M.I Abaga, born Jude Lemfani Abaga on October 4, 1981, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, is a renowned rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is celebrated for his significant contributions to the Nigerian hip-hop scene and his influential role in shaping the genre’s landscape.
Early Life and Education
M.I Abaga was born to Pastor and Mrs. Abaga, both active members of the local church choir in Jos. His mother taught him basic music notations, fostering his early interest in music. He attended Baptist High School in Jos and later pursued Business and Economics at Calvin College in Michigan, USA. During his college years, he performed at various shows and concerts, honing his musical skills.
Music Career
M.I Abaga’s music career took off upon his return to Nigeria in 2003. He gained national attention with his 2006 single “Crowd Mentality,” which became an unexpected hit. In 2008, he released his debut studio album, “Talk About It,” followed by “MI 2: The Movie” in 2010 and “The Chairman” in 2014. His discography also includes mixtapes such as “Illegal Music” (2009) and “Illegal Music 2” (2012).
In 2015, M.I Abaga became the CEO of Chocolate City, one of Africa’s most successful hip-hop labels. Under his leadership, the label expanded its roster and influence in the African music industry.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout his career, M.I Abaga has received numerous accolades, including Best Hip Hop and Best New Act at the 2009 MTV Africa Music Awards. He was also nominated for Best International Act at the BET Awards in 2010.
Personal Life
On September 22, 2022, M.I Abaga married Eniola Mafe in a ceremony held in Lagos, Nigeria.
Recent Activities
In 2023, M.I Abaga was appointed as a special adviser to Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, reflecting his ongoing influence beyond the music industry.
Discography Highlights
- 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)
- Mixtapes:
- “Illegal Music” (2009)
- “Illegal Music 2” (2012)
- “Illegal Music 3: The Finale” (2016)
M.I Abaga’s career continues to inspire many in the African music scene, and his contributions have left an indelible mark on the industry.
