M.I Abaga
M.I Abaga | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jude Lemfani Abaga October 4, 1981 Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist |
| Years active | 2003–present |
| Known for | Transforming Nigerian hip hop and rap cypher culture in Africa |
Jude Lemfani Abaga (born 4 October 1981), professionally recognized as M.I Abaga or simply M.I, is a prominent Nigerian rapper, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He first rose to prominence with the track "Crowd Mentality" in 2006.
His discography includes notable albums such as MI 2: The Movie (2010), The Chairman (2014), and The Guy (2022). Between 2015 and 2019, M.I held the position of CEO at Chocolate City, before launching his own record label, Incredible Music, in 2020. He is widely acknowledged for transforming Nigerian hip hop and shaping rap cypher culture throughout Africa. Okay Africa lists him among the continent’s greatest rappers ever. His achievements include winning Best Hip-Hop Act at the MTV Africa Music Awards and receiving a nomination at the BET Awards.
Early life and career
Born in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, Abaga hails from parents originating from Takum, Taraba state. He attended Baptist High School in Jos and has two siblings. His mother gifted him a piano during his youth, and his musical influences include Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Sarah McLachlan, Jay-Z, and DMX. Abaga pursued studies in Business and Economics at Calvin College, Michigan, where he also performed at campus events.
After returning to Nigeria in 2003, he embarked on his music career. His breakthrough came in 2006 with the nationally acclaimed single "Crowd Mentality". His debut album, Talk About It (2008), garnered several honors such as Musician of the Year at the Modemen Awards and Best Hip Hop Artist at the City People Entertainment Awards. He followed up with his initial mixtape "Pyeri Boy" and then released Illegal Music in 2009. The follow-up studio album, MI 2: The Movie (2010), included hits like "Undisputed" and "Number One". Among his accolades are Lyricist on the Roll at The Headies (2008) and Best Hip-Hop Artist at the MTV Africa Music Awards (2009). In 2012, he released Illegal Music II. By 2013, notjustok.com ranked him as the fourth most gifted Nigerian rapper. His 2016 release "NotJustOk/Savage" on Illegal Music 3 addressed comparisons with other leading Nigerian rappers.
Affiliated with Chocolate City, Abaga relocated from Jos to Abuja and collaborated extensively with Nigerian artists. In 2013, he became a Globacom ambassador and served as a judge on Glo X-Factor. His third studio project, The Chairman (2014), fused African musical elements with trap, jazz, and conscious rap styles, featuring collaborations with artists such as Wizkid, Olamide, and Patoranking. From 2015 until 2019, he led Chocolate City as CEO, signing emerging talents including Blaqbonez, CKay, and Dice Ailes. During this period, he also released Illegal Music 3: The Finale (2016) and Rendezvous (2018). In August 2018, he contributed "Yxng Dxnzl" to the Nigerian rap compilation LAMB August. On March 6, 2020, Abaga publicly announced his exit from Chocolate City.
In 2023, he was appointed special adviser to Plateau State governor Caleb Mutfwang. Following his departure from Chocolate City, M.I established Incredible Music in 2020 and launched the EP Judah. His album The Guy (2022), which featured collaborations with artists like Nas, Olamide, Wande Coal, and Phyno, achieved the number one spot on Apple Music Nigeria charts. Singles from this album included "The Guy", "Bigger", and "The Inside".
Outside of his music career, M.I is recognized as a business strategist, speaker, and influential figure within Africa’s creative sectors. He heads TASCK, a creative advocacy organization dedicated to promoting African talent for social impact. He has spearheaded programs focused on voter education, civic participation, and youth empowerment in partnership with groups such as YIAGA Africa and Luminate. Through Incredible Music and his podcast Talk About It, he continues to influence discussions that intersect music, leadership, and social innovation.
Feuds
A significant rivalry unfolded between Nigerian rappers M.I Abaga and Kelly Hansome. This tension was sparked by M.I's song "Fast Money, Fast Cars," in which he referenced Kelly Hansome. Kelly countered with the track "Catch Me If You Can," taking aim at the Chocolate City label. The label responded through "Nobody Test Me," which featured M.I’s direct rebuttal. The exchange continued with Kelly’s "Chocolate Boys," followed by M.I’s "Beef" from his 2010 album M.I.2, and then Kelly’s comeback, "Finish You Boy."
In 2009, American-based rapper Iceberg Slim released "Mr International," challenging M.I. In response, M.I dropped "Somebody Wants To Die" featuring Ice Prince, to which Iceberg Slim replied with "Assassination." By 2012, both artists had resolved their differences, describing their interactions as constructive rivalry within the hip-hop scene.
In 2019, M.I issued the diss track "The Viper," directed at Vector, emphasizing his role as a mentor compared to Vector’s career ambitions. Vector fired back with a track titled "Judas, the rat." In December 2020, they appeared jointly in The Conversation, a documentary that delved into their dispute. Both artists acknowledged past misunderstandings and expressed intentions toward reconciliation. By March 2021, they collaborated on songs "Crown of Clay" and "Spirit," featured on the EP The Very Special Tape Volume 1.
Personal life and other ventures
On September 22, 2022, M.I wed Eniola Mafe in Lagos. Outside of his musical career, he is deeply committed to social causes such as African youth empowerment and mental health advocacy.
In 2012, M.I was appointed a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador. He is an active supporter of the Jostified campaign and has earned international recognition as a key figure in the "Afrobeats" movement. Additionally, he promotes awareness about ADHD and emotional well-being.
Artists who have named M.I as an influence include Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Odumodublvck, Phyno, Show Dem Camp, Khaligraph Jones, Cassper Nyovest, Nasty C, Blaqbonez, Ladipoe, A.Q, Loose Kaynon, and Ric Hassani. His own inspirations are drawn from figures such as Jay-Z, Nas, and The Game.
Discography
- Studio albums
- Talk About It (2008)
- MI 2: The Movie (2010)
- The Chairman (2014)
- A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl (2018)
- The Guy (2022)
- Compilation albums
- The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation (with Chocolate City) (2015)
- Mixtapes and playlists
- Illegal Music (2009)
- Illegal Music 2 (2012)
- Illegal Music 3: The Finale (2016)
- Rendezvous (2018)
- EPs
- Judah (2020)
- The Live Report (with A-Q) (2020)
Filmography
| Year | Movie | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Chief Daddy | Mr. X |
| 2021 | Namaste Wahala | Self |
Awards and nominations
See also
External links
| Year | Award | Category | Nominee/Work | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Modemen Awards | Musician of the Year | ||
| Hip Hop World Awards | Best Rap Single | |||
| Next Rated | M.I Abaga | |||
| Lyricist on the Roll | ||||
| 2009 | MTV Africa Music Awards | Best New Act | ||
| Nigerian Music Video Awards | Best Mainstream Hip Hop Video | |||
| Best Use of Special Effects in a video | ||||
| Video of The Year | ||||
| Best Director | Mex | |||
| Nigeria Entertainment Awards | Best New Act of the Year | |||
| Hip Hop World Awards | Hip Hop Revelation | M.I Abaga | ||
| Best Rap Album | "Lets Talk About It" | |||
| Lyricist on the Roll | M.I Abaga | |||
| The Future Awards Africa | Musician of the Year | |||
| 2010 |