Eedris Turayo Abdulkareem Ajenifuja, popularly known as Eedris Abdulkareem, is a trailblazing Nigerian Hip Hop, R&B, and Afrobeats artist, songwriter, and singer. His influential work has left an indelible mark on the Nigerian music scene.
Here are some key facts about his life and career:
1. Early Life and Background
– Eedris Abdulkareem was born on December 24, 1974, in Kano, Nigeria. His father hails from Ilesa in Osun State, while his mother is from Ogun State. Despite his parents’ origins, he considers Kano his birthplace.
2. Rise to Fame with The Remedies
– Eedris started rapping during his school years and gained prominence as a member of The Remedies, a pioneering Nigerian Hip Hop group that included Tony Tetuila and Eddy Montana. The group eventually disbanded, leading each member to pursue solo careers.
3. Solo Debut and Early Success
– In 2002, Eedris released his debut solo album, *Pass*, which received positive reviews from music critics. He followed this with *Mr Lecturer*, an album that addressed the issue of sexual harassment in colleges.
4. Controversy with “Jaga Jaga”
– In 2004, he released *Jaga Jaga*, an album that tackled themes of corruption and societal issues in Nigeria. The title track became controversial and was banned from airplay by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo.
5. Olympic Torchbearer
– Eedris was chosen by millions of Nigerians to represent the country and carry the Olympic torch, alongside notable figures such as Dora Akunyili and Pat Utomi.
6. Founding Lakreem Music
– In 2005, Eedris founded his own record label, Lakreem Music, and released his fourth album, *Letter to the President*, which addressed the backlash he received for *Jaga Jaga*.
7. Special Recognition Award
– On July 24, 2016, at the City People Entertainment Awards, Eedris received a special recognition award for his significant contributions to the Nigerian entertainment industry.
8. Recent Work
– In June 2024, Eedris released a new song titled “Emi Lokan,” which garnered public attention and highlighted his continued relevance in the music industry.
Eedris Abdulkareem remains a significant figure in Nigerian music, known for his bold commentary on social issues and his pioneering role in the Hip Hop genre.