution of hip-hop in Nigeria. He emerged at a time when the genre was still carving its place in a market dominated by highlife, R&B, and traditional sounds. Instead of mimicking American rap styles, BigLo gave Nigerian hip-hop a distinct local flavor—infusing humor, satire, and streetwise wit that resonated deeply with everyday Nigerians.

His breakout hit “Delicious” (with 2Shotz) was more than just a popular song—it became a cultural phenomenon. It was one of the earliest hip-hop songs in Nigeria to go mainstream through comedic storytelling, showing that rap could be both fun and relatable. In doing so, BigLo helped pave the way for artists like Falz, Zoro, and Basketmouth (as a music producer) who would later explore the fusion of comedy and music in creative ways.

As a rapper, producer, and songwriter, BigLo also made a name for himself behind the scenes. He worked with a wide range of artists across genres, from R&B groups like Styl-Plus to highlife musicians like Flavour. His ability to collaborate without losing his identity was one of his artistic strengths.

Beyond the music, BigLo’s public battle with kidney disease and his openness about health struggles left a lasting impression. His honesty inspired discussions about the healthcare challenges facing artists and Nigerians in general, especially those living abroad. Even in illness, he carried himself with humor and hope, endearing himself further to those who admired his resilience.

Following his death in 2020, many in the Nigerian entertainment industry paid tribute to him not only as a musical pioneer but as a good-spirited, down-to-earth artist whose work still brings smiles and memories. His music, especially among millennials who grew up in the early 2000s, continues to be replayed with nostalgia and fondness.

References

• Augoye, J. (2020, December 27). Nigerian rapper Biglo is dead. Premium Times. Retrieved from https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/music/433512-nigerian-rapper-biglo-is-dead.html (Premium Times Nigeria)
• Ikeji, L. (2020, December 27). Nigerian rapper BigLo dies after long battle with kidney ailment. Linda Ikeji’s Blog. Retrieved from https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2020/12/nigerian-rapper-biglo-dies-after-long-battle-with-kidney-ailment.html (Linda Ikeji’s Blog)
• TheCable Lifestyle. (2020, December 27). BigLo: Nigerian rapper dies from kidney disease. The Cable Lifestyle. Retrieved from https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/biglo-nigerian-rapper-dies-from-kidney-disease/ (TheCable Lifestyle)
• Donnett, J. (2024, August 13). Throwback: 2Shotz & Big Lo – Delicious Remix. Tooxclusive. Retrieved from https://tooxclusive.com/songs/throwback-2shotz-big-lo-delicious-remix/ (Tooxclusive)
• The Octopus News Admin. (2020, December 27). How veteran rapper Biglo died. The Octopus News. Retrieved from https://www.theoctopusnews.com/how-veteran-rapper-biglo-died/ (The Octopus News)
• Nobody. (2005, September 6). Biglo old school back in the day. Nairaland Forum. Retrieved from https://www.nairaland.com/1659/biglo-old-school-back-day (Nairaland)

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