In a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, controversial singer Eedris Abdulkareem made a bold claim, stating that his actions in 2004 led to the global recognition enjoyed by Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and other Nigerian artists today.
Abdulkareem recounted his clash with American rapper 50 Cent and his G-Unit members in Nigeria, which stemmed from his revolt against the poor treatment of Nigerian artistes by show promoters.
Despite acknowledging that his rebellion impacted his own career negatively, he emphasized that it was a necessary sacrifice that paved the way for the success of artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and 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 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.”
