M.I Abaga biography: age, profession, spouse, financial standing.
M.I Abaga is a talented innovator and one of the pioneers of Nigerian hip-hop music; his impact on the Nigerian music industry, which is the largest in Africa, is significant.
The CEO of Chocolate City is M.I Abaga. He is a Nigerian rapper who also serves as a record producer, songwriter, and artist. M.I’s rapping style has been likened to those of Kanye West, Lil Wayne, and Jay-Z. His label, Chocolate City, recently secured a substantial contract with Warner Music.
M.I Abaga: Profile Overview
| FULL NAME | Jude Abaga |
| ARTISTIC NAME | MI Abaga |
| BIRTH DATE | October 4, 1981 |
| BIRTH LOCATION | Jos, Nigeria |
| HOME STATE | Taraba State |
| CITIZENSHIP | Nigerian |
| OCCUPATION(S) | Rapper, Record Producer, Entrepreneur |
| MUSIC LABEL | Chocolate City (Former) |
| ESTIMATED WEALTH | $5 Million |
M.I Abaga: Early Life, Education, and Musical Journey
M.I Abaga, also known as Jude Abaga, was born on October 4, 1981, in Jos, Plateau State. He is the son of Nigerian parents, Pastor and Mrs. Abaga, and he hails from Taraba State with Jukun heritage. Jude has two siblings, Jesse Jagz, who is also involved in the Nigerian music scene, and Jason Abaga.
He completed his education at Baptist High School, Jos. During M.I’s time in school, his mother recognized his passion for music and playing musical instruments, so she bought him basic music notations to grasp the fundamentals, followed by a 7-key mini piano that fully immersed him into the music sphere.
As a child, M.I would listen to tracks from Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Sarah McLachlan, Pablo Neruda, Jay-Z, and DMX. He attended Calvin College in Michigan, USA, where he pursued Engineering for only one year before transitioning to study Business and Economics.
M.I Abaga: Personal Life, Spouse
M.I Abaga is not publicly known to be in a relationship or married, nor does he have any children.
Nonetheless, a trending report emerged this month (April 2022) claiming that M.I Abaga became engaged to Eniola Mafe, who accepted his proposal.
Shortly after their engagement, Eniola posted a portrait of herself with a caption stating
2022 is set to be a fabulous year! The universe is just watching out for your girl” and her partner, M.I Abaga, responded with love-struck emojis.
Research reveals that Eniola Mafe holds a Master’s degree from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Washington, D.C., and a Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College (Phi Beta Kappa).
M.I Abaga: Journey at Calvin College
M.I Abaga’s venture into the hip-hop genre commenced in 1998 by sampling tracks from DMX and Lauryn Hill. After his stint at Calvin College in Michigan, he dabbled in poetry and comedy but chose to focus on music after feeling humiliated when only he laughed at his jokes. He frequently performed at the college’s main hip-hop showcases and concerts. His remarkable rap delivery and persona earned him a third-place finish at the Calvin College event named ‘HipHopera’ in 2003, which was essentially Calvin College’s only “hip hop show.” He managed all of this while studying Business and Economics at Calvin College from 1998 to 2003.
M.I Abaga: Career in Nigeria
M.I Abaga kicked off his musical career following his relocation to Nigeria in 2003. He started producing mixtapes with his friend Djinee to carve his niche in an industry that was dominated by names like Modenine, Ruggedman, and Eedris Abdulkareem. This effort culminated in the highly acclaimed track Safe, which received significant airtime on African radio and music video channels such as MTV Vibe. M.I co-founded Loopy Music with his brother, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Ruby, Threadstone, Lindsay, Moses-Elbulk, and E-kelly.
M.I was later signed to Chocolate City, a well-known Nigerian music label, which facilitated his move from Jos to Abuja and significantly impacted the start of his illustrious career in the Nigerian music arena. M.I, a talented producer, rapper, songwriter, and instrumentalist, has been referred to as the “future of African Hip Hop” by DIV.
