Nigerian rap legend M.I Abaga has recounted how the rise of celebrated singer Jeremiah Gyang played a crucial role in the beginning of his own music career. He shared the emotional story while reflecting on their long friendship and how their destinies became connected through music.
M.I revealed that his bond with Jeremiah started right from birth, describing how their families were closely linked. According to him, their relationship would later grow into a partnership that helped shape the future of modern Nigerian music.
He explained that their love for music began at a young age. While Jeremiah mastered vocals and instruments, M.I leaned towards rap, a path that would later define his identity as one of Africa’s most influential hip-hop voices.
The rapper recalled returning to Nigeria after studying in the United States and taking up a job at a café. At the time, Jeremiah had just released his breakthrough album Na Ba Ka, a project that quickly gained national attention.
M.I said they began working closely together, adding that he even served as Jeremiah’s manager. Together, they moved around Jos, organizing activations and pushing Jeremiah’s music into new spaces across the city.
According to him, those early efforts created the opportunity for him to meet Audu Maikori, founder of Chocolate City. Jeremiah eventually secured a deal with the label, marking a major milestone in his career.
M.I revealed that after hearing one of his own recorded songs from Jos, Maikori offered him a record deal as well, a decision that launched the rapper into stardom. He described the journey as proof that Jeremiah’s success opened the door for him, and the rest, as he said, “is history.”
