Nigerian rapper Jude Lemfani Abaga, widely known as M.I Abaga, has made it clear—he’s not competing with the likes of Wizkid or Davido.
In a recent interview, the 43-year-old music icon opened up about his journey, expressing full contentment with his place in the industry. He acknowledged that while the game has evolved, especially with younger artists taking the spotlight, he’s never felt pressured to chase trends or live up to anyone else’s lifestyle.
“I’m not Davido. I’m not Wizkid. They’re doing their thing, and I respect that. But I’m M.I—and I don’t think I’ve lost anything,” he said.
M.I reflected on how much the industry has changed—especially when it comes to wealth and spending. He noted that cars now worth ₦100 million or more used to cost a fraction of that during his early years in the spotlight. But instead of chasing extravagance, he says he chooses to live consciously.
“I live in the real Nigeria, where people are struggling,” he explained. “I can’t justify buying a ₦50 million ticket to the U.S. when my staff have real-life problems.”
He also touched briefly on his relationship with his brother and fellow rapper, Jesse Jagz. According to M.I, whatever differences they may have are strictly family-related and have nothing to do with their music careers.
Through it all, M.I continues to stand on his own terms—grounded, self-aware, and unapologetically himself.
