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Tag: M.I Abaga

  • How I handle ‘broke shaming’ tag from fans – M.I Abaga

    How I handle ‘broke shaming’ tag from fans – M.I Abaga

    Rapper M.I has revealed strategy for coping with the pressures of being a celebrity, particularly in regards to financial expectations from the public.

    The ‘One Naira’ hitmaker disclosed that he has made a conscious effort to accept being “broke shamed” by fans and the public, rather than allowing it to dictate his spending habits or lifestyle choices.

    According to M.I, many celebrities have fallen into financial difficulties by trying to live up to the expectations of others, rather than being true to their own financial realities.

    He emphasised that in Nigeria, where many people struggle financially, it is easy for individuals to feel pressured into projecting a certain image or lifestyle in order to avoid being judged or shamed by others.

    He also pointed out that the transient nature of wealth and fame is a reality that many celebrities often overlook, citing examples of former celebrities who were once wealthy but are now struggling financially.

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    “When I understood that people in Nigeria tend to broke shame people, I had to make a decision if I want to let that have power over me. Because if you don’t deal with that, it will have exceeding power over you.

    “If you are not comfortable with the fact that some fans can broke shame you if they see you driving a car they consider below your level, then you are going to continue adjusting to their expectations. And that is how you go broke. You go broke trying to adjust to people’s expectations.

    “One of the things that Nigerians are concerned about is their perceptions. And statistically, we are a country where most people don’t have money. It took me time to mentally prepare myself to accept being broke shamed. All our celebrities who were flying private jets 20 years ago are no longer affluent,” he expressed.

  • I never dated M.I Abaga – Waje

    I never dated M.I Abaga – Waje

    Singer Waje has dismissed rumours of a romantic relationship with rapper M.I Abaga, attributing the speculation to their collaborative work on a romantic song in the past.

    In a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, Waje clarified that she and M.I were merely friends who came together to create a compelling love story through music.

    Waje explained that their hit song “One Naira” sparked the rumors due to its romantic theme, but she emphasised that their collaboration was strictly professional.

    “Because of the rollout and romantic theme of my collaborative song with M.I, One Naira, a lot of people speculated that we were dating. But we never dated. We were just friends who saw how great a love story in a song could be, so we created characters that would help drive the song,” she said.

    Read Also: Waje opens up on teenage pregnancy, single motherhood journey

    She also revealed that M.I’s then-girlfriend equally contributed to the song, providing the voice-over.

    “His then-girlfriend was even the one who did the voice-over, not me,” she explained.

    Waje also expressed unwillingness to settle for an unsuccessful partner, citing her age and the value she places on building a meaningful connection.

  • Why I prefer to raise my kids in Nigeria – M.I Abaga

    Why I prefer to raise my kids in Nigeria – M.I Abaga

    Rapper and music executive M.I Abaga has shared his thoughts on where he might raise his future children, expressing a strong preference for Nigeria due to its rich communal values and family-oriented environment.

    Speaking in a recent interview, Abaga praised Nigeria’s strong family and community support systems, describing them as ideal for nurturing children.

    He contrasted this with the situation in the United States, where relatives are often occupied with demanding work schedules, leaving little time to offer hands-on support.

    While acknowledging the appeal of life abroad, the rapper highlighted Nigeria’s nurturing environment as vital for a child’s early development.

    He suggested a balanced approach, where children could grow up in Nigeria to establish cultural roots before moving abroad later in life for broader exposure.

    Although he noted that he was not yet making concrete family plans, Abaga said he leaned toward Nigeria because of its unique advantages in fostering a supportive and culturally grounded upbringing.

    Read Also: How America impacted my ‘hustle’ life – MI Abaga

    M.I Abaga responded, “This is a good question. Yeah, actually a really good question. There are a lot of things appealing about home, especially because we’re already ingrained in that system, because there’s a lot of support as well. I feel it’s very difficult for parents here.

    But you know, if you have family, that’s, you know, I mean, that every Okay, now you have enough people that can stay at home and support you. But it’s not easy, man. Yeah.

    “And our family over here, they’re all like professionals. You know, there are some times when you just find your nook in Nigeria. I think we sort of found a space in Nigeria, but definitely, you want your kids to have a mixture of both.

    “You know, so maybe it’s a thing like early years there and then at a certain point, you know, move, but look at me making family decisions. I think Nigeria. There are some good things about Nigeria that may be early days here”.

  • Why some celebrities don’t criticise politicians – M.I Abaga

    Why some celebrities don’t criticise politicians – M.I Abaga

    Rapper M.I Abaga has shed light on why some celebrities choose not to speak out when politicians come under criticism.

    Speaking on a recent episode of the “Outside The Box” podcast, Abaga explained that personal relationships often influence such decisions. 

