Abdulkareem led the revolution that put Nigerian artists on global recognition

By Elegbede Abiodun

Eedris Abdulkareem

Veteran Nigerian rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem, has claimed that he led the revolution that led to the global recognition Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and other Nigerian artists are benefiting from today.

He said his revolt against the poor treatment of Nigerian artistes by show promoters in 2004 when he clashed with American rapper 50Cent and his G-Unit members in Nigeria was the reason the country’s artistes are now being respected worldwide.

Speaking in the latest episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, Abdulkareem admitted that his rebellion affected his career, but added that “it was a beautiful sacrifice that gave birth to Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido.”

He said, “You heard someone like Burna Boy said nobody helped him in Nigeria. Would you have been a star without some people starting the revolution? That is a stupid talk.

“You wouldn’t have been where you are if we didn’t make this industry what it is; if we didn’t fight for it. Unfortunately, most of them don’t appreciate it. And I don’t give a dime.

“It [fighting for Nigerian music industry] affected my career but it was a beautiful sacrifice that gave birth to Davido, Boy, Wizkid, and everybody today.

“For me, what’s more important is that I have done what God asked me to do and our music is now all over the world. I have opened the road for them. It’s their responsibility to appreciate the fight. And if they don’t, I don’t give a dime.”