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By Oscar Okhifo
Veteran Nigerian rapper, Jude Abaga, popularly known as MI, has stated that he is not in competition with Afrobeats megastars, Davido and Wizkid, stressing that every artist has their own season of greatness.
Speaking recently to a group of entertainment journalists in Lagos, MI said while the likes of Davido and Wizkid are currently at the top of the music scene, he remains confident in his legacy and relevance in the industry.
“I’m not Davido, I’m not Wizkid. They’re in their red-hot moment. But I am MI. Has MI lost something? I don’t see it,” he said.
According to him, the music industry evolves constantly, and artists rise at different times. “Everyone has their time of blowing,” he added.
The lyricist also praised the current wave of young talents dominating the rap scene, mentioning the likes of Odumodu, Falz, Shallipopi, Ladipoe, and Blaqbonez. However, he was quick to state that their emergence does not intimidate him in any way.
“I love what they’re doing, but it doesn’t shake me. I can still work, I can still move forward, I still have the fans, and I still have the skill,” MI noted.
Reflecting on the growing materialism in the music industry, MI compared the present-day lifestyle of artists with what obtained during his breakout era.
“The cars they’re buying now for ₦100 to ₦200 million, in our time we bought for ₦20 million. Today, I can afford luxury, but I choose to fly economy sometimes. I have people depending on me-family, staff that I must be responsible for,” he explained.
MI also touched on personal matters, including his often-discussed relationship with his brother and fellow rapper, Jesse Jagz, stating that while they’ve had disagreements, they were personal and not linked to music or career rivalry.
As one of the pioneers of modern Nigerian hip-hop, MI reaffirmed his commitment to authenticity, noting that despite the flashiness of the current scene, staying true to himself remains his biggest achievement.