M.I Abaga Names Burna Boy, Eedris Abdulkareem, VDM as Voices of Bravery and Activism

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Veteran Nigerian rapper, M.I Abaga, has drawn an unexpected parallel between three controversial but influential public figures Burna Boy, Eedris Abdulkareem, and VeryDarkMan (VDM) highlighting their shared traits of bravery and activism.

Speaking on the Menism podcast, M.I explained that what inspires him most in rap is the presence of fearless voices in the industry. He stated that all three individuals Burna Boy, Eedris, and VDM are unafraid to speak their minds, regardless of public backlash. He emphasized that such fearlessness is what truly influences culture and gives weight to their platforms.

“I don’t like it when people say no one paved the way for them,” M.I said. “When you are young and looking up to someone like Eldee, Ruggedman, or Eedris, it gives you direction. Eedris Abdulkareem had the same energy we now see in Rema. But looking closely, Eedris was more like Burna Boy and VeryDarkMan. He would just say something, put it out there, and everyone would be singing it.”

He referenced Eedris’ classic conscious song, Mr Lecturer, which tackled sexual harassment in Nigerian universities, to illustrate how the rapper used music as a tool for social commentary similar to the activism seen in VDM’s online rants and Burna Boy’s politically-charged lyrics.

M.I’s comments come at a time when each of the three figures continue to dominate headlines Burna Boy for his outspokenness and activism through music, Eedris for his enduring legacy of bold criticism, and VDM for his fearless social media activism.

By aligning them, M.I reaffirms that bravery in the public sphere remains a powerful force for influence, and perhaps a necessary tool for driving meaningful change in Nigerian society.

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