The Nation Newspaper

Tag: MI Abaga

  • How 2008 Headies win launched my stardom – MI Abaga

    How 2008 Headies win launched my stardom – MI Abaga

    Rapper MI Abaga has credited his win at the 2008 Headies Awards as a pivotal moment in his career, catapulting him to stardom.

    Abaga, who took home the ‘Best Rap Single’ award, recalled being overlooked on the red carpet, with people asking him to move aside for Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s photo shoot.

    However, he said his fortunes changed dramatically after the win.

    He said, “I have been grinding, and no one cares about who I am, and in February 2008, I was announced as the winner for ‘Best Rap Single,’ and literally my life changed that day. I remember I was walking into the crowd with my manager, and as we were walking in, Omotola came in with her security.

    “The people on the red carpet did not even know I was nominated, so they were just like ‘common get out of here’. So we went to stand at one other corner, and because Omotola was moving from side to side to take her picture, they kept chasing us from place to place.

    The award led to a string of hits, including ‘Safe’, ‘Talk About It’, and ‘Incredible Music’, solidifying Abaga’s position in the Nigerian music scene.

    “I was just looking at stardom, and two hours later, I had an award in my hand, a gold plaque from Ayo Animashaun, and after that plaque, everybody was like ‘MI is in the game’. After that, it was ‘Safe’, ‘Talk About It’ and ‘Incredible Music’”, he added.

  • I’ve lost every iota of respect for you, Odumodublvck slams M.I Abaga

    I’ve lost every iota of respect for you, Odumodublvck slams M.I Abaga

    Rapper Odumodublvck has revoked respect for hip-hop veteran M.I Abaga, branding the iconic emcee a “fence-sitter,” in a series of explosive posts on X.

    The artist born Tochukwu Ojogwu declared he had lost all respect for M.I, labeling him a short man devil and a rat. 

    He claimed M.I knowingly stood by while a blatant lie was directed at him, choosing neutrality to protect a polished public image.

    Odumodublvck emphasised that unlike M.I, he remains indifferent to public opinion. 

    On his X handle, he wrote: “MI_Abaga as for you. The whole world are going to be shocked that I am talking to you like this and I know they will come for me because you are very good at portraying the ‘good’ guy.

    “One thing they did not tell you is that I don’t care about public opinion unlike you.

    “You stood in front of a blatant lie and decided to sit on the fence like Abuchi. I have lost every iota of respect for you. I am coming out to the world. Short man devil, you no be my OG. You are nothing but a rat. I bet you won’t reply because I am saying the truth.”

    The posts triggered immediate backlash with many users criticising Odumodublvck for disrespecting a foundational figure in Nigerian rap. 

    Critics pointed to his earlier advocacy for honoring elders as evidence of inconsistency.

    A smaller group defended the outburst as a necessary challenge to authority, arguing that accountability should outweigh seniority.

    M.I Abaga, co-founder of Chocolate City and a two-time BET Award nominee, has not responded to the backlash. 

    His most recent remarks on younger artists came in July 2025, when he stated he felt no intimidation from the new generation and urged them to match his output in the studio. 

    He previously acknowledged Odumodublvck’s rising influence with public praise.

  • How America impacted my ‘hustle’ life – MI Abaga

    How America impacted my ‘hustle’ life – MI Abaga

    Nigerian rapper MI Abaga has revealed how his time in the United States helped shape his discipline, creativity, and approach to music.

    Speaking on the Japa Diaries podcast, MI shared that although music began as a hobby during his school days, he decided to pursue it seriously after returning home to Jos, Plateau State.

    “When I went back home, I got a job, and right behind the place I was working, there was a studio called Skynet. P-Square had just released their first project then. These were guys from Jos, and when they were still in Jos, they used to dance and mime Michael Jackson songs with a crew of about ten people. They eventually won a competition and got a record deal. Honestly, a lot of us used to envy them. But seeing their success made us believe we could also do it,” he recounted.

    He explained that Jos at the time, was buzzing with creative energy, inspiring him to start recording music with the help of his friend and producer, E-Kelly.

