By Teddy Nwanunobi
Despite announcing his decision to quit releasing new music, Raheem, Nigerian singer and son of billionaire industrialist Razaq Okoya, has stated that he does not consider his creative journey completely over.
The 23-year-old, professionally known as Sir Raheem, disclosed on Wednesday that he intends to explore other creative ventures, while leaving open the possibility that some of the music he has already recorded could eventually be released.
”The best of me is yet to come. Music still remains therapeutic for me. With time, maybe the album finds its way into the world somehow after all. This past year, we’ve been locked in, and I believe I’m sitting on the best material of my career; it will be a shame to never share it,” he disclosed.
Sir Raheem, who made the announcement of quitting music in a lengthy Instagram post, reflected on his musical journey and explaining that his other commitments had made it increasingly difficult to give music the attention he believes it deserves.
Raheem said his music career began as a hobby with friends before growing into a professional pursuit that brought memorable performances and recognition from artistes he admired.
”Over the past couple of years, my musical journey has truly been a magical one; we’ve shut down the internet again and again, performed at the craziest live shows, lived through nights I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. I never imagined I’d one day be recognised by the very artists I grew up admiring,” he wrote.
He expressed gratitude to his fans and colleagues, noting that balancing music with his other responsibilities had become increasingly difficult over the past year.
”To you, I owe that, and I’m grateful beyond words. My career began simply; music was a hobby I made with my boys to bond and connect before it was anything else.
“Over the past year, holding that alongside my other commitments has grown harder. I’ve always believed in giving everything my best, and I no longer feel I can give this craft the effort, patience, and dedication it truly deserves.
“So, I owe it to my true fans, and to my colleagues in this industry, a professional exit. I have decided to stop putting out new music,” he wrote.
Earlier this year, the Executive Director of Eleganza Industrial City Limited — a company owned by his father, said he had been learning from and shadowing his father since he was 13 in preparation for his responsibilities within the family business.
The singer’s decision marks a shift from his music career towards other professional and creative pursuits.