- EM.I revealed what Burna Boy, Eedris Abdulkareem, and VDM have in common
Veteran Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga recently drew comparisons between music legend Eedris Abdulkareem, Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy, and social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM).
According to him, the three figures shared strong qualities like courage, boldness, and activism.
M.I made this statement during a past episode of the Menism podcast while discussing the artists who inspired his journey into rap.
He expressed his disapproval of artists who claim that no one paved the way for them. “What inspired me to rap was my love for the music itself,” he said. “A lot of young people have that one thing they’re passionate about.”
He recalled how he once dreamed of becoming a cartoonist but had to give it up due to the lack of animation studios in Nigeria.
Eventually, he focused on music and found inspiration in local rap icons like Eldee the Don and Ruggedman.
However, he singled out Eedris Abdulkareem for his fearless energy and outspokenness. “Eedris had the same wild energy Rema has today,” M.I said. “But when I think about it now, he was more like Burna Boy and VeryDarkMan, bold, outspoken, and conscious.”
M.I noted that Eedris used his music as a tool for social change, citing his track Mr Lecturer and other songs that addressed real-life issues.
The rapper’s comments highlighted the lasting influence of artists who use their platforms to challenge the status quo.
2. Seun Kuti accused President Tinubu of only covering up crimes as his major achievement
Grammy-nominated Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of using harsh economic policies to shield the political elite from justice.
In a video message shared online, Kuti claimed that Tinubu’s only notable achievement so far had been “covering up crimes.” According to him, the administration’s tough economic decisions, which had deepened poverty across the country, were not made to help ordinary Nigerians but to protect corrupt politicians.
Kuti said, “What the president did was not bravery, it was wickedness. He made life harder for Nigerians just to bury the crimes of the political class.”
The singer also aimed at the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, following the minister’s remarks during a media chat. He said Wike’s primary concern was the rise of a new opposition coalition that sought to disrupt the existing political order.
According to Kuti, Wike expressed disappointment that the coalition, made up of political figures who had benefited from the system, now wanted to “scatter the status quo.”
Kuti also referenced Wike’s claim that during Rotimi Amaechi’s tenure as Rivers State governor, Amaechi’s wife received N4 billion monthly. He said Wike’s remarks only exposed how deeply corruption had taken root in Nigeria’s political class.
He urged Nigerians to look beyond government rhetoric and recognise the damage done under the guise of reform, warning that the poor were being punished to protect the powerful.
3. ‘I didn’t retire, I took a break’, Timaya said
Nigerian singer Inetimi Alfred Odon, better known as Timaya, clarified that he had not retired from music.
The ‘Dem Mama’ hitmaker said his current pause was not a retirement but simply a break.
On his X account, Timaya wrote, “No be say the boy retire, the boy just been dey sleep….” This statement reassured fans who had speculated about his career status.
Timaya launched his solo career in 2005 with the release of his debut single, ‘Dem Mama.’ The song told the story of the Odi massacre, a tragic event that affected his home state, Bayelsa. The following year, he released his first album, ‘True Story,’ which helped cement his place in the Nigerian music scene.
Over his 20-year career, Timaya released eight albums, one EP, and many singles. His music gained popularity both in Nigeria and internationally. He worked with well-known global artists such as Sean Paul and Morgan Heritage.
Despite the break, Timaya’s influence in the music industry remains strong. Fans eagerly await his return to the studio and the release of new music. For now, the singer’s message was clear: he was resting, not quitting.
4. Billie Eilish criticised Israeli minister’s Gaza relocation plan
American singer Billie Eilish strongly condemned Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz’s plan to relocate all Palestinians in Gaza to a camp built on the ruins of Rafah.
On Monday, Katz told the press he had directed the military to move forward with plans to create a “humanitarian city.” This camp was intended to initially house about 600,000 Palestinians, to eventually accommodate all 2.1 million residents of Gaza.
Eilish reacted quickly to the news, describing Katz’s plan as horrific. She shared a screenshot of the report on her Instagram page, simply captioning it “Horrifying.” The Grammy-winning artist also called for increased aid to Gaza, highlighting the urgent need for clean water.
Over the past weeks, Billie Eilish has been vocal about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza following Israel’s military invasion.
She used her platform to raise awareness and push for relief efforts. Notably, she was among the celebrities who wore the red enamel pin at the 2024 Oscars to show support for a ceasefire in Gaza.
Her statements reflect growing concern among public figures about the situation in Gaza. Eilish’s condemnation and calls for aid aim to draw attention to the human suffering caused by the conflict.
Many hope that international pressure will lead to a peaceful resolution and humanitarian relief for those affected.
5. Police summoned Iyabo Ojo for alleged cyberbullying
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) invited actress Iyabo Ojo for questioning over alleged cyberbullying related to a live video she recorded in 2023.
The Lagos-based actress explained in a detailed post on Thursday that she was called to the National Cybercrime Centre in Abuja.
She said the invitation was linked to complaints about her video, where she accused certain individuals of involvement in the death of singer Mohbad.
In the video, Iyabo Ojo urged some people to come forward for an investigation to prove their innocence or guilt regarding Mohbad’s sudden death. She stated, “I was recently invited by the Nigeria Police Force, National Cybercrime Centre, Abuja, over petitions bordering on cyberbullying and other allegations concerning the live video I recorded a few years ago.”
This development came four months after a court cleared Sam Larry and Naira Marley of any involvement in Mohbad’s death. Mohbad passed away in September 2023 under controversial circumstances. His death stirred public outrage when videos emerged showing that he was allegedly bullied by his former record label boss, Naira Marley, and his associate, Sam Larry.
The public widely blamed the duo for Mohbad’s death, with Iyabo Ojo leading calls for justice. Due to public pressure, Sam Larry and Naira Marley were arrested in October 2023. In December 2023, Naira Marley demanded a public apology and N500 million in damages from Iyabo Ojo. The actress responded by filing a N1 billion lawsuit against him.
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