- MI says he’s never been in a race with Wizkid or Davido
- Opens up on brother Jesse Jagz and being true in a flashy industry
- Explains why he avoids extravagant spending despite success
Veteran Nigerian rapper, MI Abaga, has declared that he is not in competition with Afrobeats stars Davido or Wizkid, stressing that his path is different and deliberate.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the hip-hop legend made the statement in a candid interview where he addressed fame, family, and staying grounded in a rapidly changing industry.
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“I’m not Davido. I’m not Wizkid. They are in the red-hot moment,” MI said. “But I am MI and has MI lost something? I don’t see it.”
He praised the new wave of Nigerian rap stars, including Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez, but made it clear that their presence doesn’t make him feel outdated or under pressure.
“I love what they’re doing. I love their talent. But it doesn’t intimidate me,” he said.
MI reflected on the shift in the industry’s financial culture, pointing out that artists today are spending far more than his generation did. According to him, cars that used to cost ₦20 million now go for over ₦100 million.
“I live in Nigeria in real life where people need money,” he said. “I’m not buying a 50 million naira ticket to America when I have staff with real issues.”
Despite his fame and fortune, MI noted that his values have remained rooted in reality, and he avoids excesses that don’t align with his principles.
The rapper also touched on his strained relationship with his brother, Jesse Jagz, clarifying that the rift is personal and not music-related.
“If you see that Jesse and I aren’t happy with each other, it has something to do with us as brothers not music,” he explained.
On staying relevant, MI advised young creatives to develop their own voice rather than imitate trends, saying true success comes from originality.
“You have to find your uniqueness. That’s how you survive,” he said.
He also shared a lighter moment, recalling how he dealt with childhood insecurities about his height. His mother once joked that the beans he ate didn’t make him taller but they saved him from being even shorter.
“The more you work on self-awareness,” MI added, “the more you realise that you are imperfect and that’s perfect.”
Known for speaking truth to power, MI reaffirmed his commitment to using his platform to hold government accountable. “I’ve always done that, and I still will,” he said.
