Tag: M.I

  • I see myself in Gammy and the Living Things, says M.I

    I see myself in Gammy and the Living Things, says M.I

    Much anticipated 3D animated musical movie; Grammy and the Living Things has hit the cinemas. The film from Utricle Studios which blends cutting-edge animation with original music and vibrant storytelling features top acts like rapper, Jude Abaga popularly known as M.I., Pete Edochie, Joke Silva, Bimbo Akintola, Segun Arinze, John Dumelo, Bovi among others.

    Speaking about his role, Abaga who played the major character, Gammy said: “I would say, I have been where Gammy was. When I was in Jos before moving into Lagos where my career started, I had this dream of making it big. A lot of times when you want to make it big, it is like where you are is too small or people around you do not have the same big dreams as you. That is where Gammy is. Gammy represents any young Nigerian that was born maybe outside of a very rich family or big city. You have big dreams; you want to go change the world.

    The vision seems so big but by the time I read the story, I saw the work they are putting into it, the structure and everything, I fell in love with the project. I am very proud of what we have done and be part of this project. All the actors, the whole team did a great job.”

    The movie Producer, and CEO, Utricle Studios Nduka Enweliku further explained the essence of the flick.

    He said: “It is the story of an Agama lizard that left the hinterland and went in search of a better life in Lagos. He left there with his band because Gammy is the head of a music band. The movie details his journey from the hinterland to Lagos.

    READ ALSO: Asamoah Gyan accuses Osimhen of faking injury in World Cup qualifiers

    “It took us a while to come up with the movie. That is why it is difficult to see animation in Africa because of the cost and skill level. Someone has to lead the charge in going into animation. We led the charge to ensure that Nigeria becomes a destination for animation outsourcing. That is another way to create employment for our people and increase our own non-oil exports. The animation you see abroad basically are not done in the United States, some are done in Asia-Vietnam, Indonesia, China, India – all those places.

    “Funny enough, people associate animation with kids but it is not only for kids. In this movie, you will hear a lot of old songs like Majek Fashek’s Send Down the Rain, Mandator’s Rat Race, Willy Onyeabors, Higher, Higher.. .a lot of old songs. It resonates with both the old and new generation. This particular animation cuts across.  It is a Nigerian story. And for the older audience, it takes them back to where we were as a nation and for the kids, they will understand where we are coming as a nation and get inspired.”

  • I met my wife through a recommendation – Rapper M.I

    I met my wife through a recommendation – Rapper M.I

    Famous rapper Jude Abaga, popularly known as M.I, has recounted how he met his wife, Eniola Mafe, after suffering a terrible heartbreak from his estranged girlfriend.

    The rapper said after efforts to rekindle the relationship with his ex-girlfriend failed, he went as far as trying to find love on dating apps but didn’t meet his ideal woman there.

    The ‘African Rapper Number 1’ crooner said it was Chocolate City co-founder Audu Maikori who recommended Eniola Mafe to him for marriage.

    Speaking in the latest episode of the Tea With Tay podcast, M.I. said: “When I was ready to marry and I wanted to meet someone, I was like, ‘As a celebrity, how do you meet someone? How do you date?’ I even tried dating apps but I didn’t find my ideal woman there. So, I was like, I would just ask people. I asked Audu and he was like, ‘There’s this girl called Eniola Mafe.’ And I was like, ‘Let’s see.’ As he was saying it, I pulled her up on Instagram. Now, when I was younger, I used to say the woman I wanted to marry had an Afro hairstyle. I pulled up her DP and she had an Afro.

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

    “I went on her page, I was like, ‘Are you guys telling me that this woman is not married? Is it that she’s divorced?’ That was my first thought based on what I saw, how she looked, and the things she was into. You know, when you see that kind of opportunity, you go sit up. So, I now hit her up. I followed her. The next day, she saw something in my story; she responded to it and we started chatting. As soon as we started talking, we never stopped talking. The next time we spoke, we spoke for two hours. The third time we spoke, we spoke for three hours.

