I Left FCMB To Pursue Music - Rapper CDQ

Indigenous Nigerian rapper, Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, popularly known as CDQ, has revealed how he abandoned his banking career to pursue music, saying he was driven by a desire to find fulfilment in something he had loved since childhood.

CDQ disclosed this during a recent interview with Faloh Frequency, where he also spoke about his family background, education and the circumstances that led him into the music industry.

The 'Indomie' hitmaker said his father hailed from Kwara State, while his mother was from Lagos State, adding that he was born and raised in Lagos.

“My dad hails from Kwara State. My mum hails from Lagos State. I was born in Lagos State. I read Economics at Lagos State University. After NYSC, I started working with FCMB before I quit and followed my dream, which is music,” he said.

CDQ explained that although he had pursued his education and later worked in the banking sector, music had always been his passion.

“I am very passionate about whatever I love or whatever my heart is attached to. Music has been my love from childhood. I felt like, while working at the bank at the time, I wasn't fulfilled. I felt like I needed fulfilment."

The rapper said he had wanted to pursue music from childhood but had to prioritise his education because of his father’s expectations. According to him, his father wanted him to study Economics, despite his own interest in music.

“I lost my dad when I was in school. I lost him in 200 level. I said that despite the fact that he's no more, I'll make sure I do him proud and do what he wanted, so I had to finish my education,” CDQ said.

He, however, eventually decided to pursue music after completing his education and working in the corporate world.

CDQ also reflected on his experience at Lagos State University, admitting that his academic journey was initially difficult. He said he was almost rusticated after struggling academically, particularly because he disliked Mathematics and courses involving calculations.

“When I gained admission into LASU to study Economics, I was almost rusticated because of my grades. My lecturers wrote me off. I didn't like Mathematics or anything that had to do with calculations,” he said.

The rapper said he initially wanted to study Political Science but eventually studied Economics because of his father’s insistence.

“In 200 level, I had to be serious. I initially wanted to study Political Science, but my dad insisted that I study Economics. In 200 level, I registered for extra lessons, and I was able to boost my GP to a 2:1."

Reflecting on the role of education in his life, CDQ rejected the popular expression that formal education is a waste of time.

“School no be scam. There's a way school will brush you up. It will help you navigate life,” he said.

The rapper also recalled his humble beginnings, describing himself as a “LAPO baby” and saying he was born in Orile.

He added that his experiences had reinforced his belief that people should continue to strive for improvement.

“The goal in life is not to remain where you are,” CDQ said.