Eedris Turayo Abdulkareem Ajenifuja (born December 24, 1974; Age: 49 years old) is a prominent Nigerian hip hop, R&B, Afrobeat artist, songwriter, and singer known professionally as Eedris Abdulkareem.
He is known for his socially conscious lyrics and activism. He rose to fame in the late 1990s with hit songs like “Jaga Jaga,” which criticized the Nigerian government and addressed social issues.
Abdulkareem is often regarded as one of the pioneers of Nigerian hip-hop and has maintained relevance in the music scene over the years. Additionally, he’s been involved in various philanthropic activities and has used his platform to advocate for change in Nigeria.
Early Life
Eedris Abdulkareem was born and raised in Kano into a polygamous family. His father hailed from Ilesha, Osun State, while his mother was from Ogun State. Despite his diverse heritage, he chose Kano as his state of origin. Unfortunately, tragedy struck early in his life as he lost his father when he was just 2 years old, and over time, he also lost eight of his siblings.
Details about his education are currently unavailable online, adding to the mystery surrounding his early life and upbringing. However, despite his challenges, Abdulkareem became a prominent figure in Nigerian hip-hop, using his platform to address social issues and advocate for change.
Career
Eedris Abdulkareem’s career in music began in the late 1990s when he emerged as one of the pioneers of Nigerian hip hop. He began as one of Nigeria’s rappers and was among the Remedies Boy Band, including Tony Tetuilla and Eddy Montana. He was recognized as the lead rapper in the band.
He gained widespread recognition with his debut solo album, “Pass,” in 2002, featuring hit singles like “Jaga Jaga.” The song “Jaga Jaga” became particularly controversial due to its criticism of the Nigerian government and commentary on social issues affecting the country.
Throughout his career, Abdulkareem continued to release music that tackled various socio-political issues in Nigeria, earning him a reputation as a socially conscious artist. In 2005, Eedris established his record label after the group separated and released several songs under the record. Some of his other notable songs include “Nigeria Jaga Jaga Reloaded,” “Mr. Lecturer,” and “Letter to Mr. President.”
In addition to his music career, Abdulkareem has been actively involved in activism, using his platform to advocate for change and raise awareness about issues such as corruption, poverty, and injustice in Nigeria.
While his music has occasionally courted controversy, Abdulkareem remains a respected figure in the Nigerian music industry, known for his boldness in addressing societal issues through his music.
Discography
- Pass
- Mr Lecturer
- Jaga Jaga
- Letter to Mr President
- King Is Back
- Unfinished Business
- Nothing But The Truth
- Wonkere ft Fatai rolling dollar
- Jaga Jaga Part 2
- Sekere ft Vector
- Fela ft Femi Kuti
- I Go Whoze You ft Vtek
- Trouble Dey Sleep ft Konga
- Jaga Jaga Reloaded
- Oti Get E
Personal Life & Controversies
Eedris Abdulkareem, a Nigerian musician, is married to Sekinat Yetude. They exchanged vows in an intimate ceremony back in 2004 and have remained devoted to each other ever since. Their union has been blessed with children, adding to the richness of their family life.
Beyond his personal life, Eedris has often found himself embroiled in controversies, both online and offline, adding layers to his public persona. One notable incident involved a feud with the renowned American rapper 50Cent during the latter’s visit to Nigeria for a show.
Additionally, according to an interview with Daddy Showkey conducted by Daddy Freeze, Eedris had a clash with DMX, another prominent American rapper, back in 2003 during the All-African Game.
Eedris faced a controversial period in Nigerian music with his colleague, Eddy Monatana. Their disagreements eventually led to the dissolution of their band, prompting them to pursue separate paths in their musical careers.
More recently, Eedris has been caught in public disputes with Burna Boy, another Nigerian artist. Their disagreements spilled over onto the internet, sparking heated exchanges and fueling controversies in the online space. These conflicts have garnered significant attention, further shaping Eedris Abdulkareem’s public image within the music industry and beyond.
Social Media
- Instagram: @abdulkareemeedris
Net Worth
Eedris has an estimated net worth of about US$1 – US$5 million.
