MI Abaga Recalls Being Chased Off 2008 Headies Red Carpet Before Winning Big
Nigerian rap legend Jude ‘MI’ Abaga has opened up about a humbling experience at the 2008 Headies Awards, when he was chased off the red carpet to give way for veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s photo session.
Speaking on Vbyz TV Cartel, MI Abaga described the period leading up to the awards as one of relentless work that went largely unnoticed. Although he was nominated for ‘Best Rap Single,’ many at the red carpet didn’t recognize him and repeatedly asked him to move aside for Omotola.
He recalled, “I had been grinding and nobody really knew who I was. In February 2008, I was announced as the winner for ‘Best Rap Single,’ and that changed everything. I was walking with my manager when Omotola came in with her security. The people on the red carpet didn’t even know I was nominated; they just said, ‘Come on, get out of here.’ We kept getting moved around while she posed for photos.”
Holding his award later that evening, MI said the perception of him shifted completely. “Two hours later, I had a gold plaque from Ayo Animashaun in my hands, and from that moment, everyone knew MI was in the game. After that, hits like ‘Safe,’ ‘Talk About It,’ and ‘Incredible Music’ followed.”
The rapper’s story serves as a reminder of the patience and persistence behind the rise of one of Nigeria’s most influential hip-hop artists.
