“I’m not Davido or Wizkid — I’m MI” — Rapper MI Abaga opens up on legacy, brotherhood and staying real in a flashy industry

Veteran rapper MI Abaga has made it clear that while he’s not caught up in the hype of the current music scene, he’s still very much in control of his lane — and proud of it.

Speaking in a new interview, MI addressed comparisons with Afrobeats heavyweights like Wizkid and Davido. He acknowledged their current dominance but maintained that he’s not in competition with anyone.

“I’m not Davido. I’m not Wizkid. They are in the red-hot moment. But I am MI — and has MI lost something? I don’t see it,” he said confidently.

While applauding rappers like Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez for their artistry and growth, MI made it clear that their rise doesn’t intimidate him. “I love what they’re doing, I love their talent, but it doesn’t intimidate me.”

On the topic of wealth and luxury, MI revealed how times have changed financially in the industry. “The cars they’re buying now for 100 to 200 million, in our time, we bought them for 20 million,” he said. “I live in Nigeria in real life where people need money. I’m not buying a 50 million naira ticket to America when I have staff with real issues.”

He also clarified that any tension between him and his brother Jesse Jagz has never been about music. “If you see that Jesse and I aren’t happy with each other, it has something to do with us as brothers — not music.”

MI also opened up about staying relevant in an industry where most artists are “doing the same thing.” His response? Be yourself. “You have to find your uniqueness. That’s how you survive.”

Touching on a more personal note, the rapper addressed his years-long battle with height-based jokes and insecurity. “I kept eating beans, beans, beans. One day I told my mom the beans didn’t work. She said, ‘Imagine how short you’d be if you didn’t eat them.’”

He emphasized that self-awareness is key: “The more you work on self-awareness, the more you realize that you are imperfect — and that’s perfect.”

MI, known for being outspoken, also stood firm on his history of calling out government shortcomings. “I’ve always done that, and I still will,” he said.