Nigerian singer Anthony Ebuka Victor, professionally known as Victony, recently shared a candid insight into his performance routine, admitting he has never taken the stage without consuming alcohol. In an interview with the Behind The Prestige podcast, which began trending on June 13, 2025, the 24-year-old Afrobeats star discussed his reliance on alcohol to enhance his stage presence and his current efforts to perform sober during his ongoing “Stubborn” tour. This revelation has sparked conversations among fans and industry observers, highlighting Victony’s vulnerability and his commitment to forging a deeper connection with his audience.
Victony’s admission underscores a common practice among some performers who use substances to manage stage fright or boost confidence. He explained that alcohol has been a consistent part of his pre-performance ritual, helping him navigate the high-pressure environment of live shows. However, the “Soweto” hitmaker expressed a desire to break this habit, stating, “I’m trying to do this tour sober, and it’s a big challenge,” emphasizing his goal to “see my fans clearly and truly connect with them.”
The decision to perform sober aligns with Victony’s broader lifestyle changes, which include prioritizing physical and mental health. He revealed during the interview that he has abstained from smoking weed for nearly two months and has been focusing on fitness, describing it as a “new habit” that, while “a bit boring,” has been beneficial. These changes reflect a maturing artist who is reevaluating habits that have defined his early career, particularly as he navigates the demands of his European “Stubborn” tour.
Victony’s openness about his reliance on alcohol also sheds light on the pressures faced by young artists in the music industry. The Afrobeats scene, known for its vibrant energy and global appeal, often places performers under intense scrutiny, with expectations to deliver electrifying shows consistently. For Victony, alcohol served as a crutch to meet these demands, but his commitment to sobriety suggests a shift toward authenticity and self-awareness.
The “Stubborn” tour, named after his 2024 debut album, marks a significant milestone in Victony’s career. The album, praised for its experimental sound and lyrical depth, features collaborations with artists like Asake, Teezo Touchdown, and SAINt JHN, showcasing his versatility and global ambitions. Performing sober during this tour represents a personal and professional challenge, as Victony aims to deliver the same high-energy performances without the aid of alcohol.
Victony’s journey has not been without hardship, which adds context to his reliance on alcohol. In April 2021, he survived a near-fatal car accident that claimed the life of his friend Doyin and left him with severe injuries requiring multiple surgeries. The accident, which forced him to use a wheelchair for months, profoundly impacted his outlook, with Victony later describing it as a “blessing in disguise” that solidified his music career and earned his parents’ support.
Following the accident, Victony’s resilience shone through as he returned to the stage, performing alongside Davido and Mayorkun in December 2021 while still in a wheelchair. His breakout hit “Holy Father” with Mayorkun, released during his recovery, became a chart-topping success, peaking at number three on the Billboard Top Triller Global charts. This period of adversity likely intensified the pressures that led to his dependence on alcohol, making his current sobriety efforts even more significant.
The Behind The Prestige interview also highlighted Victony’s early career struggles, including his parents’ initial reluctance to support his music ambitions. Raised in a Catholic household in Ojo, Lagos, Victony was expected to pursue a conventional path, studying petroleum engineering at the Federal University of Technology Owerri. The 2021 accident and the subsequent public support, including viral “Pray for Victony” campaigns, shifted his parents’ perspective, allowing him to fully embrace his music career.
Victony’s musical journey began in 2016 as a rapper on SoundCloud, releasing freestyles and covers of hits like Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” and Burna Boy’s “On the Low.” Influenced by artists like Davido, Wizkid, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar, he transitioned to Afrobeats, blending R&B, trap, and pop elements. His 2020 debut EP, Saturn, and the 2022 Outlaw EP, featuring the global hit “Soweto,” established him as a rising star, with the latter’s remix featuring Rema and Don Toliver charting internationally.
The Stubborn album, released in June 2024, represents Victony’s evolution as an artist unafraid to push boundaries. Tracks like “Oshaprapra” and “Bastard, Don’t Be Silly” incorporate eclectic influences, from street anthems to playful pop culture references, reflecting his “Outlaw” persona—a symbol of unbridled self-expression. Performing these songs sober is a testament to his confidence in his artistry and his desire to present an authentic version of himself to fans.
The music industry has long grappled with substance use, with artists like Robin Williams and others openly discussing their struggles with alcohol and drugs. Victony’s story adds to this narrative, offering a contemporary perspective from a young African artist navigating global fame. His willingness to address this issue publicly positions him as a role model for aspiring musicians, emphasizing the importance of mental health and authenticity.
Victony’s sobriety journey is still in its early stages, and he acknowledges the difficulty of performing without alcohol. “It’s a big challenge,” he reiterated in the interview, underscoring the courage required to change a long-standing habit. Fans attending his “Stubborn” tour can expect a more vulnerable and present Victony, whose performances may carry a new depth as he engages with audiences without the filter of alcohol.
As Victony continues his tour across Europe and potentially North America, his commitment to sobriety could influence other artists to reflect on their own performance rituals. His story also raises questions about the support systems available to young musicians, particularly in high-pressure genres like Afrobeats, where global demand is surging. Resources like SAMHSA’s National Helpline, which offers confidential support for substance use disorders, could be valuable for artists facing similar challenges.
Victony’s revelation is a pivotal moment in his career, marking a transition from reliance on external aids to a focus on inner strength and connection. His journey reflects the broader evolution of Afrobeats, a genre that continues to redefine itself through artists who blend innovation with authenticity. As he steps onto the stage sober, Victony is not only performing his music but also rewriting his narrative, one show at a time.
For those interested in following Victony’s progress, his music is available on platforms like Spotify and YouTube, where “Soweto” has amassed over 250 million streams. His “Stubborn” tour dates and updates can be found on his official social media accounts, including X, where he engages with his “Outlaw” fanbase. As he navigates this new chapter, Victony’s story serves as a reminder of the power of vulnerability and the potential for growth, both on and off the stage.
