Prince EVA: The Lyrical Street Prophet Rewriting Nigerian Rap from Jos

In the evolving landscape of Nigerian hip-hop, one name steadily rising through the ranks is Victor Ayang, popularly known as Prince EVA—a fierce lyricist, writer, and storyteller born in Cross River State, currently based in Jos.

Prince EVA’s journey into the heart of Nigeria’s music scene is as gripping as his verses. Having spent most of his early life in the western part of the country, he only moved northwards in 2023 for his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Kaduna. After his service year, he settled in Jos—Nigeria’s cultural hotbed—and became a registered member of the Performing Musicians Employers Association of Nigeria (PMAN), marking a bold statement of intent to make his lyrical prowess known.

His debut album, “More Than A Player”, is more than just music—it’s a narrative of the streets, of hustle, gangsterism, and activism. The album introduces a voice that blends gritty life experiences with intellectual rhymes and poetic consciousness. Prince EVA doesn’t just rap—he paints vivid imagery, using metaphors, puns, and wordplay with surgical precision. His confidence is unmatched; calling himself “the most lyrical emcee in Nigeria” is not just a claim—it’s backed by content that resonates deeply with conscious listeners.

A standout work beyond music is his poem “Compromising Reality”, which underlines his activist spirit and deep empathy for the masses. It reveals a softer, more reflective side of the rapper, contrasting the hard-edged themes of his debut.

Despite his portrayal of the ‘thug life,’ Prince EVA is known to be approachable and deeply rooted in the struggles of the common man. With a second album on the horizon, he promises to bring motivation and strength to those battling against the odds.

In an era where rap is often criticized for losing its soul, Prince EVA is reviving the art of lyricism, one bar at a time—from Jos, with passion.

Music