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Zlatan Ibile Corrects MC Over ‘City Boy Movement’ at MAPOLY Award

July 2, 2026 By BeatzHive Editorial 2 min read

Zlatan Ibile Shuts Down MC Who Invoked ‘City Boy Movement’ During Award Presentation at MAPOLY

Nigerian Afrobeats singer and rapper Zlatan Ibile has become the subject of widespread online conversation after stepping in to correct a master of ceremonies who referenced the City Boy Movement while presenting him with an award at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY). The moment, which was captured on video and shared on social media, quickly gained traction and sparked debate among Nigerians about the appropriateness of mixing political slogans with entertainment events.

Zlatan Rejects City Boy Slogan Onstage

According to reports, the incident unfolded during an award ceremony at MAPOLY, where Zlatan was being honoured. As the MC prepared to hand over the microphone to the artist, he framed the recognition around the “City Boy Movement” — a phrase that carries notable political undertones in Nigeria. Zlatan, however, was not willing to let the moment pass without a correction.

The rapper promptly took the microphone and made his position unmistakably clear, telling the presenter that the “City Boy Movement” had no place in what they had gathered to do that day. His exact words, as captured in the widely circulated clip, were: “Bro, I don’t understand what you’re saying. No be City Boy movement we come do for here.” The crowd responded with loud and enthusiastic cheers, seemingly approving of the artist’s swift intervention.

Diverse Opinions Flood Nigerian Social Media

A video of the exchange was posted online on July 2, 2026, and has since gone viral, drawing a range of opinions from Nigerian social media users. A section of commenters praised Zlatan for steering the occasion away from what they viewed as an unnecessary political reference, commending him for keeping the focus on the purpose of the event.

Others, however, took a more relaxed view of the situation, arguing that the MC’s mention of the slogan was likely intended as a lighthearted remark rather than a deliberate political statement, and that the reaction may have been an overreach.

The debate has reignited broader conversations about the boundaries between entertainment spaces and political messaging in Nigeria, particularly at events honouring artists and public figures.

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"No be City Boy we come do for here" — Zlatan Ibile reacts after being called the deputy coordinator of the City Boy movement in Ogun State at an event. https://t.co/OnBGXsofoP

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