    “When I met Eniola, I realised that I just met someone whose story I wanted to continue to be part of. And that’s what marriage is. Everything else just flows from there.”

  • M.I takes CBN tour to Abeokuta

    Rap icon, M.I Abaga took the Choc Boys Nation tour to Abeokuta on the evening of Sunday, February 10, 2019, delivering a night to remember, as A-list artistes graced the stage to thrill music fans in Abeokuta.

    After memorable shows in Abuja and Ibadan, fans in Abeokuta had high expectations, and M.I & friends certainly didn’t disappoint as the likes of Blaqbonez, C-kay, AQ and Loose Kanon delivered stellar performances which delighted all in attendance.

    The show was proudly sponsored by Gulder and Legend, two brands from the stables of Nigerian Breweries. Gulder is fresh off a successful sponsorship of social media week, in which it hosted an exciting panel conversation themed around its new campaign of “Own Your Journey”.

    Legend Extra Stout on the other hand is on a mission to inspire young Nigerians to be themselves and nothing exemplifies more originality than seeing M.I Abaga strutting his stuff on stage. His ability to connect with the audience and break the proverbial wall between performer and audience, allowing both parties to engage and interact, is second to none.

    One of the high moments of the show was the surprise appearance of Falz, who was not part of the promotional material for the Abeokuta concert. His appearance and subsequent performance got everyone in the crowd buzzing as the “Talk” crooner delivered one of the best performances of the night.

    Brand Manager, Gulder, Kolawole Akintimehin spoke of Gulder’s involvement in the Choc Boy Nation tour: “We believe young people are the future, and we want to be part of their success stories. We know a lot of young people are inspired by M.I and rightfully so. He is an accomplished entertainer whose rise to prominence has seen him become one of the most influential personalities in the music industry. We feel in a lot of ways, M.I is a great example of Gulder’s new campaign. He has never shied away from challenges and has sought to grow from stride to stride, owning his journey along the way. With the CBN Tour, we are able to reach this young demography and inspire them to become the best they can be, urging them to never depart from their path but to own their journeys instead,” he said.

    After a memorable night in Abeokuta, the CBN tour is set to hit various other states across the country, as M.I and friends show no signs of slowing down.

  • M.I, YAW give credit to Nedro’s latest song

    A rare endorsement of work by burgeoning artistes, two major names in entertainment and media have given public support to ‘Alright’, a new single from a young Afro Fusion artiste, Nedro which has been enjoying positive reviews since it premiered last week.

    Notable rap artiste, Jude Abaga, aka M.I, on Friday, October 5 2018, took to Twitter to share his love for the song.

    He said: “Love this song and want you guys to help me support it. Y’all can go cop it. Big-ups to Nedro for this song. I am a fan, bruv.”

    The tweet came less than 24 hours after top rated OAP at Wazobia FM, Steve Onu, aka Yaw went on a form of philosophical tweet spree about the ‘Alright’ song, having listened to it repeatedly.

    “The song, ‘Alright’ by Nedro is such an underrated song; the song is deep on many levels. Beyond the feel good nature of the beat, and the rhythm of the song, paying attention to the lyrics should push you to do better as a person. As far as I’m concerned, ‘Alright’ should be a classic. It’s a song that will always be relevant to our society in years to come,” said Yaw.

    The track, ‘Alright’ premiered on Wednesday, September 25 on Wazobia FM and has been enjoying great reviews, appearing on influential platforms and getting airplay from radio stations.

    Nedro found his love for music as early as when he was seven years old. He released a single, “Duro Nor” in 2016 to much acclaim and earned him a record deal with Canada-based Record Label, Timbaze Music. The young artiste also has a song with Patoranking, titled “Once upon a time”.

  • Rappers must be versatile, says M.I

    Mr Jude Abaga, popularly known as `M.I.’ has advised other rappers to be more versatile so as to remain relevant in the society and not be overtaken by the hip-hop revolution across the world.

    M.I told our reporters in Lagos that rappers need to create music that would be suitable to the audience and still maintain their originality.

