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, Jeriq described this claim as a “fallacy,” citing his own experiences with fellow Igbo artists who have helped him in his career.
According to Jeriq, artists such as Flavour have played a significant role in promoting upcoming Igbo talent, offering their support without expecting anything in return. Jeriq himself has benefited from Flavour’s assistance, with the latter featuring on his hit song “Oluoma” without charging a fee. Similarly, Phyno has collaborated with Jeriq on multiple occasions without demanding payment.
Jeriq’s comments highlight the importance of collaboration and mutual support within the music industry, particularly among artists from the same ethnic background. He believes that Igbo artists can achieve significant success, both locally and internationally, by working together and promoting their language and culture.
The rapper also expressed his optimism about the potential for Igbo artists to gain global recognition, citing the example of Asake, who has achieved success performing in the Yoruba language. Jeriq predicts that an Igbo artist will eventually sell out a stadium in the Western world, such as in the US or Paris, performing in the Igbo language.
Jeriq’s statements underscore the diversity and richness of Nigerian music, which encompasses a wide range of languages and cultures. As the music industry continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more artists from different ethnic backgrounds achieving success and gaining 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.
