Nigerian rapper Jeremiah Chukwuebuka Ani, also known as Jeriq, claims that music saved him from going to prison.
According to Naija News, Jeriq spoke candidly with YouTuber The Smallie about his multiple arrests by law enforcement for various offences.
The Enugu-born rapper explained that music kept him away from vices because otherwise he would have been imprisoned.
He stated, “I have been arrested multiple times by law enforcement due to vices.” Handcuffs have left scars on my hands and legs. Anti-cult police have previously arrested me.
“I thank God for music. If it weren’t for music, I’d probably be in prison by now.
Jeriq described the difficulties he encountered when he first moved to Lagos to advance his career, stating that there were no opportunities to meet artists and that securing collaborations proved difficult.
The rapper also expressed confidence in his ability to gain international recognition by rapping in his native Igbo language.
He stated that when he first arrived in Lagos, he did not have the opportunity to meet artists due to his lack of popularity. Collaboration with any artist was difficult at the time because I was still in my early stages.
“However, things changed when I returned in 2021, and I was able to do a collaborative EP with Dremo called ‘East and West’.”
