Eedris Abdulkareem is a prominent Nigerian musician, known for his hit songs and impactful career in the entertainment industry. In this blog, we’ll dive into Eedris Abdulkareem net worth, shedding light on his financial success and accomplishments. We’ll also explore details about his wife, children, and family life, with a glimpse into his personal world. Additionally, we’ll touch on Eedris Abdulkareem’s age, his journey in music, and some of his most popular songs that have left a mark on Nigerian music.
Early Life and Background
Eedris Turayo Abdulkareem Ajenifuja, popularly known as Eedris Abdulkareem, was born on December 24, 1974, in Kano, Nigeria. Despite being born in Kano, he has roots in Osun State, as his father hailed from Ilesha, while his mother was from Ogun State. However, he embraced Kano as his home state. Coming from a polygamous family, Eedris Abdulkareem faced numerous challenges early in life, including the tragic loss of his father when he was just two years old. Over time, he also lost eight of his elder siblings, experiences that shaped his resilience and determination in life.
Music Career and Rise to Fame
Eedris Abdulkareem is widely regarded as a pioneer of Nigerian hip-hop. He started his career in the mid-1990s as a lead rapper in the defunct Nigerian hip-hop group The Remedies, alongside Tony Tetuila and Eddy Montana. The group was instrumental in popularizing rap music in Nigeria, inspiring a new generation of hip-hop artists.
After The Remedies disbanded, Eedris Abdulkareem embarked on a solo career that propelled him to greater heights. His debut solo album, “Pass” (2001), marked the beginning of his dominance in the Nigerian music industry. However, it was his subsequent albums, “Mr. Lecturer” (2002) and “Jaga Jaga” (2004), that solidified his place as a controversial yet influential rapper.
The song “Jaga Jaga”, which criticized corruption and poor governance in Nigeria, gained massive attention and sparked political controversy. The song was even banned from radio stations by the then-president, Olusegun Obasanjo, but this only boosted its popularity among Nigerians who resonated with its message.
Eedris Abdulkareem songs and Musical Achievements
Eedris Abdulkareem has released several albums and singles throughout his career. Below is a list of his old and new songs as well as studio albums:
- Pass (2001)
- Mr. Lecturer (2002)
- Jaga Jaga (2004)
- Letter to Mr. President (2005)
- King Is Back (2007)
- Unfinished Business (2010)
- Nothing But The Truth (2020)
His notable singles include:
- “Wonkere” ft. Fatai Rolling Dollar (2011)
- “Jaga Jaga Part 2” (2012)
- “Sekere” ft. Vector (2013)
- “Fela” ft. Femi Kuti (2013)
- “I Go Whoze You” ft. Vtek (2013)
- “Trouble Dey Sleep” ft. Konga (2016)
- “Jaga Jaga Reloaded” (2021)
- “Oti Get E” (2021)
- “Emi Lokan” (2024)
Controversies and Activism
Eedris Abdulkareem is known for his boldness in speaking truth to power. His music often addresses issues such as corruption, poor governance, and social injustices. Apart from “Jaga Jaga,” he has released other politically conscious songs, such as “Letter to Mr. President” (2005) and “Emi Lokan” (2024), where he criticized past and present Nigerian administrations, including Muhammadu Buhari and Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
What happened between Eedris Abdulkareem and 50 cent?
The conflict between Nigerian musician Eedris Abdulkareem and American rapper 50 Cent erupted in 2004 during 50 Cent’s visit to Lagos for a concert. Eedris Abdulkareem, a member of the group The Remedies and an activist for local artists’ rights, publicly criticized 50 Cent’s team for allegedly displacing Nigerian performers from a designated tour bus, leaving them stranded. Abdulkareem, then a vice president of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), viewed this as a disrespectful act emblematic of the marginalization of African artists in favor of foreign stars. His outrage echoed themes from his hit protest song “Jaga Jaga,” which critiqued Nigeria’s societal decay and inequality.
Abdulkareem’s vocal stance sparked a media feud. He accused 50 Cent and his entourage of exhibiting neo-colonial attitudes, while 50 Cent retaliated by mocking Abdulkareem in interviews and lyrics, notably in the track “Piggy Bank,” where he dismissively referenced the incident. While 50 Cent downplayed the dispute, Eedris Abdulkareem framed it as a fight for dignity, urging Nigerian artists to reject subservience.
This fueled discussions on how international artists treated Nigerian musicians at the time.
Eedris Abdulkareem Wife, children and Family
Eedris Abdulkareem is married to Yetunde Abdulkareem, and they have children together. Despite his controversies in the music industry, he has maintained a stable family life, often expressing gratitude to his wife for her support throughout his career. In 2022, Eedris Abdulkareem publicly appreciated Yetunde for donating a kidney to him during his battle with kidney disease, a testimony of their strong marital bond.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, Eedris Abdulkareem has received several awards and recognitions. In 2000, he was one of the selected personalities chosen by the Nigerian public to carry the Olympic torch in a relay across Nigeria, an honor that highlighted his influence beyond music.
Although he has faced numerous bans and controversies, his impact on Nigerian hip-hop remains undeniable. His courage to address political and social issues in his music has made him a voice of the people.
New Songs and “Emi Lokan” (2024)
In June 2024, Eedris Abdulkareem made headlines again after releasing the song “Emi Lokan”, where he criticized the high cost of living under the administration of Bola Tinubu and also called out religious leaders like Pastor E.A. Adeboye for what he perceived as their hypocrisy in remaining silent on national issues.
His consistent involvement in political and social activism through music proves that he remains one of Nigeria’s most fearless and outspoken musicians.
Legacy and Influence
Eedris Abdulkareem’s contributions to Afro-hip-hop, his activism, and his ability to use music as a tool for social change continue to inspire younger generations.
Despite facing government bans, criticism, and industry setbacks, he has remained steadfast in his mission to speak for the common man through music. His name is etched in the history of Nigerian hip-hop as one of the most influential and fearless artists Nigeria has ever produced.
Eedris Abdulkareem net worth
Eedris Abdulkareem net worth in 2025 is estimated to be around $10,000. Over the years, his influence in the Nigerian music industry has grown significantly. As a pioneer of Nigerian hip-hop, he has released several hit songs that gained massive attention from fans and critics alike. Despite challenges, Eedris Abdulkareem remains a respected figure in the entertainment industry. His net worth reflects his decades-long contribution to music and activism. Known for his bold lyrics and social commentary, he continues to make an impact. Eedris Abdulkareem net worth may evolve as he pursues new projects in the industry.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
