Nigerian rapper Jeremiah Chukwuebuka Ani, popularly known as Jeriq, has revealed that music has been a powerful force in keeping him away from vices and the law.

In a candid conversation with YouTuber The Smallie, the Enugu-born artist shared that he had been arrested multiple times due to involvement in vices.

“I have been arrested multiple times by law enforcement agencies. If you look at my hands and legs, you’ll see scars from handcuffs. Anti-cult units and the police have all arrested me before. Thank God for music. If not for it, I would probably be in prison by now,” he said.

Jeriq also opened up about the challenges he faced when he first moved to Lagos to pursue his music career.

“The first time I came to Lagos, I wasn’t well-known, so I didn’t have the chance to connect with established artists. It was difficult to collaborate because I was still an upcoming act. Things changed when I returned in 2021, and I was able to release a collaborative EP with Dremo titled ‘East and West,’” he explained.

Looking ahead, the rapper expressed confidence that rapping in his native Igbo language will help him achieve international recognition.