MI Abaga Recalls Being Chased Off Headies Red Carpet

MI Abaga recounts being shuffled off The Headies red carpet for Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde but later won Best Rap Single

Nigerian rapper Jude MI Abaga has shared an early-career experience in which he was chased off the red carpet at The Headies Awards.

Also read: MI Abaga APC Regret Stirs Outrage

Speaking to Vbyz TV Cartel, MI recounted that the incident occurred despite his nomination for the ‘Best Rap Single’ category.

According to MI, event staff did not recognise him and directed him to a corner to make space for Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde.

“I have been grinding and no one cares about who I am. In February 2008, I remember I was walking into the crowd with my manager, Omotola also came in with her security.

The people on the red carpet didn’t even know I was nominated, so they were just like ‘Common get out of here’. So we went to stand at one other corner and because Omotola was moving from side to side to take her picture, they kept chasing us from place to place. I was just looking at stardom,” he recalled.

MI emphasised that the incident did not discourage him, noting that he ultimately won the award later that night.

“Two hours later, I was announced as the winner for ‘Best Rap Single,’ I had an award in my hand, a gold plaque from Ayo Animashaun,” he added.

Also read: MI Abaga Laments Fraud In Nigerian Music Industry

The rapper’s anecdote highlights the challenges and perseverance involved in rising to stardom within the Nigerian music industry, offering insight into the determination required to achieve recognition.