Eedris Abdulkareem releases new song ‘Emi Lokan’, drags Adeboye, Tinubu
Nigerian singer Eedris Abdulkareem has released a new song titled ‘Emi Lokan,’ targeting prominent figures like President Bola Tinubu, ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, and Pastor Adeboye.
The song highlights the struggles facing Nigerians, including widespread hunger and economic hardship. Eedris criticizes the political elite for neglecting the common people and questions their response to the crisis. He also calls out Pastor Adeboye for his silence during tough times and criticizes the government’s spending amidst the suffering of the populace. The song paints a grim picture of the state of the nation, emphasizing insecurity, economic challenges, and lack of accountability in leadership.
He criticised Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the senior pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, over his silence on the hardship in the country.
Eedris, in the newly released satirical song accused Adeboye of hypocrisy in the face of the hardship confronting Nigerians under Tinubu’s government.
Eedris mentioned that while Adeboye was vocal in criticising the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, he has remained silent over the hardships faced by Nigerians under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He said, “During Good Luck Jonathan, your voice was so loud, you vowed to stage a one-million-dollar match. Hunger and hardship under Tinubu’s government; you said Nigeria has a spiritual problem.”
READ ALSO: BOLA AHMED TINUBU: “Emi lokan and Sons” Nigeria Limited.
Calling for a protest against Tinubu’s administration, Eedris said, “Baba, we need your one million disciples to protest against Tinubu’s government just the way you protested against President Jonathan.
“This is a very big hypocrisy; this is the time for you to speak the truth to power because hunger wants to kill Nigerians.”
He also claimed in the song that Emi Lokan [It’s my turn], a popular slogan used by Tinubu during his electoral campaign, has turned to Ebi Lokan [It’s hunger’s turn] as Nigerians complain of hunger across the nation.
“Emi lokan don turn ebi lokan Yorubas are screaming “’ebi panwao ooo”
Speaking on the minimum wage demands of the organised labour, Eedris Abdulkareem said senators and house of Representative members should be paid N65,000, so “everybody would enjoy the suffering and smiling.”
Who’s Eedris Abdulkareem?
Abdulkareem is a Nigerian hip hop, R&B, and Afrobeat artist, songwriter, and singer who was born on December 24, 1974, in Kano, Nigeria. He is one of the pioneers of Nigerian hip hop and is regarded as one of the most influential Nigerian rappers of all time. He gained popularity as the lead rapper of the defunct hip hop boy band The Remedies and has since released several studio albums and singles addressing political, societal, and cultural issues in Nigeria.
Early Life and Education
Abdulkareem was born in a polygamous family and lost his father at the age of two. He grew up in Kano but adopted it as his state of origin, despite his father being from Ilesha in Osun State and his mother being from Ogun State. He lost eight of his elder siblings as time went by.
Personal Life
Abdulkareem is married to Yetunde and they have children together. In 2000, he was among the personalities voted for by the Nigerian public to carry the Olympic torch in a relay through the country.
Musical Career
Abdulkareem’s musical career began in 1997 when he performed with The Remedies until they split in 2002. He then continued as a solo artist and released his debut album “P.A.S.S.” (Pains And Stress = Success) in 2002, followed by “Mr. Lecturer” later that same year. His third album “Jaga Jaga” (Yoruba word for shambles) addressed corruption and suffering in Nigeria, causing controversy with the former president Olusegun Obasanjo led administration. In response to a temporary ban from performing live concerts and events, Abdulkareem released “Letter to Mr President” in 2005 to address corruption issues in Nigeria.
In June 2024, Abdulkareem made headlines after releasing a new song titled “Emi Lokan,” where he criticized the current administration of Bola Tinubu and past administrations for the high cost of living and what he perceived as hypocrisy of popular religious leader EA Adeboye for not speaking out against corruption.
Discography
Here are some of Abdulkareem’s notable albums and singles:
Studio albums: Pass (2002), Mr. Lecturer (2002), Jaga Jaga (2004), Letter to Mr. President (2005), King Is Back (2007), Unfinished Business (2010), Nothing But The Truth (2020).
Singles: “Wonkere ft Fatai rolling dollar” (2011), “Jaga Jaga part 2” (2012), “Sekere” ft Vector (2013), “Fela ft Femi Kuti” (2013), “I Go Whoze You ft Vtek” (2013), “Trouble Dey Sleep” ft Konga (2016), “Jaga Jaga Reloaded” (2021), “Oti Get E” (2021), “Emi lokan” (2024).
Eedris Abdulkareem is a Nigerian hip hop artist known for addressing political, societal, and cultural issues in Nigeria through his music. Despite facing controversy and backlash from authorities, Abdulkareem remains committed to using his platform to advocate for change in Nigeria. His latest single “Emi Lokan” highlights his continued dedication to promoting truth and justice in Nigeria’s political landscape.