M.I Abaga: As a Producer
As a producer, M.I Abaga has contributed to the works of numerous artists, including Don Jazzy, Threadstone – Nigeria’s first rock band, Kel, Djinee, Shifi of Styl Plus, Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, Ruby, Lindsey, Leony, Wizkid, and more. While he leads Chocolate City, he also operates his production company – Rytchus Era Productions, with his brother Jesse Jagz.
M.I Abaga has aided various emerging artists in gaining recognition, including Wizkid, Vypa, Jesse Jagz, Ruby, Pype, Ice Prince, Brymo, and KhaliGraph Jones.
Additionally, through his music, he imprints a Northern representation in the Nigerian music industry. By doing so, he is perceived as someone who aims to unify Nigeria through music. Consequently, fans of Nigerian hip hop refer to him as Nigeria’s Hip Hop Messiah.
M.I Abaga: Honors and Nominations
Achievements
- Best Rap Single – The Headies Award 2018 (You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives)
- Lyricist on the Roll – The Headies Award 2018 (You Rappers Should Fix Up Your Lives)
- Best Rap Album The Chairman – The Headies 2015
- Best Rap Album 2009 –Hip Hop World Awards
- Hip Hop Revelation 2009 – Hip Hop World Awards
- Best New Act of the Year 2009 – Nigerian Entertainment Awards
- Best Rap Single 2008 – Hip Hop World Awards
- Musician of the Year – Modemen Awards 2008
- Best New Act – MTV Africa Music Awards 2009
- Best Use of Special Effects in a Video – NMVA 2009
- Best Mainstream Hip Hop Video – NMVA 2009
- Musician of the Year – The Future Awards 2010
- Musician of the Year – City People 2010
- Artist of the Year – National Daily 2010
- Musician of the Year – Malaysian African Entertainments Awards 2010
- Most Amiable Brand – Orange Wall of Fame 2010
- Lyricist On The Roll – The Headies Awards
- Best Rap Single – The Headies Awards 2018
M.I Abaga: Nominations
- Best Performer – The Headies Award 2018
- Best Rap Single – The Headies 2015
- Album Of The Year (The Chairman) – The Headies 2015
- Best Rap Album – Hip Hop World Awards 2009
- Lyricist on the Roll – Hip Hop World Awards 2009
- HipHop Revelation – Hip Hop World Awards 2009
- Musician of the Year – Modemen Awards 2008
- Lyricist on the Roll – Hip Hop World Awards 2008
- Best Rap Single – Hip Hop World Awards 2008
- Next Rated – Hip Hop World Awards 2008
- Best Mainstream Hip Hop Video – Nigerian Music Video Awards 2009
- Best Director (Mex) – Nigerian Music Video Awards 2009
- Video of The Year – Nigerian Music Video Awards 2009
- Best Use of Special Effects in a Video – Nigerian Music Video Awards 2009
- Musician of the Year – The Future Awards 2009
- Face of Hope Ambassador – Face of Hope Nigeria Project
- Best Rap Single – Hip Hop World Awards 2010
- Lyricist on the Roll – Hip Hop World Awards 2010
- Best International Act – BET Awards 2010
- Artiste of the Year – The Headies 2011
- Album of the Year (Mi2) – The Headies 2011
- Artist of the Year – Diaspora Professionals, Dubai 2011
M.I Abaga: Notable Quotes
“Envision a scenario where our young women are shielded by all sectors of society so they flourish with joy and vitality…”
“If you must shout, remind others of your identity, or depend on your authority, then you are not a leader; you are merely attempting to dominate.”
“He who seeks fairness must arrive with unsoiled hands.”
“You could reign for a day, and the subsequent day, you find yourself in shackles…”
“I will never be too important to undertake any task; the moment I convince myself I’m too important for something, my career concludes.”
“What you truly desire in life is to perform well and depart with dignity.”
M.I Abaga: Financial Status
As per wealthresult.com, M.I Abaga’s net worth is estimated to be $3.9 million.
