Tamuno Wokoma
Nigerian rap sensation Jeriq, born Jeremiah Chukwuebuka Ani, has opened up about how music became his saving grace, pulling him away from a life of crime and potential imprisonment.
During an intimate conversation with YouTuber The Smallie, the rapper disclosed his turbulent past, admitting to multiple arrests by law enforcement for involvement in illicit activities.
“I’ve been detained countless times—anti-cult squads, regular police, you name it. The scars from handcuffs are still visible on my wrists and ankles,” Jeriq confessed.
He credited his musical journey for redirecting his path: “Without music, I’d likely be behind bars today. It gave me purpose and kept me focused.”
Recalling his early struggles in Lagos, the Enugu-native artist revealed the challenges of breaking into the industry. “When I first arrived, nobody knew me. Getting collaborations felt impossible—I was just another upcoming act.”
His persistence paid off in 2021 when he teamed up with Dremo for the acclaimed EP ‘East and West’, marking a turning point in his career.
Jeriq remains unwavering in his belief that rapping in Igbo, his mother tongue, will propel him to global stardom, proving that authenticity resonates worldwide.