    “Rappers need to be hard working because one of the issues confronting the genre is that rappers do not do researches that can make them and their works stand out among their contemporaries.

    “We must understand our audience because they evolve with each passing time.  We must learn to always come up with something that will be pleasing to their ears.

    Read Also: M.I’s hilarious birthday message to Audu Maikori

    “Musicians, especially, rappers in Nigeria must be flexible and show versatility in their outputs so as to maintain relevance because engaging in rap-music in this part of the world is tough, “he said.

    He said that rappers would be able to address all the issues he had listed above by involving in research findings and getting field backs from their fans on what they wanted to listen to.

    M.I who is also the head of Chocolate City Record Label, said that most recording labels had their various challenges and shortcomings.“Most labels, if not all, have their various shortcomings in fulfilling their obligations to the artistes that signed them on,’’ he said.

    He appealed to artistes, especially the up-and-coming ones, to always learn to be patient with recording labels.

    “Artistes must know that there will always be ups-and- down in their relationships with their labels, and both parties must work together to put things right.

    “Many artistes want to be successful at once but they must realise that there are different strokes for different folks.

    “So, we must learn how to wait for the right time,” he said.

    He urged the media to focus more on the positives and spread love.

    He said that negative news items would always attract more audience but they would always do more damage for the society.

     

    NAN

     

  • Niniola, M.I, others for Smirnoff nationwide tour

    Niniola, M.I, others for Smirnoff nationwide tour

    Vodka brand, Smirnoff, last Wednesday unveiled plans for a nationwide party tour set to take the scene by storm.

    Tagged ‘The Smirnoff X1 Tour’, the brand’s management reveals that the intention is to take over Nigeria’s night life with eight epic nights in seven cities within eight months.

    During the press unveiling at Bungalow Restaurant, Ikeja, Smirnoff Vodka brand Ambassador, DJ Spinall, and other performing artists – Illbliss, Zoro, Yung L– treated members of the press to a glimpse of what to expect during the Tour, which kicked off in Owerri on Saturday 28th October at the Imo International Trade and Investment Center.

    Other tour stops include, DJ Spinall’s album launch, Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, Jos, Ibadan and the final stop in Lagos.

    According to Smirnoff Brand Manager, Toluwalashe Ogunyemi, ‘The Smirnoff X1 Tour’ will roll into every city with the X1 Intense Chocolate vodka, the newest addition to the Smirnoff family.

    “We want party rockers in each city to show why their city is the destination for an epic turn up. Our premium vodka lives and breathes in the party scene and Nigeria is in for an unforgettable experience with this tour. So mark your calendars, guys! The ultimate party experience is coming to a city near you,” Ogunyemi stated.

    Artistes who will be joining the remaining leg of the tour include Harrysong, Niniola, M.I, Mayokun, Timaya, Adekunle Gold and many more. Also joining the party are lucky winners of a media raffle draw handpicked by members of the artist lineup and DJ Spinall.

  • Top Nigerian Rappers


     

    Top Nigerian Rappers

    There are several rappers in Nigeria, who are rated by different individuals and groups both within the country and abroad. Among them are these carefully selected 8 rappers. Guess who is on the list...

    NAETO C

    Naetochukwu Chikwe, with stage name, Naeto C is from Owerri in Imo state. Born to former Nigerian Ambassador to Ireland, Doctor Mrs. Kema Chikwe and Chief Herbert Chikwe, He spent his early years in a household influenced by music. His fondness for music grew fast and was articulated into other creative art forms, specifically poetry, which took him to various competitions and earned him accolades as a young poet.
    He is a rapper, Afrobeat artist and record producer. He was born in Houston, Texas and is of Nigerian origin. He was born on December 17, 1982.

