Mr. V.ic Channels Life’s Highs and Lows in Upcoming EP ‘Melody & Pain’

In the vibrant, pulsating world of Nigerian music, Chiabuotu Azubuike Otuu—known to his growing fanbase as Mr. V.ic—is carving out a space that’s distinctly his own.

With his forthcoming EP, Melody & Pain, set to drop soon, the young artist is poised to share a deeply personal chapter of his journey, blending raw emotion with cultural resonance.

In an intimate conversation, Mr. V.ic opens up about his roots, his unexpected entry into music, and the creative fire behind his latest project.

Born and raised in Afikpo North, Ebonyi State, Mr. V.ic’s early years were shaped by the warmth of family and the privileges of a nurturing environment. As the youngest child in his household, he was doted on, a position that came with lots of affection.

“I got a lot of special attention growing up, I went to the best school as well, it was a great upbringing,” he recalls with a smile. At the age of 13 or 14, his life took a pivotal turn when he relocated to Lagos, settling in the lively neighbourhood of Surulere, specifically Lawanson.

The move from the quieter rhythms of Ebonyi to the frenetic energy of Lagos exposed him to a new world—one that would later fuel his music.

Though music now defines Mr. Vic’s identity, it wasn’t always his calling.

Growing up, his brothers were avid music lovers, with one even owning a recording studio. Yet, their influence on his path was minimal, as they had left the town by the time his musical spark ignited. Instead, Mr. V.ic’s entry into music was serendipitous, almost accidental.

In 2014 or 2015, while working as a designer, he stumbled upon a radio rap competition. Listeners were invited to call in and freestyle over a beat, and on a whim, he decided to participate.

“I was just working, listening as a designer, not an artist,” he says. To his astonishment, he won. “I was like, ‘Really? Me?” That moment of validation became a turning point, igniting a passion that would redefine his life.

Inspired by artists who shaped his musical palate, Mr. V.ic initially gravitated toward rap. He cites global icons like Drake and regional heavyweights like Sarkodie and the late Nigerian rapper Dagrin as early influences.

“I used to freestyle to Dagrin’s beats, his beats were the ones that won me the radio prize,” he shares, a nod to the Yoruba-infused lyricism that captivated him.

Beyond rap, he drew from the cultural richness of artists like Wizkid, Fela Kuti, and highlife legend Osadebe, whose music pulsed with the stories and rhythms of Nigeria.

This blend of influences that celebrated hip-hop’s sharp lyricism and Afrobeats’ soulful melodies would later define Mr. V.ic’s evolving sound.

His transition from a casual freestyler to a professional artist began in 2017, during his second year at Federal Polytechnic, Oko in Anambra State. By 2019, he landed his first record deal with a small label focused on nurturing emerging talent. Though the partnership lacked the structure he needed and lasted only a year, it gave him a platform to release his debut single, Blessings.

The experience, while imperfect, was a crucial step in his growth. “It was a group trying to push upcoming talent,” he explains. “But it didn’t work out. Still, it got my music out there.”

Fast forward to 2024, and Mr. V.ic made waves with his project Gangster Lover Boy, a release that marked a turning point in his career.

“That project gave me a chance to redefine my sound,” he says. “It let my audience know the direction I’m heading.”

The reception was overwhelmingly positive, with fans still streaming the tracks today. The success of Gangster Lover Boy set the stage for his most ambitious work yet: the upcoming EP Melody & Pain.

Conceived during an intensive two-day recording camp, Melody & Pain is a testament to Mr. V.ic’s emotional depth and artistic evolution. Initially, he had selected songs for a different EP, but his team encouraged a fresh approach.

Retreating to a quiet space, he poured his heart into eight tracks, five of which made the final cut. “I was really in my feelings,” he admits. “Some of the stories are real, some imaginary—but all are melodic.”

The EP draws heavily from his journey, environment, and background, weaving together themes of struggle, resilience, and hope.

“It’s about my life, but it’s also universal,” he says. “I want listeners to feel the emotions I felt creating it.”

The opening track, Norm, holds a special place in Mr. V.ic’s heart. “Every time I hear it, I feel like the lyrics were written on a wall for me,” he shares.

The song’s raw honesty and personal connection set the tone for the EP, which balances introspective storytelling with infectious melodies.

Through Melody & Pain, Mr. Vic invites listeners into his world—a place where joy and hardship coexist, where every note carries the weight of experience.

What does Mr. V.ic hope his audience takes away from the EP? “I want people to understand that I enjoy every moment of my life,” he says with quiet confidence. “I’m not in a rush. I know I’m going to be great, so I’m taking my time and enjoying the journey.”

This patience and authenticity are at the core of his artistry, a reminder that success is not just about accolades but about staying true to one’s vision.

Looking ahead, Mr. V.ic is brimming with ambition.

He dreams of dropping an album later this year, a project that will further showcase his evolving sound and storytelling.

“I’m just waking up every day, waiting for my community to fully embrace my sound so I can show them more,” he says. With Melody & Pain, he’s not just sharing music—he’s sharing his soul, inviting listeners to join him on a journey that’s as much about the destination as it is about the steps along the way.

As Mr. V.ic continues to rise, his story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere: a testament to the power of seizing unexpected opportunities, embracing one’s roots, and transforming pain into melody. For now, the world awaits Melody & Pain, ready to discover the next chapter of this promising artist’s tale.