Rap is not dead, says MI
Considered to be one of the most influential rappers in Africa, Jude Abaga, popularly known by his stage name MI Abaga, has said that contrary to the opinions expressed in some quarters, rap is still alive and well.
In an interview with Saturday Beats, he said, “I think it (rap music) is in a great place right now. The younger generation is doing very well, with people like Odumodu Black, Blackbonez, Phyno, and others. There are a lot of rappers, even those underground, who are doing well. There are also people who have been around for a while, such as Falz who has been rapping for over 10 years, and they are still doing good. It is a great time for hip-hop.”
The rapper also expressed an opinion that afrobeats is a genre that represents the Nigerian music industry. He said, “Artistes might have said they don’t identify with afrobeats, but I feel that every artiste has something they want to say when they make that statement. Perhaps, they are trying to highlight the fact that their sound is different, so I think you have to look at it that way.
“However, afrobeats is a genre we are all proud of. Even though I am a rapper, I identify as part of the afrobeats nation, because to me, afrobeats represents Nigerian music, and the sounds that have evolved from different sub-genres; from highlife to afropop, juju, amapiano, hip hop, and others.”
