Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has opened up about his long-standing clash with former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his controversial protest song ‘Nigeria Jagajaga’.
Speaking during an appearance on the podcast, The Honest Bunch, the rapper recounted how he first learned of Obasanjo’s criticism through a phone call while at home.
According to Abdulkareem, he was shocked to hear the former president publicly condemn the song on television, allegedly describing him as a “stupid boy” and criticizing the track’s harsh portrayal of Nigeria.
“I was sleeping when someone called me to turn on my TV. Obasanjo was talking about me. He said he liked some songs, but there was one stupid boy who sang Nigeria Jagajaga,” he said.
Despite the harsh remarks, the rapper said he felt validated that his message had reached the highest levels of government.
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The situation took another twist months later, when Abdulkareem was invited to perform at an international event in Europe attended by Obasanjo and other dignitaries.
He revealed that the DJ unexpectedly played ‘Nigeria Jagajaga’ before his performance, and the former president initially danced along, unaware of the song.
However, once Obasanjo realized it was the same track he had criticized, Abdulkareem claimed the mood changed instantly.
“He was dancing at first, but when it dawned on him that it was ‘Nigeria Jagajaga’, he got upset and left,” the rapper added.
Released in the early 2000s, “Nigeria Jagajaga” sparked national debate for its blunt critique of governance and socio-economic conditions in the country, cementing Abdulkareem’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken musicians.
