Jude Lemfani Abaga (born 4 October 1981), better known as MI Abaga or M.I, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is widely considered one of the influential rappers in Africa.
He gained mainstream attention after the release of his track song, "Crowd Mentality" (2006). Since then, he has released albums Talk About It (2008), MI 2: The Movie (2010), The Chairman (2014), The Guy (2022); playlist Rendezvous (2018), and A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl.
Abaga was CEO of Chocolate City from 2015 to 2019. In March 2020, he announced his exit, and launched his own record label Incredible Music. Abaga has won many awards including the MTV Africa Music Awards in 2009, and was nominated for the BET Awards in 2010.
Abaga was born in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria to parents from Takum in Taraba state. He attended Baptist High School, Jos, and has two brothers. His mother bought him a musical piano and he listened to songs by Lauryn Hill, Bob Marley, Sarah McLachlan, Pablo Neruda, Jay-Z and DMX; those which built him into the music world. Abaga proceeded to Calvin College, Michigan, where he studied Business and Economics. He performed in school's shows and concerts.
Abaga began his music career after he had returned to Nigeria in 2003. His first album gathered awards such as the Musician of the Year in the Modemen Awards in 2008, and Best Hip Hop Artist in the City People Entertainment Awards. His first mixtape was "Pyeri Boy", and later released a sample mixtape Illegal Music in 2009. The mixtape was followed by Illegal Music II (2012).
Abaga was signed to Chocolate City. Following the advancement, he relocated from Jos to Abuja, and worked with many Nigerian artists. In 2013 he was appointed by Globacom as an ambassador and a judge in Glo X-Factor in 2013. In 2016 he released Illegal Music 3: The Finale. It was followed by Rendezvous (2018).
Yxng Dxnzl was released on 24 August 2018. The album was released as part of a collection of Nigerian rap albums
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