Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem is stirring major conversations once again, following his bold statement on a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast. The outspoken artist declared that without his actions in 2004 — especially his infamous clash with American rapper 50 Cent — there would be no Burna Boy, Wizkid, or Davido on the global music stage today.
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The 2004 Revolt That Shook the Industry
Eedris recounted the controversial incident where he stood up to 50 Cent and members of G-Unit during a Nigerian concert. At the time, Eedris demanded equal treatment for Nigerian acts who were being sidelined in their own country by foreign show organizers. His protest led to a major fallout — and, according to him, marked a turning point in how Nigerian artists were treated both at home and abroad.
“You heard someone like Burna Boy say nobody helped him in Nigeria. Would you have been a star without some people starting the revolution? That is a stupid talk,” Eedris fired.
“It affected my career, but it was a beautiful sacrifice. I opened the road for them. If they don’t appreciate it, I don’t give a dime.”
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A Price Paid in Silence?
Eedris acknowledged that his career took a hit after the incident, with promoters blacklisting him and the media painting him as difficult. Still, he insists the long-term gains for the Nigerian music industry were worth it — pointing to the global success of Afrobeats stars as proof.
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Reactions to His Statement
The internet is divided:
• Some hail Eedris as a true pioneer, saying his activism laid the foundation for today’s international acceptance of Nigerian music.
• Others accuse him of seeking relevance, arguing that music growth was inevitable with or without his 2004 stand.
One user wrote:
“Respect to Eedris but let’s not rewrite history. Burna, Wiz, and Davido put in their own work too. The industry evolved from many efforts, not just one man.”
While another fan tweeted:
“Give that man his flowers! Eedris took the bullet when nobody else would. He deserves more respect.”
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Entitlement or Justified Legacy?
This isn’t the first time Eedris has spoken about his influence, but this latest claim has hit a nerve in the ongoing generational debate within Nigeria’s music industry — who truly paved the way, and who just walked through the open door?
Whether one agrees with his view or not, Eedris Abdulkareem’s role in the evolution of Nigerian music remains undeniable. And while some stars may downplay his influence, his legacy — controversial or not — is once again in the spotlight.
