Jeremiah Chukwuebuka Ani (born May 6, 1999), known professionally as Jeriq, is a Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. He released his debut single, Iyoo, in 2015. He gained local recognition with the release of his EP Hood Boy Dream (2020), which led to his signing with KOD Music Group. Under the label, he released his debut studio album, Billion Dollar Dream (2022), followed by a deluxe version in 2023.
Jeriq | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Jeremiah Chukwuebuka Ani |
| Also known as | Jeriq The Hussla[1] |
| Born | May 6, 1999 Nkpor, Onitsha, Nigeria |
| Origin | Enugu, Nigeria |
| Genres | Hip hop |
| Years active | 2015-present[1] |
Billion Dollar Dream was nominated for Best Rap Album at The Headies 2023 Awards. The album featured the song My Bro (with Phyno), which received a nomination—Best Rap Song — at the same awards. Jeriq was featured on Zlatan's song Oganigwe, which reached number 47 on the Billboard Afrobeat Charts. Later in 2023, his collaborative track with rapper Blaqbonez, Nyem Ego (2021), was listed by Rolling Stone as one of the 40 Best Afropop Songs of the Year.
Early life
editChukwuebuka was born in Nkpor, Anambra, Jeriq is a native of Enugu. He is the first child out of five.[2] He attended his secondary school education at College of the Immaculate Conception, Enugu and proceeded to Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Computer Science in 2021.[2]
Career
editJeriq began his music career in 2015 but gained wider recognition in 2020 following the release of his EP Hood Boy Dream. His music incorporates influences from his Igbo heritage.[1] That same year, he signed with KOD Music.[2]
In 2022, he released his debut studio album, Billion Dollar Dream, which consists of twelve tracks and features guest artists such as PsychoYP, Kofi Jamar, Flavour, Alpha P, and Dremo.[3] A deluxe edition of the album, including five additional tracks, was released in 2023.[1][4]
In a review for The Native, critic Chibuzo Emmanuel described the album as showcasing Jeriq’s potential to become one of the leading artists in Nigeria.[5] His single My Bro and the album Billion Dollar Dream were both nominated at The Headies 2023 Awards for Best Rap Single and Best Rap Album, respectively.[6][7][8]
In 2023, Jeriq was featured on Worthy, a track from Gen Uru's album of the same name, which was overseen by Nigerian rapper Illibliss.[9][10] On May 13, 2023, he made his debut on the Billboard Afrobeat Charts, appearing at number 47 as a featured artist on Zlatan's song Oganigwe, alongside Odumodublvck.[11] Later that year, Rolling Stone recognized his collaboration with Blaqbonez, Nyem Ego, as one of the "40 Best Afropop Songs of 2023."[12]
Jeriq hosted the Jeriq Hood Concert at the Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium in Onitsha on November 24, 2024, with an audience of over 20,000 people.[13] On December 10, 2023, the concert took place in his hometown, Enugu, attracting 15,000 attendees at Okpara Square. He returned to Enugu for another concert on December 20, 2024, performing at the Nnamdi Azikwe stadium before an audience of 22,000. Following these events, he received a plaque from the Enugu State Ministry of Culture and Tourism in recognition of the concerts.[14]
In August 2024, Jeriq was named a brand ambassador for Kedu App, a digital platform for connecting Igbo people.[15][16]
Discography
edit| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Billion Dollar Dream |
|
| Billion Dollar Dream (Deluxe Version) |
|
| King[17] |
|
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Hood Boy Dreams |
|
| East N West
with Dremo |
|
| Evil Twin |
|
Awards and nominations
edit| Year | Event | Category | Work | Result | Ref |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | The Headies 2023 Awards | Best rap single | My Bro ft. (Phyno) | Nominated | [8] |
| Best rap album | Billion Dollar Dream | Nominated | |||
| 2024 | The Headies Awards | Best rap single | Ije Nwoke | Nominated | [19] |
References
edit- ^ a b c d Yusuf, Aisha (4 October 2023). "Jeriq is Taking Indigenous Rap to the Global Stage". TurnTable charts. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
- ^ a b c Okogba, Emmanuel (2020-11-10). "Jeriq finally off the streets, signs to KODmusic group". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
- ^ Rapheal (2022-07-15). "Jeriq soars with Billion Dollar Dream". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
- ^ "Fast rising rapper, Jeriq drops". Retrieved 2025-01-20.
- ^ Emmanuel, Chibuzo (30 May 2022). "A 1-Listen Review of Jeriq's Debut Album 'Billion Dollar Dream'". The Native.
- ^ Headies, The (2023-07-12). "CHECK OUT THE FULL 16TH HEADIES NOMINEES LIST - The Headies". Retrieved 2025-01-20.
- ^ Usaini, Nebianet (2023-07-12). "The 16th Headies Nominations: See The Full List Here". Channels Television. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
- ^ a b Grein, Paul (2023-09-04). "Rema, Burna Boy Top 2023 Headies Awards: Full Winners List". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
- ^ Aromolaran, Michael (2023-09-12). "Gen Uru: How Illbliss-directed Album "Worthy" Props Up Nigeria's South-East and South-South". The Culture Custodian (Est. 2014.). Retrieved 2025-01-20.
- ^ Adebayo, Bolu (2023-09-04). "Gen Uru's "Worthy" stirs celebration at every turn. [Album Review]". Album Talks. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
- ^ Zellner, Xander (2023-05-10). "10 First-Timers on Billboard's Charts This Week: Brenn!, Icandy, Sammy Rae & The Friends and More". Billboard. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
- ^ "The 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2023". Rolling Stone. 26 December 2023. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
- ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2024-12-28). "Jeriqhood concert: Rapper sells out Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium Enugu". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
- ^ Nwafor (2024-12-08). "JeriQ's Homecoming Concert Thrills Thousands in Onitsha". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
- ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2024-08-23). "KEDU signs Jeriq as brand ambassador". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
- ^ Reporter, Our (2024-08-25). "IGBO RAP: Ije Nwoke croner, Jeriq, bags brand ambassadorship". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 2025-01-20.
- ^ Chukwudera, Michael Chiedoziem (20 August 2024). ""King" Review: Jeriq Declares His Supremacy With New Album". Afrocritik. Retrieved 28 January 2025.
- ^ Mamo, Heran; Rys, Dan (31 January 2024). "Afrobeats Fresh Picks: Asake, Black Sherif, Highlyy, Fave, Yung D3mz, PsychoYP & More". Billboard. Retrieved 21 January 2025.
- ^ Oduah, Henry (2025-02-12). "Full List: Odumodublvck, Ayra Starr, Mohbad jostle for top honours at 2024 Headies Awards". Vanguard News. Retrieved 2025-02-12.