Nasarawa State is recognized as the “Home of Solid Minerals” but there is more in its possession and pride than the famed natural treasures.
The little or less known fact about the North Central state is its abundant human capital. People from the state have been making impacts in fine arts, sports, music, movies, and a host of other creative ventures, without much visibility or acclaim, especially at home.
One of these young creatives who hail from Nasarawa and has been working round the clock to put his brand on the global stage is Raheem Da Dream.
- Abolish or not abolish: Young Nigerians speak about costly marriage rites (I)
- Should the FG dialogue with IPOB militants in the South East?
Born Mohammed Ibraheem Awal, 37, the agriculturalist-cum-Hip-Hop artiste, who hails from Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, is, no doubt, one of the state’s finest creative export to the world!
Although the former OAP started a career in rap music in the early 2000s, Raheem Da Dream kept “honing” his “steeze” until 2016 when he released his debut album.
Interestingly, the Jos-based Hip-Hop purist has not looked back ever since. It has been single after single, album after album. So far, Raheem Da Dream has successfully recorded and released the following albums:
- Prelude To The Rebirth,_ 2016;
- Soul Draft,_ 2017;
- Rep Da Dreamers,_ 2018;
- Nomads of Exiled Truth (Volume One), __ 2019;
- Nomads of Exiled Truth (Volume Two),_ 2020;
- Pearls of Life,_ 2020;
- Cosmic Brothers,_ 2021.
Apart from solo albums, Raheem Da Dream has consistently featured in other collaborative efforts with famous rappers and record labels such as Warrior Type Wizards, Wu Tang Clan, Maicano, Spion Liape, etc. For instance, in January this year, he worked with South Africa’s Rockspeechez, Drunken Poet, Rap Assassin, and Rev Sum 1 in the collaborative album, __African Origin, __ 2021.
Since the release of his first single, _Let the Real_ in 2003, Raheem has grown from strength to strength, wowing underground rap fans across Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas. At the last count, Raheem has worked with artistes and bands from more than 10 countries, namely: U.S., UK, France, Germany, and Canada.
Others include Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, Dubai, UAE, and Indonesia, etc. This is no mean feat by any yardsticks, and this shows the level of hard work and dedication the Black Power advocate exhibits which, no doubt, paved the way for these global connections and success.
With seven albums to his name, and the next one, _Homegrown (A Kid From Lafia City),_ billed to drop on 30th June this year, Raheem is not only smiling all the way to the bank, but he’s also steadily winning more and more hearts and fast gaining acceptance and recognition at the Hip-Hop global community as a strong voice and a formidable force to reckon with, especially in the Boombap Rap scene, yet not much is known or acknowledged about this shining star or his great achievements at his home state of Nasarawa and his home country, Nigeria.
