Veteran Nigerian rapper Jude Abaga, popularly known as M.I Abaga, has revealed how marriage has reshaped his life and career, crediting his wife, Eniola Mafe, as both his first investor and his most honest critic.
Speaking on The Podcast Network’s “Outside The Box”, the 43-year-old rapper said his wife was the first to back his creative agency, TASCK, with a personal cheque before any external investor came on board.
“The very first cheque that came in was from her. She has been the most supportive person in my life,” M.I said.
According to the hip-hop pioneer, Eniola’s role in his career extends beyond finance. She films his shows, reviews his designs, and even writes detailed analyses of his music.
“She’ll sometimes give me a ten-page exposé before I have even finished processing an idea. Her presence in my life is a gift. She shows up at events, she sits in meetings, and she does all this while chasing her career,” he added.
Marriage as a Turning Point
Reflecting on his union, the rapper described marriage as a turning point that rescued him from loneliness and gave him renewed balance.
“Getting married has been a huge shift for me. For the first time, I don’t feel like I’m carrying everything alone,” he admitted.
M.I and Eniola tied the knot in September 2022, a union he says continues to positively shape both his personal and professional journey.
Music, Struggles and Legacy
The African Rapper No.1 crooner also spoke about his music journey, revealing that the chart-topping hit was ironically one of the most difficult songs he ever wrote despite its simple sound.
Now considered one of Nigeria’s most influential rap voices, M.I said his focus is on advocacy and legacy through his agency TASCK and nonprofit work in the creative industry.
“The war continues. Our job is to leave more than we take,” he said.
On Politics
The rapper reflected on his past involvement in politics, noting that he once supported the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2015 out of hope for change but later realised the country’s issues were far more complex.
In the 2023 elections, M.I disclosed he voted across party lines backing Labour Party’s Peter Obi for president, PDP for Senate, and Banky W for House of Representatives.
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