    He noted that having a friend in politics can create a moral dilemma, where a celebrity might avoid joining in the criticism, not because they disagree with it, but to preserve personal connections.

    Sharing his own experience, he recalled a late-night meeting with the governor of Jos, where they discussed plans for the creative industry until 2:30 a.m.

    According to him, such personal interactions may make him reluctant to criticise the governor publicly, not because the criticism is unwarranted, but because he wants to recognise the positive side of the individual he engaged with.

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    He said, “Most artists have a friend that’s entered into politics, you know, and because you have a friend that’s entered into politics, you might have a closer understanding of an issue, you know, and you are also seeing that person receiving the insults and you don’t just want your voice to be part of the insult. It’s not like you don’t think the person, you just don’t want your own voice. Like, you can, like, let me use an example, like, the governor of Jos, I have my perspective of meeting with him at those two thirties.

    “I’ve seen it. I’ve sat with him and he’s tired. This, do you understand, he’s the governor of a state and he’s staying up to two thirty to talk to me about my plan for the creative industry.

    “So if something comes up where he’s getting a lot of pushback, I may refrain from speaking not because I don’t think that the critique is necessary for him but because I don’t, I want to speak to the person I met at two thirty. You know what I mean? He may need some, he may need a few people that are going to be like, but I see what you did at two thirty. Yeah, you are getting a lot of kickback but I still see the good in you.

    “You know, this is part of being a human being”.

  • My wife was first to support my company financially – M.I Abaga

    My wife was first to support my company financially – M.I Abaga

    Rapper M.I Abaga has praised his wife, Eniola Mafe for being his rock and biggest supporter.

    In a recent podcast appearance on Outside The Box, he shared heartfelt stories about her unwavering support for his career.

    According to M.I, his wife was the first to donate to his company, TASCK, when he was trying to raise funds.

    He also accompanied him to studio sessions, shows, and even business meetings, showing her dedication to his endeavors.

    M.I described his wife as a career woman with her own commitments, but she always makes time to support him.

    Read Also:What Eedris Abdulkareem, Burna Boy, VDM have in common, by M.I Abaga

    He appreciated her thoughtful insights, often providing detailed advice on various issues.

    According to him, her support extends to filming his music clips and being present at his events.

    He said, “My wife is the most supportive person.. When I started trying to raise money for my company -TASCK, she was the first person that gave me a cheque.

    “She also supports my music-making process. She filmed many of my clips online. She is always supportive.

    “A lot of things I even tell her that I don’t need her advice because maybe I’ve not thought deeply about a particular issue and she has already done a ten-page exposé.

    “She is the most supportive person. It is such a gift to have her. She comes for the shows, she travels with me, she is with me in the studio, she is with me on designs.

    “Sometimes, she comes to listen to me at meetings. And she has her own work o! But every free time she gets, she comes to me. She is the most supportive person.”

  • I’m not intimidated by Odumodublvck, Blaqbonez – M.I Abaga

    I’m not intimidated by Odumodublvck, Blaqbonez – M.I Abaga

    Veteran rapper M.I Abaga has asserted his dominance, stating that he isn’t fazed by the success of young rappers like Odumodublvck, Blaqbonez, and other rappers.

    Speaking on Jay On-air, Abaga praised their talents and hard work, emphasising that their skills don’t intimidate him.

    According to him, his confidence in his own abilities is evident as he humorously challenges the young rappers to a studio showdown, questioning whether they can outrap him.

    M.I expressed his admiration for the new generation of rappers, clarifying that he’s not threatened by their success.

    Read Also: What Eedris Abdulkareem, Burna Boy, VDM have in common, by M.I Abaga

    He said: “The likes of Odumodublvck, Shallipopi, Ladipoe, Falz are the rappers who are currently making waves, but I have not felt like I’m the old guy in terms of skills. For me as an artist, that part doesn’t affect me. What I care about is if you and I were in the studio, am I with somebody who can outrap me?

    “I love what Odumodu is doing. I love what Blaqbonez is doing. I love their talent but it doesn’t intimidate me. I’m not Davido, I’m not Wizkid; they are in the red-hot moment.”

  • Why giving up shouldn’t be an option – M.I Abaga

    Why giving up shouldn’t be an option – M.I Abaga

    Renowned rapper M.I Abaga has urged creatives on the need to keep pushing, acknowledging the emotional toll of rejection, doubt, and deferred dreams that comes with the process.

    He emphasised on X, the importance of surrounding oneself with love and support during challenging times, encouraging individuals to find people to talk to and reminding them that they are not alone.

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    M.I Abaga offered a message of hope and resilience, urging creatives not to give up on themselves.

    He wrote, “You are a creative so you feel deeply. You think deeply. You’re incredibly emotional. When rejection, doubt, and deferred dreams weigh you down, remember, surround yourself with love. Find people to talk to. You’re not alone. You can heal. Don’t give up on yourself. I believe in you.”

