Africans won’t forget in a long time to come and most especially, Nigerians who grew up in the 70s and early 80s Era, the dark guitar swerving Akeeb Kareem cladded in his traditional Levy jeans pants with well cut and attractive mustache while his infectious smiles on the microphone reels folklores and folkloric renditions that turned him into a folkloric behemoth.

Akeeb Kareem, the Nigerian born guitarist is a traditional folklorist that exemplifies the African traditional griots with their folkloric creativity and basking away the euphoria of being able to make the traditional music lovers yearn for more, as he churns out countless renditions from his repertoire. iBANDMagazine, caught up with him for a brief chat, the Blackman Akeeb Kareem is now more popular on the gospel terrain of music.

Living abroad and getting recognition…
Well, no matter your place of abode, you still want to feel your people. It is a blessing when I have opportunities to play in front of the home crowd. It brings memories. Also, it helps you to connect and appreciate how far you have gone.

Music on air…

Without people to connect with your music, then you are just a figure head. It is like having a radio station without music, nobody would want to appreciate the seal of such a radio station no matter what because music definitely drives their contents and what the radio stands for. And without radio, nobody gets to know the musicians.

Do you still miss the stardom of early years?
Yes and no. I only miss not being able to please my fans with my old collections. Presently, I am a gospel musician. I try to connect people with Jesus Christ.

Where did you derive this stage name ‘Blackman’?

The name came from one of my hits that says ‘Call me Blackman, I will love you.’

Your educational background?
To God be the glory, I did not go beyond primary 5

You play gospel music, how is the acceptance by the fans?

My fans actually fell in love with my first album in 1983 entitled ‘Baba mi lo loko ti nwa oko re ‘

Let’s talk about your new album. Kindly share some snippets…

I have some lovely tracks for my fans to savour such as “Is Your Christ Alive or Dead?” “What Jesus Christ did for me”

Words /Ireho Aito /images /Blackman Akeeb Kareem archives/Facebook fans page /Google