MI Abaga, born Jude Lemfani Abaga on October 4, 1981, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and record producer who has made an indelible mark on the African music scene. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential rappers in Africa, and his music career spans over two decades. MI Abaga’s journey into music began at a young age, with his mother introducing him to the musical piano. He drew inspiration from renowned artists such as Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, and Jay-Z, which shaped his unique sound. After completing his secondary education at Baptist High School in Jos, MI Abaga proceeded to Calvin College in Michigan, where he studied Business and Economics.
During his time in college, he honed his craft by performing at school shows and concerts.MI Abaga’s professional music career took off after he returned to Nigeria in 2003. His debut album, “Talk About It,” was released in 2008 to critical acclaim, earning him several awards, including Musician of the Year at the Modemen Awards and Best Hip Hop Artist at the City People Entertainment Awards. He went on to release several successful albums, including “MI 2: The Movie” (2010), “The Chairman” (2014), and “The Guy” (2022). MI Abaga has also collaborated with numerous Nigerian artists and has been signed to Chocolate City, a prominent record label. Throughout his career, he has received numerous awards and nominations, including the MTV Africa Music Awards and the BET Awards. In 2016, he released “Illegal Music 3: The Finale,” followed by “Rendezvous” (2018) and “Yxng Dxnzl” (2018).
