Nigerian rapper Jude Abaga, widely known as M.I, has voiced serious concerns about the funding structure of the Nigerian music industry. During a recent appearance on the So Nigerian podcast, M.I claimed that a significant portion of the industry’s financial support comes from internet fraudsters and foreign sources.
He described this situation as a national embarrassment, especially considering the immense talent within the country. “There’s a lot of controversy when people talk about Yahoo Yahoo, because for many artists, that’s where the funding comes from,” M.I said. “It’s an indictment on our nation. It shows that something is wrong when most of the financial support for our creatives comes from fraud and the West.”
According to M.I, the industry’s current financial landscape reflects deeper structural issues. He believes that Nigeria must prioritize investment in its creative economy if it hopes to build a sustainable future for its artists. He stressed that young people are currently the ones supporting each other, while wealthier Nigerians remain largely uninvolved.
Calling on the nation’s elite, M.I urged high-net-worth individuals to step up and invest in local music talent. “We need to do better. We have the talent. What we lack is consistent, transparent funding that helps the industry thrive without unethical sources,” he said.
M.I Abaga’s bold statements underscore the urgent need for reform in Nigeria’s music industry. By highlighting the problematic reliance on questionable funding, he challenges stakeholders to rethink their role in nurturing talent.
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