    READ ALSO; CREDICORP wins “Consumer Credit Access Company of the Year”

    “I think there was a lot of energy. People were going into the studio often, and the studio was right behind where I worked. E-Kelly helped me out, and I thought to myself, maybe I can do this,” he said.

    Reflecting on his early struggles, MI said the discipline and grind he learned while living in the U.S. played a crucial role in his journey to success.

    “It’s not like artists were making so much money back then. I had a job at an internet café and recorded in the studio at night. That’s the good thing about being in Yankee—it taught me how to grind. When I got back home, I was locked in. One day, I just told myself, I can actually do this. Then I started traveling to Lagos more often—and here we are,” he added.

  • MI Abaga: Meet award-winning rapper who is shy and introverted

    MI Abaga: Meet award-winning rapper who is shy and introverted

    Popular Nigerian rapper, Jude Abaga aka MI, has revealed a side of himself that many fans may find surprising.

    Unknown to many fans and industry heads, the ‘One Naira’ singer is both shy and introverted. Worst still, the award-winning rapper prefers a quiet life away from the spotlight.

    In a candid revelation, the widely acclaimed lyricist explained how he created the confident, bold MI persona that fans see on stage and in his music. He noted that the persona was created to help him cope with public life and navigate the entertainment industry.

    “In real life, I am very chill,” he said. “I think the MI persona has a lot of boldness and aggression, and I think people expect that from me when they meet me sometimes, but I’m super chill. I’m very introverted.”

    Read Also: Made Kuti leaves fans spell bound with album listening

    According to him, even close friends often struggle to believe he is shy until they spend time with him. “There are friends of mine who I tell I am a shy person, and they don’t believe me. After a while, my wife said, ‘Okay, yeah, he is shy.’”

    MI explained that adopting the larger-than-life public image of ‘MI’ was necessary to protect and project the more reserved side of his real self known as Jude.

    “But I feel like, as a creator, you have to create a personality. MI is a big, bold guy who helps the really shy Jude navigate the world,” he added.

    The rapper, known for hits like Safe, Undisputed, and Bad Belle, also shared his love for solitude, describing how being home brings him peace and productivity. “I can be at home all day and be productive. Yesterday I was home all day. I think and cleaned my office.”

  • Why it’s better to lead like Wolf than Lion, by MI Abaga

    Why it’s better to lead like Wolf than Lion, by MI Abaga

    Nigerian rapper MI Abaga has challenged the traditional notions of leadership, drawing a powerful contrast between lion-like dominance and the humility of wolves.

    In a recent Instagram video, Abaga reflected on the traits of both animals, noting that while lions are often seen as kings of the savannah—demanding respect, prioritising themselves, and taking the largest share—this style can breed ego and suppress others.

    In contrast, he praised the leadership style of wolves, who protect their pack from the rear, ensure the group is cared for first, and lead with humility and selflessness.

    Read Also: How Bigjohny Da Talkative rose to stardom in Nigeria’s comedy scene

    Abaga also shared his personal journey, revealing that he once aligned with lion-like traits but now strives to embody the wolf’s servant-leadership, committed to growth, humility, and collective well-being.

    “In Africa, most of our leaders are lions. But if you’re a lion’s boy, you’ll never lead the pride — and that creates an ego problem. Wolves are completely different. For a lion to become a wolf, he must see himself as smaller than he is, let go of so much, and commit to only one woman, he said.

  • Why entertainment industry needs decentralisation – MI Abaga

    Why entertainment industry needs decentralisation – MI Abaga

    Hip-hop star and music boss, Jude Abaga popularly known as MI Abaga has called for decentralisation in the entertainment industry to further ameliorate the output of artists and creatives.  

    He said the need for the decentralisation in the entertainment industry is a means to foster growth and development.

    Drawing parallels with countries like South Africa, the United States, and the United Kingdom, he emphasised the importance of creating thriving entertainment hubs across various regions.

    “The entertainment industry needs to be decentralised for it to really develop. Take South Africa for instance, if I want to shoot a film, it is probably better to go to Cape Town, and if I want to shoot a music video, I would go to Johannesburg. The more we develop in different areas, the better the country gets.

