The Nation Newspaper

Tag: MI

  • MI sets X FACTOR contestants in gruelling task

    MI sets X FACTOR contestants in gruelling task

    BECOMING a music star is no easy feat as the contestants in the Boot Camp of X Factor, the singing reality TV show sponsored by Globacom, would attest as they are currently occupied with the task of satisfying the judges for a place in the next stage.

    This comes as part of measures to reduce the number of those moving into the next round by the judges.

    After scaling the tasks set by two of the judges, Onyeka Onwenu and Reggie Rockstone, the lucky contestants are battling to impress the third judge, rapper MI, who gave them the unenviable job of singing one of 5 songs he said he despised the most.

    While Onyeka asked them to sing one of five selected love songs to impress her, Rockstone gave the contestants only one hour to learn to sing and dance and come back to the stage to perform ‘song and dance’ at the same time. Those who impressed the two judges now face a bigger challenge of scaling the hurdle put in their way by MI.

    “It is self-belief, focus and drive that have brought me this far. There are five songs I absolutely hate. I despise the songs and I don’t want to hear them in my life,” he told the contestants. “Your task is to learn one of those songs and come and try not to irritate me. I will bury my head on my table. If I look up, it means you have got my attention, if I don’t, it means you have failed the task,” he concluded.

    As the contestants left the stage to begin the assignment, they wondered aloud, “how do we sing a song which MI despises in a way that he will like the song?”

  • MI, Elliot as added prizes for Legend promo

    MI, Elliot as added prizes for Legend promo

    WINNING a trip to Dubai was the least in her expectations, even then the message of her success coming from lover-boy actor Desmond Elliot added to her ecstasy. Roselyn Monday, the biggest winner of the Legend Real Deal Promo, was once again taken aback when Elliot added that she would be shopping for free in Dubai for gift items up to a million naira in value. She was shocked beyond words.

    “Oh, so you actually didn’t know the real worth of the prize? Well, you have just won the opportunity to be flown to Dubai, all expenses paid. While there, you will have a chance of shopping for gift items up to N1 million in one of the biggest shopping malls. Congratulations to you, and I hope you shop wisely.”

    She thought of hugging the actor – confused, she restrained herself and jumped up, just as the music blared.

    It was a night of scintillating fun and excitement in Festac. The music was upbeat while the comic performances were enthralling, keeping the delighted audience reeling with laughter. The event was the final raffle draw for the 2013 edition of Legend Extra Stout’s National Consumer Promotion, held at Eldorado Hills Bar, Lagos.

    The high point of the event was the sublime musical performance by hip hop artiste, MI.

  • Waje, Naeto C,MI, Omawumi, others ‘port’ to Glo

    Waje, Naeto C,MI, Omawumi, others ‘port’ to Glo

    Eight brand new Globacom Ambassadors took turns to port their phone numbers from their current networks to the Glo network at the Gloworld shop on Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos.
    The new ambassadors included afro-pop exponent, Omawumi Megbele, master of hip-hop, Naeto C, master rapper, Jude Abaga, popularly known as M.I, Waje, Lynxxx, Burna  Boy, Reanne and Bez.
    They were at the Glo shop accompanied by their managers, personal assistants as well as scores of their fans who joined them to formally port their numbers to the Glo network.
    Globacom’s Head of Gloworld, Mrs. Titi Ebinisi welcomed the new Ambassadors to the people friendly network which encourages Nigerians to be unlimited in their ambitions and took them through the porting procedure.
    The ambassadors took turns to complete the documentation process in a relaxed, cozy ambience which is characteristic of Gloworld shops across the country.
    The porting process which includes the filling of forms was supervised by very friendly and courteous Gloworld staff who ensured that all the ambassadors completed the process effortlessly and on time too.
    The meeting of the musicians, their managers and fans turned the shop to a lively arena as they bantered and discussed recent happenings in the Nigerian music industry while some of them mimed their popular songs to the delight of people around.
    This was followed by a photo session and the presentation of Samsung Galaxy S4 phones to the new Glo ambassadors and Samsung Galaxy S3 phone to their managers.
    Speaking at the event, hip- hop master, Naeto Chikwe( Naeto C) said “I am very happy to be associated with the Glo brand; this is something I am very proud of and I will carry followers cutting across young and old along.  I will ensure that Glo benefits immensely from the partnership.”   On her part, Omawumi Magbele described her Glo ambassadorship as a surprise, adding that “Glo will feature prominently in my works henceforth.”
     Jude Abuga popularly known as M.I stated that the joy cannot be described. “To say that I am happy is an understatement.”  On his part, jollof music crooner, Chinedu Edozien (Lynxxx) described the ambassadorship opportunity from Glo as a “blessing,” promising to infuse the Glo brand in all his engagements.
     Other ambassadors at the porting ceremony include Bez Idakula (BEZ), Waje Iruobe (Waje), Burna boy and Reanne Opia (Reanne). The Nassarawa born BEZ who specialises in “alternative soul” stated that “ it is a privilege to be chosen as a Glo ambassador”, promising to make the best use of it while adding value to the Glo brand.
    Waje said she was very happy to be an ambassador of a proudly Nigerian telecommunications company, Globacom. “I have a lot to offer in this partnership, especially in ensuring that my fans partner with Glo as well.”
    Damini Ogulu (Burna Boy) and Reanne Opia (Reanne) also ported and promised to be exemplary ambassadors of Globacom.
  • MI: A reason to believe in Africa

