Nigerian rapper CDQ has revealed that his decision to leave a career in banking was driven by a lack of personal fulfillment and a deep-rooted passion for music.

Speaking in a recent interview with Echo Room, the ‘Nowo Soke’ crooner explained that he initially took up the banking job to honour his late father’s wish but soon found himself disconnected from the profession.

“I became a banker because that was what my late dad wanted,” CDQ shared. “But I wasn’t fulfilled. I realized I was spending office hours writing lyrics instead of focusing on the job. That’s when I knew I had to make a change.”

The rapper recounted how his close friend and music producer, Masterkraft, had been supportive during that period—going as far as lending him suits to wear to the bank. However, Masterkraft was stunned when CDQ announced he had quit his job to pursue music full-time.

“I couldn’t even tell my mum or any family member. I just left the house and moved into Masterkraft’s studio,” he said. “I told him banking wasn’t my passion. I could do it just to survive, but music is something that gives me joy—whether I make money from it or not.”

CDQ added that he and Masterkraft agreed to dedicate themselves fully to music, with a shared belief that success would follow within six months. Their breakthrough came even sooner.

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“Before the six months was up, we got a deal and moved out of the ghetto to Lekki,” he recalled.

CDQ rose to fame in 2016 with the release of his breakout single ‘Indomie’, featuring Masterkraft and Olamide. The remix, which featured Davido, catapulted him into the spotlight and marked the beginning of a successful music career.