Nigerian singer, Eedris Abdulkareem, has asserted that he spearheaded the revolution that paved the way for the global recognition enjoyed by Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and other Nigerian artists today.
Abdulkareem attributed the surge in international acclaim for Nigerian musicians to his rebellion against the mistreatment of local artists by show promoters, particularly highlighting an incident in 2004 when he clashed with American rapper 50 Cent and his G-Unit members during their visit to Nigeria.
In a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, Abdulkareem acknowledged that his outspoken advocacy for the rights of Nigerian artists had a significant impact on his own career, but “it was a beautiful sacrifice that gave birth to Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido.”
Addressing criticisms from some contemporary artists who claimed they received no support from older generations, Abdulkareem 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.”
