Eedris Abdulkareem Shares Amusing Story of Obasanjo's Reaction to 'Jaga Jaga'
Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem has revealed a humorous incident involving former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his controversial hit song "Jagajaga". The rapper detailed the episode during a recent appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast, describing how Obasanjo initially danced to the track before realizing it was the same song he had previously banned and criticized.
The Initial Television Criticism
According to Abdulkareem, the story began when he received an urgent phone call while sleeping. "I was sleeping one day and received a call from someone, 'Put on your TV, Obasanjo is talking about you.' I was like, really, what did I do?" he recounted. Upon turning on his television, he heard Obasanjo delivering harsh remarks about the song.
"And I heard Obasanjo say that he loves songs like 'If you push me, I will push you', he loves songs like 'He go better', but there is one stupid boy that sang 'Nigeria Jagajaga'. It's his father and his mother that are Jagajaga," the rapper quoted the former president as saying.
Despite the strong language, Abdulkareem expressed excitement rather than offense, interpreting the criticism as evidence that his song's message had reached the highest levels of Nigerian leadership.
The European Event Encounter
Approximately three months after the television incident, Abdulkareem received an invitation to perform at an international event in Europe attended by Obasanjo and other dignitaries. The rapper explained that the German ambassador specifically requested his presence at the gathering where the former president would be in attendance.
"Three months later, my friend, the German ambassador, reached out and said I should come perform at an event where the president would be. When it was my turn, before I got on stage, the DJ started playing 'Jagajaga'," Abdulkareem described.
The Moment of Realization
The situation took a dramatic turn when Obasanjo, initially enjoying the music and dancing along, suddenly recognized the track. "At that moment, Obasanjo didn't know the song. He was dancing. A few minutes later, it dawned on him that it was 'Nigeria Jagajaga'. He got upset immediately, stood up and travelled back to Nigeria," the rapper revealed.
This swift departure from the international event highlighted the former president's strong reaction upon realizing he was dancing to the very song he had publicly condemned and banned months earlier.
Social Media Reactions
Following the podcast appearance, social media users shared varied responses to Abdulkareem's story:
- @Yo_itzdammy commented: "Sure me say if na Tulumbu He go dance to the song lol… miss the days when we had leaders who genuinely cared for and loved the country."
- @OlusojiAbosede stated: "Each time I want to fight for African rights, I use only one hand — because the other hand is busy trying to keep away Africans who are fighting me."
Background on the Controversy
Eedris Abdulkareem's "Jagajaga" track, released in 2004, became controversial for its critical commentary on Nigeria's socio-political landscape. The song faced government opposition during Obasanjo's administration, with authorities attempting to restrict its airplay and distribution.
The rapper previously clashed with the federal government over the ban, publicly expressing his grievances and questioning the decision. Fans and supporters rallied behind him, criticizing what they perceived as censorship of artistic expression.
This latest revelation adds another chapter to the ongoing narrative between the artist and the former political leader, highlighting the intersection of music, politics, and freedom of expression in Nigeria's cultural landscape.