    OLAMIDE ADEDEJI

    The young artiste was born on March 15 March. He is popularly known by his stage name Olamide but popularly called Olamide Baddo. The hip hop recording artist from Bariga, Lagos State, records mostly in Yoruba, his native tongue. In 2011, he released his debut studio album Rapsodi while signed to Coded Tunes. YBNL, his follow-up album, was released under his label imprint YBNL Nation. The album was supported by the singles "First of All", "Voice of the Street", "Stupid Love", and "Ilefo Illuminati". On 7 November 2013, he released his third studio album Baddest Guy Ever Liveth. The album's singles include "Durosoke" and "Yemi My Lover". On 17 July 2013, Olamide became the first Nigerian to sign an endorsement deal with Cîroc. Olamide has won several music awards, including multiple Nigeria Entertainment Awards and The Headies Awards.

    REMINISCE

    Remilekun Abdulkalid Safaru is known by his stage names as Reminisce and ALAGA IBILE. He is a versatile singer, rapper and a song writer. He is from Ajilete, Yewa South LGA in Ogun state.  He performs in both English and his native language, Yoruba.
    The first four letters are a shortened form of the name ‘Remi’-lekun.
    Reminisce is a Nigerian household name, a musical icon among today’s youth, and an internationally recognized artiste. He was born on the 26th of January, in Kaduna state in Northern Nigeria. In school he listened to various genres of local and foreign music, and performed in school activities. He developed his rapping skills by emulating rappers like Nas, Jay Z and Snoop Dogg. He studied purchasing and supply at Kwara State Polytechnic.
    Reminisce is a well-loved Brand Ambassador for SAMSUNG and ORIJIN,[2] a popular herb and liquor cocktail produced by Diageo plc in Africa.

    EVA

    Eva Alordiah was born to Nigerian parents from Delta State. She got introduced to music by her mother who listened to musical recordings from the 70's and 80's. Eva has cited Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Sade Adu, The Carpenters, John Lennon and Don Williams as her musical influences. Eminem's "Cleanin' Out My Closet" inspired Eva to pursue a professional rap career.
    Since her breakthrough into the Nigerian Music Industry, Eva has garnered several awards including one Nigeria Entertainment Award from 4 nominations, one Eloy Award, and one YEM award from 2 nominations. Her debut EP, titled The GIGO E.P, was released for free digital download on 20 November 2011. Eva is the owner of makeupByOrsela, a company that specialises in Makeup services. In November 2014, Eva released her self-titled second EP. Eva's debut studio album, 1960, was scheduled to be released in January 2015.

    PHYNO

    Azubuike Chibuzo Nelson goes by the stage name Phyno. Born 9 October 1986, is an Igbo rap and hip hop recording artist. He started his musical career as a producer in 2003. He is renowned for rapping in the Igbo language. His debut studio album, No Guts No Glory, was released in 2014. It produced the singles "Ghost Mode", "Man of the Year", "Parcel" and "O Set". As a producer, he has worked with artists such as Timaya, Flavour, Ruggedman, Bracket, J Martins and Mr Raw.

    M.I. - (MR INCREDIBLE)

    Jude Abaga (born 4 October 1981) better known by stage name 'M.I', is the current CEO of the Chocolate City Music. He has won several awards including the MTV Africa Music Awards 2009. He rose to prominence in 2006 when his song "Crowd Mentality" became popular in his hometown of Jos. On 11 December 2008, M.I released his critically acclaimed debut album, Talk About It.
    Jude's venture in the hip hop world started with the sampling of musical works from DMX and Lauryn Hill as early as 1998. After his stint at Calvin College, Michigan, US, he delved into poetry while pursuing a career in Business and Economics. Similarities in styles have also been drawn to renowned rappers such as Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, Lil Wayne and Jay-Z.

    JESSE JAGZ

    Jesse Garba Abaga (born 10 August 1984), popularly known as Jesse Jagz, is beyond a rapper. He is also a singer, producer and songwriter. In April 2015, he re-signed with Chocolate City after leaving the label in May 2012 to establish his own imprint known as Jagz Nation. He recorded his first album with a group named Gospel Insanity.
    In 2004, he hooked up with his brother Jude Abaga, (a.k.a. MI); together they started Inner Hub Studios. By 2006, Jesse started a solo career with a debut-hit "Africa" that remained at #1 on the cool fm chart for months. Jesse Jagz hit songs include "Nobody Test Me", "Bend Down Low", "Sugar Cane Baby", and "The Greatest", while his hit song "My Brother" was selected as part of the International Music Entrepreneur of the Year (IYMEY) 2008 compilation.

