Jeriq: Claim that Igbo artists don’t support one another is wrong

Rapper Jeremiah Chukwuebuka Ani, popularly known as Jeriq, has rejected the notion that Igbo artists do not support one another, describing the assertion as baseless.

Speaking on a recent episode of The Vybz TV Cartel podcast, Jeriq cited personal experiences to counter the narrative.

He highlighted the contributions of established stars such as Flavour and Phyno, noting that both artists have collaborated with him without requesting payment.

He credited Flavour with helping him secure his biggest song, Oluoma, explaining that Flavour delivered a verse for free. Jeriq added that he and Phyno have worked together on three tracks, also without charge.

According to him, the success of many emerging Igbo artists can be traced to the support and endorsements they have received from senior figures in the industry.

“The narrative that Igbo people don’t help each other is a fallacy. Flavour, for instance, has supported numerous artists, including several rising Igbo musicians who are now thriving because of his co-sign,” he said.

“I am also a beneficiary of Flavour’s magnanimity. My biggest song ever in this life 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.

“I collaborate with other artists, and they send me a contract and a split-sheet. But Phyno and Flavour have never collected a dime from me. I have done three songs with Phyno and one hit with Flavour. They collaborated with me free of charge,” he explained.

Jeriq also added that Igbo artists can achieve international success, citing Asake’s success with Yoruba language songs.

He predicted an Igbo artist would sell out a US or Paris stadium performing in Igbo.

“The way Asake is doing everything with the Yoruba language, I believe that somebody will sell out a stadium either in the U.S. or Paris with the Igbo language,” he added.