Welcome to this month’s electrifying sit down at BattleRap.Africa. I’m BigDan, your HipHop Journalist and guide through the raw energy, sharp pens, and gritty streets of African battle rap culture. This September, we’re locked and loaded, celebrating the champions, dissecting the bars, and lighting up the culture with voices that shape it. Today, we’re stepping into the cipher with Dabu The Gemini, one of the continent’s most respected pens. Known for his layered writing, unfiltered energy, and veteran grit, Dabu’s journey speaks for itself. His face off with Alpha Hybrid on the “On a Platter of Bars” stage was nothing short of epic, and the stakes, reportedly ₦1,000,000 on the line, only added fuel to the fire. Join us as Dabu breaks down his mindset, the battle details, and how he is preparing to bring Kaos in Lagos to life. We cover pacing, crowd control, promo vibes, and everything in between. This is not just an interview, it is a peek into the forge where battle rap legends are made.
BigDan × Dabu The Gemini: The Interview
BigDan: In the Alpha Hybrid battle, many fans called it a coin flip. What did you learn rewatching the footage about your pacing, room control, and haymaker placement that you’ll adjust going forward?
Dabu: There’s always room to grow. Every battle has something to teach us. The outcome hasn’t changed me. I’m only competing against myself. My goal is always to outdo the Dabu who went before me.
BigDan: That card reportedly had ₦1,000,000 on the line. How did battling with real prize stakes change your writing and risk tolerance? Will you chase more high stakes situations?
Dabu: It wasn’t as high pressure as people think. ₦1M is a lot, yes, but I didn’t feel the heat. I wrote my material before the stakes went up, so my process didn’t shift. High stakes battles? Just pay me my money. I don’t chase the hype.
BigDan: If you could rewrite one setup or shorten one scheme from that battle to swing a judge, what would you tweak and why?
Dabu: None. I wouldn’t change a thing. I believe I won fair and square. No need to overthink it.
BigDan: BattleRap.Africa billed that event as a flagship moment with culture eyes high, even sponsors were involved. Did the scale add pressure or validate your top pen status?
Dabu: My status is already validated. I’m seasoned enough not to be fazed by size. Only pressure comes from my private life, because life no balance.
BigDan: Alpha Hybrid’s momentum since has been loud on socials. Does his rise motivate you differently, or do you just block out the narrative and focus on craft?
Dabu: I block out all narratives. Alpha was already creating buzz internationally before that battle. His rise has nothing to do with me. He was already on the rise.
BigDan: Let’s pivot to Kaos in Lagos. It’s set for September 27 at The Pixxel Factory. How are you preparing for a potentially more intimate, high energy Lagos room compared to the BRA stage?
Dabu: Same way I prepare for any battle, lock in till event day. Stage size doesn’t change the grind. Whether big or small, I adapt my performance for that space.
BigDan: What’s the biggest stylistic contrast between a BRA style setting and a Gulag battlefield, from time rules to crowd vibe to judging, and how does that affect your round structure?
Dabu: BRA nails everything, production and scale. This is Gulag’s first run in Nigeria, it won’t be as slick. But besides aesthetics, not much changes. What matters is carrying your performance into the space. As a vet, I know how to switch it up.
BigDan: You’re facing King Rbics. What does his footage tell you about his win conditions, and where do you see your leverage for a clear first watch win?
Dabu: He’s okay. His footage tells me his friends ride with him even when he says nonsense. My edge? Being real and showing the difference.
BigDan: Any new “Dabu” wrinkles this time, maybe a dedicated angle round, Lagos pocket checks, or a rapid fire closer?
Dabu: Hmm… I’ll play a game in the middle of my round, lol.
BigDan: Since Word War 3 and your outings, fans link you with high energy and layered writing. What balance are you aiming for now between dense pen and room reaction?
Dabu: We’ll have to wait and see.
BigDan: Talk preparation. How far out did you lock your three rounds, how many sparring partners, and do you even rehearse with live crowd noise to simulate the Pixxel Factory?
Dabu: Lmao. Do people rehearse like that? I just find a quiet spot and rehearse like a normal human, lol.
BigDan: The promo build up for Kaos in Lagos has been heavy on IG and X. How much do you use pre battle promo to guide narrative versus letting bars do the work?
Dabu: I LOVEEEEEE pre battle promos. They hype the audience. Shame my opponent is lazy, or maybe his “Daddy in battle rap” is stopping him, who knows? But I’m always here for promo.
BigDan: If this turns into a trilogy, Alpha Hybrid, King Rbics, then an international headliner, what’s your ideal path to cement a 2025 run of the year?
Dabu: I’m less interested in battling, honestly. I’m cooking in the studio, focusing on music. Battle rap’s become toxic. But I’m here if the pay is tight.
BigDan: What message do you have for the Lagos crowd? What should they listen for to catch the full story live?
Dabu: If I say something crucial, I might get into trouble with my op. But one thing’s sure, we’ll have a great time.
BigDan: Last one. Close the book on Alpha Hybrid in one sentence on what that battle taught you, and open King Rbics’ chapter with a bar length promise for September 27.
Dabu: That battle is just one in a stack, not as big as people made it. I’m glad Alpha elevates, but that’s his wave, not me. As for Rbics? Preparation’s the same.
Closing Words
That’s the raw, unfiltered breakdown from Dabu The Gemini. He’s hungry, focused, and ready to bring that Lagos heat. Whether you ride or pen, stay locked as battle rap gets Kaos in Lagos on September 27. It’s more than a show, it’s a movement.
