Jeriq debunks the myth that Igbo artists don’t support each other, citing free collaborations with Flavour and Phyno as proof of solidarity
Nigerian rapper Jeremiah Chukwuebuka Ani, popularly known as Jeriq, has dismissed claims that artists of Igbo extraction do not support each other in the music industry, a narrative often contrasted with the perceived solidarity among Yoruba artists.
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Speaking on a recent episode of The Vybz TV Cartel podcast, Jeriq described the claim as a “fallacy,” highlighting that many of his most impactful collaborators are also Igbos.
“The narrative that Igbo people don’t help each other is a fallacy. Flavour, for example, has helped a lot of artists, including several rising Igbo artists who are now thriving in the music industry due to his co-sign,” Jeriq said.
Jeriq said he personally benefited from Flavour’s generosity, noting that his hit track Oluoma featured a verse provided by Flavour free of charge.
“My biggest song ever is Oluoma. Who gave me the verse? Flavour. Numbers don’t lie. It’s my biggest song ever. Flavour did not collect a dime from me,” he explained.
He added that collaborations with Phyno have also been done without financial exchanges.
“I have done three songs with Phyno and one hit with Flavour. They collaborated with me free of charge,” he said.
Looking ahead, Jeriq expressed optimism that Igbo-language artists could one day achieve international success comparable to Asake’s accomplishments with Yoruba-language music.
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“The way Asake is doing everything with Yoruba language, I believe that somebody will sell out a stadium either in the U.S or Paris with Igbo language,” he added.
Peculiar Adirika is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
