Sodiq Abubakar Yusuf, better known as CDQ, is a popular Nigerian hip-hop rapper and songwriter. He is best known for the song “Nowo E Soke,” which he co-wrote with Olamide and features Wizkid, as well as Masterkraft’s Indomie song. After meeting Masterkraft, he began his career in the Nigerian music industry. He went on to win his first professional award at the 2016 Nigerian Music Video Awards. CDQ, a member of the record label No Struggle No Success Entertainment, is known for his Yoruba language raps and is the creator of ad-libs such as “Woss Wobi.”
Early Life and Education
Sadiq was born on May 6, 1985, in Orile, a Lagos State suburb. He completed his primary education in Lagos before moving on to secondary school in Kwara State. He returned to Lagos State after finishing secondary school in Ilorin and continued his studies at Lagos State University, where he earned a B.Sc. in Economics.
Career
Before beginning to rap in English with M.I., CDQ worked as a backup singer for Da Grin before embarking on his music career in 2008. After winning a rap competition at the weekly Industry Nite in December 2012, he signed a recording contract with Masterkraft’s General Records in 2013. He made his musical debut in 2014 with “Indomie,” a song featuring vocals by Davido on the remix and Olamide on the original. The song, which was produced by Masterkraft, helped CDQ gain recognition for his work, earning him two nominations for the 2015 Nigeria Entertainment Awards as well as a nomination for Best Street-Hop Artist at The Headies.
Wizkid was hired by CDQ to help promote his debut studio album, “Quality,” and the two of them released the lead single, “Nowo E Soke,” together. The song’s music video won Best Afro-Hip Hop Video at the 2016 Nigeria Music Video Awards. Unlimited L.A. directed it. On August 16th, 2016, he revealed the album’s cover, and on August 22nd, General Records released the record to positive reviews. On November 11th, 2016, he officially formed his own record label, N.S.N.S. (short for No Struggle No Success Entertainment). On February 1st, 2017, he released his first official single, “Say Baba,” via the new music platform, which was produced by Jay Pizzle.
From CDQ’s debut album, Quality, notable songs include Woos Wobi, Oobi, Salaro, Talosobe, First Come, First Serve, and Make We Run. In 2018, he had the number-one songs Warey yo, Gbayi, Shey Normal, Flex, Aye, and Onye Eze. His second studio album, Ibile Mugabe, was released in 2019.
CDQ and Wande Coal collaborated in 2021 to release the popular song Kogbede.
Personal Life
CDQ isn’t married, but he has a son with his baby mama. However, he is in a serious romantic relationship with a beautiful young lady. Not much is known about her.
CDQ, through his record label,N.S.N.S, is mentoring and helping young up-and-coming artists succeed in the industry.
Controversies
CDQ Arrest By NDLEA
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested CDQ on April 14, 2021, in connection with a drug-related case. He was arrested for illegally possessing illegal drugs. The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy confirmed the report, saying the case was still being investigated after “loud” (a cannabis variant) was discovered in the rapper’s home and he was later granted administrative bail. The investigation, however, would continue until the agency had substantive information.
In response to his arrest, CDQ claimed that it was a set-up and that he knew nothing about the drugs found in his possession.
Impact and Influence
Many people were taken aback by the rapper’s decision to give back to society. He traveled to his home state of Kwara to launch the program. On his first day in town, the singer also paid a courtesy call to the Emir of Ilorin to discuss his goals and plans for the state’s secondary school students.
His two days in his country home were jam-packed with activities as he and his crew were greeted warmly by the school, whose principal called a special assembly to welcome one of their own. The musician gave the students wall clocks and writing supplies. “The project (CEEI) is geared at eliminating writing materials challenges in the state because all secondary schools in Kwara State would benefit from it,” the musician’s publicist said of the program.
Albums
- Quality
- Ibile Mugabe
Selected Singles
- Indomie ft. Olamide
- Ogini feat. Runtown
- Indomie Remix ft. Olamide, Davido
- Talosobe
- Salaro
- Nowo E Soke
- “Make We Run” ft. Wizkid
- First come, first served.
- Ko Funny ft. Davido
- Bye Bye Party
- Say Baba Remix ft. DJ Maphroisa
- Werey Yo
Awards And Nominations
Some of CDQ’s awards and nominations include:
- Best Street Hip Hop – Headies Award 2015
- Best artist to watch out for and best collaboration of the year – Nigerian Entertainment Awards 2015
- Best Hip Hop Artist – SoundCity Movie Awards 2016
- Best Afro Hip Hop Video – Nigerian Music Videos Award 2016
- Best Street Hip Hop Artist – Ghana Naija Showbiz Awards 2016
- Next Superstar On The Roll – Ghana Naija Showbiz Awards 2016
Net Worth
He came into the limelight as far back as 2008 and is estimated to have a net worth of $1 million.
