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Nigerian rapper and songwriter CDQ has opened up about his unconventional journey from a banking career to music stardom, crediting the decision to a lifelong passion for creative expression. In a candid interview with The Echo Room, the artist revealed he initially pursued finance to honor his late father’s wishes but ultimately chose to follow his own aspirations, leading to his breakthrough in the music industry.

Born Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, CDQ explained that his father had urged him to prioritize stability, pushing him to secure a bank job. However, the routine corporate environment left him unfulfilled. “I’d catch myself writing song lyrics during work hours instead of focusing on tasks,” he admitted. The disconnect between his professional obligations and personal ambitions grew until he made a decisive pivot, leaving the banking sector without informing his family to avoid discouragement.

He turned to longtime friend and producer Masterkraft, known for collaborations with artists like Wizkid and Tiwa Savage, who had previously supported him by lending suits for his banking job. Masterkraft was reportedly stunned when CDQ moved into his studio and declared music his sole focus. “Banking wasn’t my passion,” CDQ recalled telling him. “Even if music didn’t pay, I’d still choose it because it makes me happy.” The rapper vowed they would achieve success within six months—a promise that materialized earlier than expected when the duo secured a lucrative deal, enabling them to relocate from a low-income neighborhood to Lekki, an upscale area of Lagos.

CDQ’s career skyrocketed in 2016 with Indomie, a collaboration with Masterkraft and Nigerian superstar Olamide. The track became a national anthem, and its remix featuring Davido amplified his reach across Africa and beyond. Reflecting on his path, he emphasized the importance of authenticity: “You can’t fake passion. When you’re true to yourself, opportunities align.”

His story resonates as a testament to balancing familial expectations with personal ambition, particularly in regions where financial stability often overshadows creative pursuits. While CDQ acknowledged the risks of abandoning a secure career, his trajectory underscores the potential rewards of prioritizing one’s calling—a narrative that continues to inspire aspiring artists navigating similar crossroads.