Men should embrace monogamy for peaceful life – Eedris Abdulkareem

Legendary Nigerian rapper, Eedris Abdulkareem, has shared heartfelt advice with young men, urging them to consider monogamy as a path to a long, stable, and peaceful life.

The 51-year-old hip-hop icon offered the guidance while reflecting on his own marriage and the personal experiences that shaped his views. According to him, choosing to stay committed to one partner has brought him clarity, peace, and divine favour over the years.

Speaking on the Olofix podcast, Eedris said he met his wife in September 2003 after observing a five-year stretch of celibacy. He recalled being convinced that “God specifically prepared her for him,” noting that he never felt he was meant to divide his affection among multiple women.

The rapper — famous for the hit track ‘Mr Lecturer’ — referenced a pivotal moment in their two-decade union: his wife donating a kidney to him. He interpreted her life-saving act as confirmation of the spiritual foundation of their relationship.

“I met my wife on September 18, 2003. We got married on December 11, 2004. And based on what God told me to do, that is how I take my action. Now, 20 years later, after I married my wife, God said ‘I am not done with you yet’. You had a covenant with me. This is 21 years later. I want to show you one of the reasons why I told you that I have accepted your prayer,” he said.

“God gave me my own wife, not another person’s wife. Why will I be stupid to let another woman give birth to a child for me again?”

Although he acknowledged that African culture and Islamic teachings permit men to marry more than one wife, Eedris urged men to be realistic.

He argued that equal affection for multiple partners is impossible and said polygamous homes often breed “hatred and viciousness”.

“Truly, we are Africans. You are allowed to be polygamous in nature. Even Islam says that if you love women equally, you can marry as many as you can. But let us be very sincere. It is not possible to love women equally. You can only love one woman,” he said.

“Secondly, as men, we have wisdom. If you want to live long, make sure it is only one woman who gives birth to all your children. If you want to live a sweet life. Make sure that it is only one woman.”