M.I Abaga, born Jude Abaga on October 4, 1981, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, hails from the Jukum descent of Takum, Taraba State. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Abaga, raised him and his two younger siblings, Jesse Jagz and Jason Abaga, in Jos, where he developed a fluency in Hausa. M.I’s passion for music was evident from an early age, prompting his mother to support his interest with music notations and a 7-key mini piano.
Growing up, he drew inspiration from a diverse range of artists, including Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Sarah Maclachlan, Pablo Neruda, Jay-Z, DMX, and Fela Ransom Kuti. After attending Baptist High School in Jos, M.I pursued higher education at Calvin College in Michigan, USA, initially studying Engineering for a year before switching to Business and Economics.
M.I Abaga’s artistic journey began with explorations in poetry and comedy, but he ultimately found his calling in music. During his time at Calvin College (1999-2003), he regularly performed at hip-hop shows and concerts, notably earning third place at the HipHopera event.
After relocating to Nigeria in 2003, M.I launched his music career by producing mixtapes with Djinee, leading to the breakthrough single “Safe.” The song gained widespread recognition, airing on African radio stations and music video platforms like MTV Vibe.
M.I co-founded Loopy Music with his brother Jesse Jagz, Ice Prince, and other artists. His big break came when Chocolate City, a prominent Nigerian music label, signed him. This led to a move to Abuja and a successful music career. Today, M.I Abaga is a renowned artist, hailed by DIV as the future of African Hip Hop
M.I Abaga’s production credits include work with various artists, showcasing his versatility and talent. He has collaborated with notable names in the industry, including Don Jazzy, Threadstone (Nigeria’s first rock band), and Wizkid, among others.
In addition to his role as CEO of Chocolate City, M.I also runs his own production company, Rytchus Era Productions, in partnership with his brother Jesse Jagz. This venture allows him to continue producing music and fostering talent outside of his label responsibilities.
M.I Abaga’s music has made a significant impact, cementing a Northern presence in the Nigerian industry. By bridging cultural divides, he’s seen as a unifying force, using music to bring Nigeria together. This endeared him to fans, earning him the title “Nigeria’s Hip Hop Messiah”.
