Popular Nigerian rapper, CDQ, has pulled back the curtain on a fascinating chapter of his life, revealing why he traded a seemingly stable career in banking for the vibrant, often unpredictable, world of music. His journey is a testament to the irresistible pull of passion over professional obligation.
According to the ‘Nowo Soke’ crooner, his foray into banking was not born out of personal ambition but rather a heartfelt desire to fulfill his late father’s wish. However, what seemed like a stable path quickly proved to be unfulfilling. CDQ openly admitted that the corporate environment failed to ignite his spirit, leaving him restless and yearning for something more.
The turning point was subtle yet profound. Speaking in a recent interview, the rapper confessed that he found himself increasingly distracted during work hours, not by spreadsheets or financial reports, but by the relentless rhythm of his own creativity. “I found myself writing lyrics during work hours instead of doing my job,” he shared, a clear sign that his heart, it seemed, was always elsewhere – specifically, on the rhythm and rhyme of hip-hop.
The decision to quit was bold and, initially, kept a secret from his family. “I quit my bank job. I couldn’t tell my mother or any family member then,” CDQ recalled. Instead, he sought refuge and support from a trusted friend, the renowned music producer Masterkraft. Masterkraft, who had been famously accommodating and even lent CDQ suits for his banking role, was understandably shocked when the rapper broke the news.
“I left the house and went to stay with Masterkraft in the studio,” CDQ recounted, explaining his rationale to his surprised friend. “I told him banking isn’t my passion. I will probably just do it to make ends meet. But music is something that whether it gives me a return-back or not, I’m still happy doing it.” This declaration underscored his unwavering commitment to his true calling.
With a conviction that bordered on prophecy, CDQ told Masterkraft they should dedicate themselves fully to music, predicting a breakthrough within six months. Remarkably, their breakthrough arrived even sooner than anticipated. Their perseverance paid off as they secured a deal that allowed them to move out of their humble beginnings in the ghetto and into the more affluent Lekki area.
This pivotal period set the stage for CDQ’s meteoric rise. He gained significant popularity in 2016 with the release of his hit song ‘Indomie’ featuring Masterkraft and Olamide, which catapulted him into the limelight. The subsequent remix, boasting a feature from Afrobeats superstar Davido, further solidified his fame and cemented his place as a formidable force in the Nigerian music scene.
CDQ’s journey from a bank teller fulfilling a filial duty to a celebrated rapper pursuing his true calling is a powerful testament to the power of passion and the courage to chase one’s dreams, even when it means taking an unconventional path.