    ICE PRINCE

    Panshak Zamani (born 30 October 1986), better known by his stage name Ice Prince, is a hip hop recording artist and actor. He rose to fame after releasing "Oleku", one of Nigeria's most remixed songs of all time. He won the 2009 Hennessy Artistry Club Tour. Ice Prince is currently signed to Chocolate City. His debut studio album, Everybody Loves Ice Prince, was released in 2011. It was supported by the singles "Oleku", "Superstar", "Juju" and "Magician". In 2013, Ice Prince released Fire of Zamani as his second studio album. The album contained the singles "Aboki", "More", "Gimme Dat" and "I Swear". On 1 July 2015, Chocolate City announced Ice Prince as the new Vice Chairman of the music label.

  • M.I’s hilarious birthday message  to Audu Maikori

    M.I’s hilarious birthday message to Audu Maikori

    AS former Chocolate City boss, Audu Maikori marked his birthday on Thursday, artistes and the movers and shakers of the Nigerian entertainment industry sent in their felicitations. However, in the midst of all the birthday messages stood that of the label’s new boss, Jude Abaga, aka Mr Incredible.

    Known for his sense of humour, MI wasted no time in bringing his gift to bear in his message to his former boss.

    “@audumaikori everyone will talk about how well you have done. So instead I’ll list the things you are yet to do. 1. Become governor of Kaduna 2. Become president of Nigeria 3. Become UN Secretary General 4. Become Billionaire, and most important… 5. Step down and hand all these over to me. Happy Birthday King!!!! God bless you sir,” the artiste posted on Instagram.

    Those who know the artiste and who have closely followed his career will not be lost on his indirect allusion to taking over the reins of Chocolate City from Audu Maikori.

  • Choc City stars to release album

    After weeks of speculations, the rumoured collaboration project from the newly restructured Chocolate City Music label has finally been confirmed. The compilation album called “The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation” will feature all the stars on the Chocolate City – Loopy Music roster and related artistes and will be released this week for free streaming exclusively on Star Music App.

    It will be recalled that during MI’s presentation, the new record label, a merger of Audu Maikori‘s Chocolate City and M.I’s Loopy Music was announced at the 2015 Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NECLive 3) on April 22, 2015 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Chocolate City have been in the news lately after the surprise return of Jesse Jagz to the label and the social scene has been buzzing with the latest singles, Summer Time and Suite 99 which were released first on the Star Music App.

    Speaking exclusively to Star Music, M.I. said, “We are very proud and excited to enter this new chapter in our individual and collective careers and are particularly delighted to partner with the premier Nigerian music mobile and web platform to bring the music to our fans. We have so much good music for our fans and we are eager to explore this avenue for reaching them.”

    M.I. also confirmed that a general release of the album will then follow two weeks after its exclusive release on the app.

  • M.I reunites with Jesse Jagz in new single

    M.I reunites with Jesse Jagz in new single

    Recently, Chocolate City President, Audu Maikori, revealed that the quartet of MI, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz and Brymo might reunite. That dream, it appears, might just be underway.

    Days after the release of the cover of Drake’s Pound Cake, MI has released another single, Summer Time, but this time, it features established rappers, including Ice Prince, Loose Kaynon as well as his brother, Jesse Jagz.

    This gives credence to Maikori’s recent statement on the possibility for Ice Prince, M.I, Jesse Jagz and Brymo to work together. The Choc City boss led the signing of all the artistes, but Jesse Jagz and Brymo left the label in 2013, creating a void in its ranks.

    “Break ups and estrangements in this industry is nothing new and what is important is the essence of what brought us together, which is music, and as long as it is music, there would always be that togetherness…Let’s wait, there may be a few surprises very soon,” he had said.