Fans of hip hop artiste, Jude Abaga, known professionally as M.I or M.I Abaga, should brace themselves for inspiring amusement from the ace rapper as he lines up a series of musical events to celebrate a decade in the music industry.
The Nigerian hip hop recording artiste and record producer at a press conference in Accra indicated that his management has put in place exciting concerts that will keep his fans both in Ghana and Nigeria busy throughout the year since his fans have been supportive throughout his career.
MI expressed his appreciation to his loyal fans, colleague musicians especially Ghanaian and Nigerian acts he has collaborated with and his management for believing in his brand.
“I’m grateful to all for believing in me and kept supporting my talent. The countless musicians in Nigeria and also in Ghana like Samini, M.anifest, Sarkodie, MzVee, Efya and Kiki Banson I do appreciate your efforts in making my 10 years journey in the music industry a success.”
Stating his accomplishments, MI indicated that he has won over 20 awards and had several nominations. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of one of the popular record labels in Africa, Chocolate City.
He further explained some of the challenges he encountered in his early years of his career being a rapper.
“Coming up as a rap artiste wasn’t easy for me especially in Nigeria where other genres of music much appreciated but I was able to breakthrough because I told myself to be consistent and relevant with my rap music.
“Africa at the moment is changing rap is all about and need to be celebrated.” MI Abaga disclosed that he is focused on implementing three projects before he finally bows out of music.
His first project he stated was to create a platform for promising artistes and sign more musicians across Africa onto his record label. He noted that he has plans to invest in real estates and to own one of the notable media brands by acquiring radio stations.
“My passion is to help other artistes so I’ll create a platform for those promising acts. My focus is to invest into the music business which entails a lot and not just the performances and events.”
He won Best Hip Hop and Best New Act at the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards, and was nominated in the Best International Act category at the BET Awards 2010. He rose to prominence in 2006 when his song “Crowd Mentality” became popular in his hometown of Jos, Nigeria.
His critically acclaimed debut studio album, Talk About It, was released on 11 December 2008. The LP was succeeded by M.I 2 (2010). Four years after that, he released his third studio album titled The Chairman.
He has produced and featured on the works of artists like, Don Jazzy, Threadstone (Nigeria’s first rock band) Kel, Djinee, Shifi (Styl Plus), Jesse Jags, Ice Prince, Ruby, Lindsey, Leony, Wizkid etc.
MI also runs a production company, Rytchus Era Productions with his brother Jesse Abaga (Jesse Jagz). In 2013 he was appointed by Nigerian telecommunication company Glo Mobile as a brand ambassador alongside other Nigerian artistes. He was also a judge in Glo X-Factor, the Nigerian version of the reality singing show in 2013.
Illegal Music 3 – The Finale, M.I’s latest work was released on February 29, 2016. The 10-track mix tape was made available online for free gathering over 400,000 downloads in just three days.
