Nigerian rapper Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, widely known as CDQ, has said that success in the Nigerian music industry now heavily depends on membership in a cabal, gang, or cult group.
The rapper made this known during a recent interview with content creator JBrandy.
According to CDQ, the industry has shifted from a merit-based system to a game of belonging, where artistes who lack such affiliations face barriers, often spending huge amounts of money with little to show for it.
He said, “The music industry has turned to a game of belonging to a particular caucus, gang or cult before anyone could actually help you.”
The rapper explained that the current system is very tough for independent artistes, he noted that those who try to make it without any godfather or secret group backing often face a barrier, even after spending a lot of money.
“If you don’t belong to a particular cult group, you might probably spend a lot of money and not see anything in return,” he added.
CDQ further stated that for any artiste who manages to hit the limelight without these types of affiliations, it is simply a matter of luck.
“So, if you are able to achieve success in the music industry without associating with any cabal or cult group, you should be grateful to God,” the rapper stated.
Born on 6 May 1985 in Orile, Lagos, Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf hails from Ilorin, Kwara State. A Muslim by faith, he balanced his early interest in music with his education, eventually graduating with a degree in Economics from the Lagos State University.
His journey into professional music began in 2008, when he was a backup singer for the late rap legend, Da Grin. He later gained prominence after winning a rap battle at the Industry Nite in 2012. This victory earned him a recording contract with Masterkraft’s General Records in 2013, which served as his gateway to stardom.
He came in the limelight in 2014 following the release of his hit single, ‘Indomie’, featuring Olamide. The song’s success, grew by a remix featuring Davido, established him as a force to reckon with in the industry.
Known for his energetic delivery and his signature ‘Woss Wobi’ ad-libs, he gained ground in the Nigerian Music Industry with his debut album, Quality (2016). The album featured commercial hits like ‘Nowo E Soke’ featuring Wizkid, a track that earned him the ‘Best Afro Hip-Hop Video’ at the 2016 Nigeria Music Video Awards.
In 2016, he founded his own record label, N.S.N.S (No Struggle No Success Entertainment). His second studio album, Ibile Mugabe, followed in 2019, further cementing his reputation. Over the years, he has collaborated with industry giants, including Phyno, KizzDaniel, and Wande Coal.
