M.I Abaga Hails Eedris Abdulkareem, Burna, VDM

M.I Abaga hails Eedris Abdulkareem, Burna Boy and VDM for bravery and activism, comparing their impact on Nigerian society through music and bold speech

Veteran rapper M.I Abaga has praised legendary artist Eedris Abdulkareem, global Afrobeats star Burna Boy, and outspoken activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) for their shared traits of courage, boldness and societal impact.

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Speaking on the Menism podcast, the revered lyricist drew powerful comparisons between artists across generations.

He said that Eedris Abdulkareem, known for his fearless music and advocacy, was a trailblazer whose energy and boldness resembled that of today’s Burna Boy and Rema.

M.I referenced Eedris’s iconic 2002 hit “Mr Lecturer”, a song that boldly tackled sexual exploitation in universities, as a strong example of conscious music.

“It’s a different thing when you are a young rapper and you look up and you see Eldee The Don. Then there’s Ruggedman, who brought a new flair to the rap industry. There is also this guy called Eedris Abdulkareem. He was just like Rema,” M.I said.

The Chairman rapper explained that while Rema has vibrant energy, it is Abdulkareem’s socially charged lyrics and raw confidence that make him more aligned with Burna Boy and activist VDM.

Eedris was more like Burna and VDM. He would just say a thing and put it out there and everybody will be singing it.

“When you see Rema now, that was the energy that Eedris had back in the days. He was the Burna Boy of then,” M.I continued.

“Rema has it but now that I think about it, I would say Eedris was more like Burna and VDM. He would just say a thing and put it out there and everybody will be singing it.”

M.I’s comments come amid a resurgence of interest in conscious music and bold commentary in Nigeria’s entertainment space.

His tribute highlights the long-standing tradition of artists using music as a tool for truth and reform.

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The rapper’s remarks have sparked positive reactions among fans, many of whom praised the acknowledgment of music’s role in activism and the ongoing influence of pioneering figures like Abdulkareem.