Nigerian rapper Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, popularly known as CDQ, has revealed why he walked away from a stable banking career to chase his dream in music.
In a recent interview with Echo Room, the rapper, born Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, shared a personal story about how he traded the corporate world for the recording studio.
According to him, his decision to become a banker was driven by the desire to honour his late father’s wishes. However, he soon realised that the job didn’t bring him joy.
“I became a banker because of my dad,” CDQ said. “He wanted me to wear suits and work in an office, and I wanted to make him proud. But deep inside, I wasn’t fulfilled. I was working, but my heart wasn’t in it.”
While still working at the bank, CDQ said he began to notice his growing distraction. Instead of focusing on his tasks, he found himself scribbling lyrics on paper, thinking about beats and rhymes.
“I would sit in the office and start writing songs instead of handling customer files,” he said. “That’s when I knew I wasn’t where I was supposed to be.”
At the time, CDQ was staying with his close friend and music producer, Masterkraft, who was also supporting him in more ways than one. He revealed that Masterkraft even lent him suits to wear to work because he couldn’t afford his own.
Eventually, CDQ made a life-changing decision.
“I quit my bank job,” he said. “I didn’t even tell my mum or any member of my family. I just packed my things and went to stay in the studio with Masterkraft. I told him I didn’t want to do banking anymore. That was never my passion.”
According to CDQ, it was a bold step, but he was convinced it was the right one. Even though music didn’t guarantee immediate financial reward, he was more at peace doing what he loved.
“Music gives me joy,” he said. “Even if I don’t make money from it, I’m still happy. That’s how I knew it was the right path.”
CDQ said he had a conversation with Masterkraft where he made a promise that if they both focused fully on their craft, success would come within six months. That confidence soon paid off.
“Before six months, we got a record deal,” CDQ recalled. “We moved out of the ghetto and into Lekki. That was the beginning of our breakthrough.”
The decision marked a turning point in CDQ’s life and career. He began to gain recognition in the music industry, and in 2016, he broke through with the hit single Indomie, featuring Masterkraft and Olamide. The track became an instant street anthem, earning him fans across the country.
The remix, which featured music superstar Davido, pushed the song even further and solidified CDQ’s place in the Nigerian music scene.
Looking back, CDQ said leaving the bank was one of the hardest decisions he’s ever made, but also the most rewarding. His journey highlights the struggles many young Nigerians face in choosing between job security and personal passion.
“I took a risk,” he said. “I didn’t know if it would work out, but I knew I couldn’t keep living a life that didn’t make me happy.”
Today, CDQ is one of Nigeria’s respected rappers, known for his blend of indigenous Yoruba rap and energetic delivery. But behind the fame is a story of courage, faith, and a leap into the unknown, all in pursuit of purpose.
