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Veteran musician Eedris Abdulkareem boldly claimed he played a vital role in the global recognition of Nigerian artists like Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid.
In an interview with The Honest Bunch Podcast released on Monday, February 19, 2024, Abdulkareem pointed to his rebellion in 2004 against mistreatment of Nigerian artists by concert promoters as a turning point for Nigerian music on the world stage.
Eedris Abdulkareem vividly remembered standing up against exploitation by concert promoters, even getting into a physical altercation with American rapper 50 Cent and his G-Unit associates during their visit to Nigeria. Despite the fallout he faced in his own career, Abdulkareem stressed the positive impact his rebellion had on the Nigerian music industry, crediting it for the rise of stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.
Despite facing criticism and lack of appreciation, Abdulkareem remained steadfast, saying his priority was fulfilling his purpose as directed by God. He downplayed the need for recognition, focusing instead on leaving behind a legacy of empowerment 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 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.
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