Rapper Jeremiah Chukwuebuka Ani popularly known as Jeriq, has revealed that music saved him from a life of crime and prison.
In an interview with X influencer, Smallie, Jeriq disclosed that he was arrested multiple times by law enforcement agencies due to his involvement in vices.
“I have been arrested multiple times by law enforcement agencies due to vices. If you look at my hands and legs, you will see scars of handcuffs. Anti-cult, police have all arrested me before,” he said.
According to Jeriq, music became his saving grace, distracting him from negative influences. “Thank God for music. If not for music, I would probably be in prison by now,” he added.
The Enugu-born rapper shared his struggles to break into the Lagos music scene, initially facing difficulties collaborating with artists.
However, his 2021 EP “East and West” with Dremo marked a turning point in his career.
“The first time I came to Lagos, then I wasn’t popping so I didn’t have any opportunity to meet artists. It was difficult to collaborate with any artist then because I was still upcoming and had nothing to offer.
“However, things changed we I came back in 2021 and I was able to do a collaborative EP with Dremo titled ‘East and West’,” he explained.
Jeriq also said he is confident that rapping in his native Igbo language will help him gain international recognition, highlighting the global appeal of African languages and culture.
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