    MI: A reason to believe in Africa

    THERE was a time when African rap artists did not get the recognition they craved or the big record deals their counterparts in America got. Today, celebrated young rappers like Sauce Kid, Skales and Ice Prince have one man to thank for weathering the storm and making rap a big part of the pop culture in Nigeria and Africa. That man is Jude Abaga, better known as MI (Mr. Incredible).

    MI arrived in Lagos five years ago, clutching his back pack and the stub of the bus ticket that brought him from the dusty hills of Jos, the capital of Plateau State. Back then, MI was just a meaningless two-lettered word; or at best, a musical note on a guitar. Today, few young and upwardly mobile Nigerians do not know MI, who has gone on to emerge as undisputable Nigerian hip-hop legend. This is a man who, within a short time, has won several awards including the MTV Africa Music Awards in 2009 and was nominated for the BET 2010 Awards for the Best International Act Category. When you consider he has only two albums to his name, the first released in December 0f 2008, you should be amazed at his accomplishments.

    Like most successful people, MI has come a long way, resisting all temptations to quit his dream of making it in the big league. He refused to succumb to the temptation of making money through devious means but instead, spent good time perfecting his craft. Today, he is a living legend, a pride to Nigeria, and one of the billion reasons to believe in Africa. After giving an epic performance of some of his greatest hits at the official launch of A Billion Reasons to Believe in Africa campaign championed by The Coca-Cola Company, MI was quick to tell the world how proud he is of his heritage.

    “I personally believe in Africa because my story says it all. I was told I would not make it and warned to stop trying to change how music was being consumed in the industry. I remained focused and would not be beaten. I worked hard, slept on the rug, sometimes went to bed hungry but I kept going. I came from nowhere. My parents are not rich but here I am today doing what I love and performing on the stage for one of the greatest brands of all times. One must believe in Africa. It is such an amazing continent with amazing people and the potential is awesome, not only in music, but also in sports, technology, fashion, manufacturing and so on.”

    Despite the many years of strife and problems, Africa has in the last two decades begun to take advantage of its strengths and success stories have begun to be told of the exploits of its people. To further shine a light on these giant strides and celebrate positivity in Africa, A Billion Reasons to Believe campaign seeks to get young Africans to be inspired by the good things that happen around them.

    MI says that he is particularly happy to be a part of what The Coca-Cola Company is doing. “So many brands are afraid to come to Africa or even associate with Africa but Coca-Cola is the biggest and the best in the whole world and they are here making a bold statement about this great continent. I think it’s really amazing. I was one of those who bought into that dream that you could only make it outside this continent. I went there and saw things for myself. At the end, Africa is home. It is lovely here, full of hopes and dreams; and the will to win is undeniable. It is the place to be, not just for Africans, but for anyone who wants to make it their home. I think Coca-Cola realises this and that is why they are here and celebrating the great youths of Africa through this unbelievable campaign.”

    For a man who inspires millions, MI is also inspired by other Africans. “I think the most inspiring act for me in Africa is Tuface Idibia. He is arguably the greatest Nigerian and African act. The guys that are in his calibre are DBanj and P-Square. Those guys are at a level that you cannot but be inspired. And there are those young guys, who are becoming legends, like WizKid and Ice Prince. It is not just in Nigeria. There is Sakordie from Ghana, Nameless from Kenya, WHP, Proverb and so on. They are doing great. We meet each other at international events all over the world and we are accepted on a personal level and given our respect. Everywhere we go, the response is overwhelming. They treat us like superstars. That is encouraging.”

    What does a man who has achieved most of what he dreamt of doing right now? Well, he says that he is dreaming some more. MI’s desire to be the greatest rapper ever is like the African unquenchable spirit . Asked who he would like to collaborate with, he said: “Probably with Kanye (West), Drake or any of the big guys. I believe Nigerian hip-hop is at a level where we can compete and stand toe-to-toe with America’s greatest. I can’t wait for my opportunity to show the entire planet what we are made of. We are ready for whatever the world throws at us. We are Champions!”

    Not bad for a man who arrived in the big city with nothing but his dreams. Watch out Jay Z; Africa’s Rapper Number One is coming for your crown!