Nigerian musician, Eedris Abdulkareem, recently claimed that his resistance in 2004 against the mistreatment of Nigerian artists by show promoters, particularly during a clash with American rapper 50Cent and his G-Unit members in Nigeria, laid the foundation for the global recognition of current Nigerian music sensations, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.
In a candid discussion on The Honest Bunch Podcast, Abdulkareem acknowledged the impact of his rebellion on his own career, emphasizing that it ultimately led to the rise of Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido. He expressed discontent with the lack of appreciation from the artists he had allegedly paved the way for, stating, “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.”
Abdulkareem dismissed Burna Boy’s claim of receiving no help in Nigeria, insinuating that without the revolutionary efforts of individuals like himself, the current global success of Nigerian music would not have been possible. His bold assertions shed light on the complex dynamics of the Nigerian music industry and the tensions surrounding recognition and acknowledgment.
