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Entertainment of Monday, 13 January 2020

Source: www.mynigeria.com

I’ve been vindicated because Nigeria is still ‘Jaga Jaga’ – Eedris Abdulkareem

Eedris AbdulKareem Eedris AbdulKareem

Rapper Eedris AbdulKareem has stated that he feels vindicated by the situation in the country which still persists years after his hit song 'Jaga Jaga'.

Eedris released the song in 2002 to lament the horrible state of Nigeria. Sadly, all the problems discussed in the song are still bedeviling Nigeria.

Speaking in an interview on Channels TV, Eedris AbdulKareem said:

“In 2002 I dropped Nigeria Jaga Jaga, and the ex-president came on the National TV and said that boy wey sing that song, na him papa and him family jaga jaga. I was very happy that my message got to the president. I was very happy that the president talked back at me because that means they were listening and today I’ve been vindicated again because Nigeria is still jaga jaga".

Recently, the rapper advised celebrities and social media influencers to lend their voices and use their platforms more for social change than being brand ambassadors.

Eedris said celebrities would do better by channelling their creative energies into educating their numerous fans and the public on the way forward by speaking truth to power.

In a chat with Saturday Beats, the outspoken rapper said, “Without apologies, I make bold to say that that should be their main focus. I am not saying that we should forget about the ‘Benjamins’, no, far from that; it is showbiz after all.

“What I am saying is that all creative talents are gifts bestowed on some of us by providence to help lift up humanity and positively impact on our environment. If half of the celebrities in the creative industry can channel half of their talents to change Nigeria for the better, our story would change.

“Imagine all these acts channelling their creative energies into educating their numerous fans and the listening/viewing public on the way forward by speaking truth to power?

“The impact will be massive; very huge. We are influencers and opinion moulders, and I strongly believe that we should be positive and credible in carrying out this onerous responsibility.

Asked why he agitated relentlessly for the release of human rights activist and founder of Sahara Reporters, Omoyele Sowore, he said, “Sowore is my brother and friend! He’s my brother in ‘aluta’ and in the quest for a better standard of living for all Nigerians through the enthronement of good governance devoid of all the shenanigans we see every day in Nigeria.

“Above it all, Sowore is a jolly good guy and a firm believer in Project Nigeria, like me.

The rapper also maintained that he would not stop talking about social ills through his music. He said, “I am as consistent as any human can be. And I’ll always be myself, and yes, of course, you can bet that I have done more than one song on my thoughts as it concerns this current regime. Some are out there already while some are still incubating.”