Nigerian rapper Jeriq has dismissed the notion that Igbo artists in the music industry do not support one another, unlike their Yoruba counterparts. In a recent interview on The Vybz TV Cartel podcast, he called this claim a “fallacy,” citing his own experiences with fellow Igbo musicians who have helped him advance his career.
Jeriq highlighted artists such as Flavour, who has played a significant role in promoting upcoming Igbo talent by offering support without expecting anything in return. He personally benefited from Flavour’s assistance when the latter featured on his hit song “Oluoma” without charging a fee. Similarly, Phyno has collaborated with Jeriq on multiple occasions without demanding payment.
These comments underscore the importance of collaboration and mutual support within the music industry, particularly among artists who share the same ethnic background. Jeriq believes that Igbo artists can achieve substantial success, both locally and internationally, by working together and promoting their language and culture. He expressed optimism about the potential for Igbo artists to gain global recognition, citing Asake’s success performing in Yoruba as an example.
Jeriq predicts that an Igbo artist will eventually sell out a stadium in the Western world—such as in the United States or Paris—performing in the Igbo language. His statements highlight the diversity and richness of Nigerian music, which encompasses a wide range of languages and cultures. As the industry continues to evolve, more artists from different ethnic backgrounds are likely to achieve success and international recognition. With the support of their peers and the promotion of their unique cultural heritage, Igbo artists, in particular, may be poised to make a significant impact on the global music scene.
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