Renowned music executive Soso Soberekon has offered insights into the impact of Eedris Abdulkareem’s infamous confrontation with American rapper 50 Cent and his crew in 2004, suggesting that the incident catalyzed positive changes in the treatment of Nigerian artists.
According to DAILY POST, Abdulkareem has faced criticism for claiming to have championed the Nigerian music industry’s growth and paved the way for today’s top artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido. However, Soberekon, speaking in a recent interview with Daddy Freeze, acknowledged the significance of Abdulkareem’s actions in shedding light on the inequities faced by Nigerian musicians.
Soberekon admitted that while Abdulkareem’s approach may have been contentious, the confrontation with 50 Cent’s crew served as a turning point for the industry. He asserted that prior to this incident, Nigerian artists were subjected to deplorable treatment, likening it to being treated as “rats.”
“What happened between Eedris and 50 Cent helped the industry, but he did it in a wrong way. Before then, Nigerian musicians were treated like rats,” Soberekon remarked.
His comments highlight a nuanced perspective on Abdulkareem’s role in advocating for improved conditions for Nigerian artists. Soberekon acknowledges the importance of addressing industry injustices while also critiquing the manner in which Abdulkareem chose to confront them.