Popular indigenous rapper Jeremiah Chukwuebuka Ani, professionally known as Jeriq, has revealed that music changed the course of his life. The Enugu-born artist said his career helped him avoid a future behind bars.
In a recent interview with YouTuber The Smallie, Jeriq shared details about his life before fame. He admitted that he had frequent encounters with law enforcement due to his involvement in various vices. These situations led to multiple arrests and periods of detention.
The rapper pointed to physical marks on his body as evidence of his past struggles. He explained that scars on his hands and legs came from repeated arrests by police and anti-cult units.
Reflecting on his journey, Jeriq expressed gratitude for music. He said his career gave him a new focus and direction. Without it, he believes his life would have taken a very different path. He stated:
“I would likely be in prison today if not for music.”
Jeriq also spoke about the challenges he faced early in his career. He explained that breaking into the Lagos music scene was difficult as an upcoming artist. At the time, securing collaborations was nearly impossible.
His breakthrough came in 2021 with the release of the East and West collaborative EP alongside Dremo. The project marked a major turning point in his career and increased his visibility in the industry.
Looking ahead, Jeriq remains committed to his roots. He expressed confidence that rapping in his native Igbo language will not limit his global reach. The rapper said:
“I believe I can achieve international success while staying true to my cultural identity.”
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