Eedris Abdulkareem, a controversial singer, recently stated that he played a pivotal role in the revolution that ultimately catapulted Nigerian artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido to global recognition.
Abdulkareem claimed that back in 2004, he led a revolt against the poor treatment of Nigerian artists by show promoters.
This rebellion reached a climax when he clashed with American rapper 50 Cent and his G-Unit associates during their visit to Nigeria.
In a conversation on The Honest Bunch Podcast, Abdulkareem acknowledged that his actions during that time did have repercussions on his own career.
However, he also emphasized that his stand against the mistreatment of Nigerian artists was instrumental in laying the foundation for the respect that these artists now command on the international stage.
Abdulkareem described his stand as a “beautiful sacrifice” that played a significant role in paving the way for the rise of talents like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.
He said:
“You heard someone like Burna Boy said nobody helped him in Nigeria. Would you have been a star without some people starting the revolution? That is a stupid talk. You wouldn’t have been where you are if we didn’t make this industry what it is; if we didn’t fight for it. Unfortunately, most of them don’t appreciate it. And I don’t give a dime.
“It [fighting for Nigerian music industry] affected my career but it was a beautiful sacrifice that gave birth to Davido, Boy, Wizkid, and everybody today. For me, what’s more important is that I have done what God asked me to do and our music is now allover the world. I have opened the road for them. It’s their responsibility to appreciate the fight. And if them don’t, I don’t give a dime.”
