Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga has revealed that his time in the United States helped him build discipline, creativity, and focus in music.
He said that while music began as a hobby during his school days, returning to Jos, Plateau State, encouraged him to take it seriously.
After returning home, M.I got a job and discovered a recording studio called Skynet located near his workplace.
He noticed that local artistes, including P-Square before they became famous, were active in the area, dancing, performing, and eventually securing a record deal.
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Their success inspired him and other young talents in Jos to pursue music.
M.I explained that the creative environment in Jos motivated him to start recording songs with the support of his friend and producer, E-Kelly.
The energy and collaboration among artists made him believe that he could also succeed in music.
He added that the discipline he developed while living in the U.S. played a crucial role in his career.
Speaking on the Japa Diaries podcast, the rapper said during that time, he worked during the day at an internet café and recorded music at night.
The experience taught him the value of hard work and focus.
After returning home, he dedicated himself to music, traveled frequently to Lagos, and gradually built the career he has today.
He said: “When I got back home, I got a job, and right behind where I was working, there was a studio called Skynet. P-Square had just dropped their first project around that time. These were Jos boys, and before they blew up, they used to dance and mime Michael Jackson songs with a crew of about ten people. They later won a competition and got a record deal. Honestly, many of us used to envy them, but their success gave us hope that we could also make it.
“There was so much energy in Jos then. People were always in the studio, and the studio was just behind where I worked. E-Kelly supported me, and I began to think maybe I could really do this.
“It’s not like artistes were making a lot of money back then. I used to work at an internet café during the day and record at night. That’s one thing about living in Yankee, it teaches you how to hustle. When I got back home, I became more focused. One day, I just told myself, I can actually do this. Then I started traveling to Lagos more often, and here we are,” he added.