    Read Also: You are my confidant, MI Abaga eulogises wife

    “Also, in the United States of America, there are places like Atlanta, New York, Texas that have thriving entertainment hubs, and in the United Kingdom, there are places like London and Liverpool.

    “But, in Nigeria, we only have Lagos and there is a drop off. However, places like Plateau State can really develop and be a part of the industry. For people like me, who have been in the industry for a while, and have had the opportunity to learn, this is a great time to give back, and I’m starting from Jos,” he said.

  • Many artists turning to drugs over constant rejections – MI Abaga

    Many artists turning to drugs over constant rejections – MI Abaga

    Popular hip hop star Jude Abaga, popularly known as MI Abaga has revealed how creatives in the entertainment industry are particularly vulnerable to mental health challenges due to constant rejection, hopelessness and negativity they often encounter. 

    In an interview with Punch, MI Abaga expressed his concerns, pointing out the susceptibility of individuals in the creative sphere to such issues.

    He emphasised that the situation exacerbates for successful artists, leading many to resort to drug abuse as a coping mechanism.

    Read Also: You are my confidant, MI Abaga eulogises wife

    “Creatives are generally more at risk of mental health challenges to the extent that even when we are in the middle of it, there is no support. We face a lot of rejection, hopelessness and negativity. Yet, when one becomes successful, it gets even worse.

    “The problem is so big and many artists are turning to drug abuse. We need to tackle the issue collectively to find ways to help creatives in Nigeria and Africa when faced with rejection,” MI Abaga said.

  • You are my confidant, MI Abaga eulogises wife

    You are my confidant, MI Abaga eulogises wife

    Popular rapper, Jude Abaga, known as MI Abaga has taken to his Facebook platform to flaunt his stunning wife, Eniola Mafe.

    Reintroducing the love of his life, he shared lovely photos from their white wedding ceremony which took place on September 24, 2022, in Lagos state.

    Read Also: MI Abaga, Mikel Obi bag appointments in Plateau

    The 42-year-old entertainer captioned the photos with the lyrics of his hit song “The Love Song.”

    MI Abaga wrote: “Allow me to introduce you to the love of my life. Love her more than I love life. Yo, that’s wifey I feel nice. Swear down that’s my guy my ride or die, my confidant.”

  • MI Abaga, Terry Apala, others shut down Basement Gig

    The March edition of The Basement Gig was a massive success with MI Abaga headlining the show which held last Friday at Alba Lounge, Victoria Island, Lago.

    Mr Incredible entertained the guest with songs off the ‘Rendezvous’ album as well as hit songs from his previous albums.

    The show also saw performances from Terry Apala, Straffitti, Blaq Bonez, Ckay, Chillz, and Joules da Kid who performed their featured songs from the Rendezvous album with MI.

    Hosted by Kemi Smallz, the event which saw a high turnout of people had industry big names like Reminisce, who gave a surprise performance, Aramide, Samantha Walsh, Ehiz, Sess, Boj, Bolly Lomo, Bizzle and others who came to support the movement.

  • MI Abaga, Ali Baba, others for Social4Media masterclass

    MI Abaga, Ali Baba, others for Social4Media masterclass

    A couple of Nigerian artistes will be joining other social media experts for #Social4Media, a one day training on social media ethics and practices holding.

    Set for November 21, among those scheduled for the training are Frank Donga, Ali Baba, M.I Abaga, Osagie Alonge, and Tosin Ajibade.

    Organized by PR agency, BHM in partnership with ID Africa and Plaqad Inc, the free training will be holding for bloggers, journalists, PR executives, developers and influencers.

    #Social4Media is aimed at helping media professionals sharpen their social media skills by providing them the training and tools to create, edit and distribute videos, connect with one another, increase website traffic and video views, harvest and interpret analytics and source for news content, among others.

    The event will feature ten different sessions to be facilitated by top industry experts and thought leaders.

    Other foremost experts expected at the training are Alibaba Akpobome, Tomiwa Aladekomo, Ized Uanikhehi, John Adewusi, Yemi Adamolekun, Femi Falodun and Ayeni Adekunle.