Quick Facts
Biography
Eedris Abdulkareem is a Nigerian hip hop singer.
Born Eedris Turayo Abdulkareem Ajenifuja 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. He lost his father when he was 2 and 8 of his brothers.
Career
Abdulkareem performed with hip-hop band The Remedies from 1997 until they split in 2002. He continued as a solo artist and released the album P.A.S.S. ("Pains And Stress = Success") in 2002. Its track "Wackawickee MC's" criticized Tony Tetuila, Plantashun Boiz and Double X Posse. Later in the same year he released an album titled Mr. Lecturer. Its title track thematised students in Nigerian colleges and universities receiving higher grades in exchange for money and sex.
In 2004 Abdulkareem released his third album Jaga Jaga, a Yoruba term for a shambles, declaiming corruption and suffering in Nigeria. The title track was banned from radio by President Olusegun Obasanjo, but continued to be played in nightclubs. The album cover was by artist Lemi Ghariokwu, known for creating many album covers for Fela Kuti.
In November 2005, Abdulkareem launched his own record label, La Kreem Music and released his fourth album, Letter to Mr. President. The album's title track addressed Obasanjo's criticisms of "Jaga Jaga"; the album also featured "Flash Up Unu Lighter", a tribute to Obasanjo's wife, Stella, who died while undergoing surgery in Spain, and the victims of the Bellview Airlines crash of October 2005.
He released a sequel to "Jaga Jaga" in January 2012 during the Occupy Nigeria protest against lifting of fuel subsidies.
He has also performed on tracks by other artists including "Bad Guy Baller" featuring Mode 9 and VTEK and a track by Oba Mmega.
Personal life
Abdulkareem married Yetunde in 2004. They have 4 children.
Other activities
In 2000 Abdulkareem was among the personalities voted for by the Nigerian public to carry the Olympic torch in a relay through the country.
Discography
Studio albums
- P.A.S.S (2002)
- Mr. Lecturer (2002)
- Jaga Jaga (2004)
- Letter to Mr. President (2005)
- King Is Back (2007)
- Unfinished Business (2010)
Singles
- " Jaga Jaga part 2 (2012) Single
- " Wonkere ft Fatai rolling dollar (2011) single
- " Sekere ft Vector(2013) single
- " Fela ft Femi Kuti (2013) single
- "I Go Whoze You ft Vtek (2013) single
- " Trouble Dey Sleep ft Konga (2016) Single