Jeriq Opens Up: How Music Kept Me Out Of Trouble And Behind Bars

According to Ireporter Online, Nigerian rapper Jeremiah Chukwuebuka Ani, popularly known as Jeriq, has revealed that music played a crucial role in keeping him out of prison.

In a candid interview with YouTuber The Smallie, the Enugu-born artist recounted multiple arrests by law enforcement agencies for various offences, explaining that music helped steer him away from 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. Thank God for music. If not for music, I would probably be in prison by now,” Jeriq said.

Discussing the challenges he faced when he first moved to Lagos to advance his career, Jeriq noted the difficulties in meeting established artists and securing collaborations. He expressed confidence that rapping in his native Igbo language would help him gain international recognition.

He added, “The first time I came to Lagos, I wasn’t popular, so I didn’t have any opportunity to meet artists. It was difficult to collaborate with anyone because I was still upcoming. However, things changed when I returned in 2021, and I was able to do a collaborative EP with Dremo titled ‘East and West’.”