  • Nigeria’s ‘rap community’ labelled me ‘boring’ – M.I Abaga

    Nigeria’s ‘rap community’ labelled me ‘boring’ – M.I Abaga

    Renowned rapper M.I. Abaga has weighed in on the ongoing hip-hop feud between Kendrick Lamar and Drake.

    In a recent interview on Afropolitan, M.I. shared his perspective on the highly publicised rivalry.

    M.I expressed sympathies for Drake, citing similarities with his own experiences in the Nigerian music industry.

    He noted that Drake’s potential comeback could catapult him to even greater heights.

    While acknowledging Kendrick Lamar’s exceptional talent, M.I argued that Drake’s impressive 15-year track record of success cannot be overlooked.

    He emphasised that Drake’s ability to consistently produce hits is undeniable.

    He said: “If Drake is able to make a comeback, it will elevate him above everyone. Because not just the music industry, but also tech boys—everybody came and danced on his ‘grave.’

    “If there’s one person who has the talent to make a comeback album, it is Drake. He is the guy who knows how to put music together. If the first part of listening to Drake’s music was about his journey to becoming a rap star, now life is giving him a second story. And he is the best storyteller there is. That opportunity is there.

    Read Also: M.I Abaga confused over Oladips’ ‘death’ saga

    “Kendrick wasn’t in my top 10 before this moment. But I think this has put Kendrick, at the very least, in the top 3. I don’t see how, objectively, you can place Kendrick above Drake just because they were active at the same time. Drake was consistently dropping hits for 15 years. You can’t deny what Drake has done.

    “I felt a little bit of sympathy for Drake because I have had a similar experience”.

    M.I also reflected on his own experiences, recalling how he faced criticism from the Nigerian rap community, with some labeling him “boring.”

    He said: “At a certain point, no matter what I did, the ‘rap community’ in Nigeria would say it was boring. The American hip-hop face-off was great and entertaining. Shoutout to Kendrick and Drake.”

  • No Nigerian rapper comparable with M.I – Phenom

    No Nigerian rapper comparable with M.I – Phenom

    Hip-hop artist Phenom has stated that his counterpart, M.I Abaga, is incomparable to any other Nigerian rapper.

    The statement came in response to a viral tweet asking fans to choose between M.I Abaga and Vector as the better hitmaker.

    Phenom, known for his hit song “Man Dem,” expressed respect for Vector but emphasised that M.I Abaga stands in a league of his own.

    “Shey una dey whine? I love and respect Vector, but no Nigerian rapper should be compared to M.I,” he wrote. 

    M.I Abaga and Vector have a well-documented history of rivalry with the artists releasing diss tracks aimed at each other in the past. 

    MI Abaga and Vector gave Nigerian rap fans a show in 2019 after both rappers went public with a beef that has been lingering for years.

    M.I. took the first shot on ‘Martell Cypher II: Purification’ with Vector replying with ‘The Purge’.

    Things quickly went downhill with MI releasing the stinging diss track ‘The Viper’ which Vector replied with ‘Judas The Rat’.

    While MI was regarded to have had the better song, his decision to reach out to Vector for a truce behind the scenes was a move that many agree lost him the battle. They would later settle their beef and collaborate on the Pheelz-produced ‘Crown of Clay’.

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    While some agreed with Phenom’s assessment, others argue that Vector and other rappers, such as Olamide and Falz, also deserve consideration as among the best in the country.

    @Darlington_Cza stated: “Phyno bodies MI hit for hit, bar for bar. GOAT.”

    @Datboiybee said: “Hits, Olamide, Ice prince, Mi, Phyno. In this order.”

    @eblebe_iro: argued: “Before you say anything pls listen to these with an understanding mind. Vec is underated in this rap game. All respect m but vec na beast wey fit stand mi.”

    @bjcodes2: wrote: “Vector can be compared to him in every way my bro . Rap skills? Yeah you can compare them . Except if you’re talking about something else we don’t know about. Big ups to both of em” .

  • M.I Abaga confused over Oladips’ ‘death’ saga

    M.I Abaga confused over Oladips’ ‘death’ saga

    Prominent rapper M.I Abaga has reacted to the reemergence of indigenous rapper, Oladipupo Oladimeji, popularly known as Oladips on social media days after he was pronounced dead.  

    Oladips’ management had released a statement announcing his demise on November 11. 

    Read Also: Why is no one posting Oladips’ music? – Yul Edochie asks netizens

    In a turn of events, a new video surfaced on Thursday where the rapper was spotted vibing to a song from his new album, ‘Superhero Adugbo,’ with the tag ‘proof of life.’

    Reacting to the news, rapper M.I. expressed shock, saying: “Oladips resurrected? Or wazzzz going on? Welcome back to life.”