Veteran musician Eedris Abdulkareem asserts that he played a pivotal role in the international recognition and success of renowned Nigerian artists such as Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid. Eedris Abdulkareem attributes the global appreciation of Nigerian artists to his 2004 rebellion against mistreatment of local talents by concert promoters, during which he engaged in a physical altercation with American rapper 50 Cent and his G-Unit associates in Nigeria.
In an interview with The Honest Bunch Podcast, Eedris Abdulkareem emphasized the impact of his revolt on the careers of the mentioned artists, stating, “It was a beautiful sacrifice that gave birth to Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido.” Despite acknowledging that his career faced consequences due to the rebellion, Abdulkareem remains steadfast in his belief that his actions paved the way for the international success of Nigeria’s music industry.
He addressed the comments made by Burna Boy regarding receiving no help in Nigeria, dismissing it as “stupid talk” and asserting that the industry’s current status wouldn’t have been possible without the revolution initiated by artists like himself. Abdulkareem is unapologetic about the sacrifices he made for the industry, expressing that he doesn’t care whether the current generation appreciates it or not.
As Abdulkareem stands firm in his belief that he laid the foundation for the success of contemporary Nigerian musicians, his remarks add a layer to the ongoing narrative of the industry’s growth and the contributions of its trailblazers. The interview provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by artists in the past and the evolution of the Nigerian music scene on the global stage.