#Artistfocus: Eedris Abdulkareem; Nigeria’s Most Notorious Artist And His Top 5 Industry Conflicts.

Eedris Abdulkareem, born Eedris Turayo Abdulkareem Ajenifuja, is a Nigerian hip hop and revolutionary artist. Born to a polygamous family in Kano, Nigeria, his father was from Ilesha, Osun State, and his mother was from Ogun State. Raised in Kano, he adopted Kano State as his state of origin. His father resides in Lagos, while his mother continues to reside in Kano. According to interviews, his decision to drop his patronymic surname has nothing to do with dislike for his father, but merely reflects his fondness for the name “Eedris Abdulkareem.” His name, Abdulkareem, means “Servant of the generous God”. Eedris is notoriously known to be outspoken, fierce with words and challenges everyone. In his quest for success n the Nigerian Music industry, Eedris has picked a fight either verbally or physically with both Domestic and international artistes.

1. 50cent

So many years ago, Eedris Abdulkareem was the man about town; the artiste on top. Any concert without him was certainly a ‘no concert.’ His fame was unrivaled. His songs were like the national anthem. He was loved by all and even became an Olympic torch bearer. But at the snap of a finger, Eedris’ fame dwindled and even came down to zero level; nobody wanted to touch him with a long pole. Since the much talked about fight with America’s 50 Cent during a Star Mega Jamz concert organised by Nigerian Breweries years ago, Eedris’ name sort of got deleted among the A-list artistes. But does the young man care about it? No! He, in fact, recently said that he doesn’t regret the fight, claiming it was what revolutionalised the music industry in Nigeria today. “I am the reason everybody is getting paid today. I am the reason everybody is doing great videos. If I didn’t fight then, everybody would have been treated like dirt.”

2. Donjazzy

In the aftermath of Eedris Abdulkareem’s controversial lyrics insulting Don Jazzy for criticizing rap music, he says rap is profitable genre in Nigeria, the rapper solidified his point in a recent interview. Eedris stated that though he’s a huge fan of the Mavin Records producer, the comment was “stupid”, and that DonJazzy has allowed the unanimous fame get into his head. Though, the Marvin Record boss is said to have apologized for his erroneous comment, Edris, the controversial singer, is yet to flush the issue out from his system.

3. Timaya

In November 2005, Eedris Abdulkareem launched his own record label, ‎La Kreem Entertainment along with the release of his 4th album, Letter to Mr. President. But he didn’t officially sign any artiste, but used the brand to help promote new acts and in a chat, Eedris revealed that Timaya once worked for him. ‘Wisdom is everything in life, and as La Kreem Entertainment, we did everything possible to push acts like Timaya and others. Timaya was my boy, he was brought from the street and I showed him how to be successful, I asked him to go back to Bayelsa read about the history and do a song for his people which he did, even though he praises himself in most of his songs now. ‘Whether he likes it or not, he’s a social crusader because he learnt from me even though he never told the press that he worked for me before and that’s why he’s successful because for you to pass through my entertainment company, it simply means you must be super good,’ Eedris said. Although it’s been ages ago, Eedris is just bringing this up and he’s definitely not happy with Timaya, When asked if he really signed Timaya under him then, the controversial rapper responded: ‘What La Kreem does basically, we don’t sign anybody, we support them because if we sign them and make promises to them that we can’t achieve, it’ll cause problems, so we just try to have a gentleman’s agreement.’

4. DBanj

In 2012, just months barely after the Jonathan swearing in and resumption of office, EeDris Abdulkareem took a huge swipe at D’Banj for his affiliation with Goodluck Jonathan during the Presidential campaign. Reasons remained uncertain but directed towards the fact that musicians should be a voice for the people not a voice to mislead the people due to financial covetousness and greed.

5. Obasanjo

Eedris Abdulkareem definitely did hit the peak of his nation wide spread when he attacked former president Olusegun Obasanjo on the economic situation of the country with his hit track “Jaga jaga” On Tuesday, August 28, 2012, the former president expressed his disapproval of the ‘modern day youth towards Nigeria.’ He complained bitterly about the modern day youths, how they have lost interest in the country.‘One of the worst problems Nigeria is facing is disbelief. Nigerians no longer believe in themselves neither do they believe in their country. That takes me back to that song ‘jaga jaga’, how could a sane man dare to call his country jagajaga? It is the height of blasphemy. We are grooming our youths for tomorrow’s leadership and with such persons I don’t think the country can move forward’ Obasanjo was quoted as saying. ‘Jaga jaga’ was released on Abdulkareem’s third solo album in 2004, and turned into a nationwide hit shortly after.

Eedris Abdulkareem created a niche for himself by being outspoken and fierce in his challenge to claim his position in the industry as a revolutionist, influencer and HipHop veteran. He just has a way of turning controversies into a promotional tool for his success.

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About Unknown

Deji Sadiq, a.k.a DEJI OF LAGOS is a LASU trained Economist turned freelance journalist, a Blogger, an information strategist, a public affairs analyst and a committed activist with a passion for equal opportunities.