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I sacrificed my career for the success of Wizkid, Davido, & Burna Boy – Eedris Abdulkareem
Veteran musician Eedris Abdulkareem has boldly claimed that he played a major role in the international exposure of Nigerian musicians like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido.
In a Monday, February 19, 2024, interview with The Honest Bunch Podcast, Abdulkareem credited his 2004 rebellion against mistreatment of Nigerian artists by concert promoters as the catalyst for the global rise of Nigerian music.
He recalled the pivotal moment when he stood up against concert promoters’ exploitation, which led to a physical altercation with American rapper 50 Cent and his G-Unit associates during a visit to Nigeria.
Despite acknowledging that his rebellion had repercussions for his own career, Abdulkareem emphasized its positive impact on the Nigerian music industry, attributing the emergence of stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido to the revolution he ignited.
Dismissing claims of unaided success from some contemporary artists, Abdulkareem asserted that the groundwork laid by pioneers like himself paved the way for the current generation’s achievements. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the sacrifices made to elevate the Nigerian music industry to its current global stature.
Addressing criticism and a lack of appreciation from some quarters, Abdulkareem remained resolute, stating that his primary concern was fulfilling his purpose as directed by God. He expressed indifference towards recognition, emphasizing that his focus was on leaving a legacy of empowerment and paving the way for future generations of Nigerian musicians.
In his words, he stated that, “I f you don’t fight for your industry, nobody will fight for you. 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 allover the world. I have opened the road for them. It’s their responsibility to appreciate the fight. And if them don’t, I don’t give a dime,” he added.
Abdulkareem’s statements serve as a reminder of the hardships and sacrifices made by early pioneers in establishing Nigeria’s position in the world music arena. His perspective enriches debates about the growth of Nigerian music and the debt of appreciation given to those who laid the groundwork for its international success.
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