Why Rapper CDQ Left Banking: “I Borrowed Suits and Lacked Fulfillment”

Nigerian hip-hop star CDQ has opened up about his decision to leave the banking industry and fully embrace music as his career path.

In a revealing chat with The Echo Room, the ‘Nowo Soke’ hitmaker explained that his initial pursuit of a banking job was to honor his late father’s dream. However, he quickly discovered that the profession didn’t bring him any sense of satisfaction.

“I used to write lyrics during work hours instead of doing my job,” CDQ confessed during the interview, describing the internal conflict that led him to make a bold career switch.

The artist went on to share that Masterkraft, a close friend and renowned music producer, used to support him during his banking days by lending him suits to wear to the office. But Masterkraft was stunned when CDQ announced he had resigned to focus solely on music.

“I quit the bank job. I couldn’t inform my mom or other relatives at the time. I moved in with Masterkraft at his studio,” CDQ recalled. “I told him that banking wasn’t my true calling. I was only doing it for survival. Music, on the other hand, gives me joy—even without immediate returns.”

According to CDQ, he had a conversation with Masterkraft about dedicating themselves to music fully, believing that success would come within six months.

Surprisingly, their major breakthrough arrived sooner than expected. After landing a deal, the duo moved out of the slums and relocated to Lekki, a more affluent area in Lagos.

CDQ rose to national recognition in 2016 with his breakout single ‘Indomie’, featuring Masterkraft and Olamide. A remix version featuring Davido took his career to even greater heights, cementing his status in the Nigerian music scene.