'I'M COOL WITH JEANS AND TEE SHIRT'
JUDE Abaga (a.k.a M.I., Mr. Incredible) was born in Jos, Plateau State; had his primary and secondary school education in the country before leaving for Calvin College, Michigan, USA, to study Business and Economics. In the US, M.I. delved into Poetry and performed regularly at the school's major hip hop shows with impressive rap flows that earned him a third place at the school's show tagged, HipHopera in 2003. Back home in 2005, M.I. joined the ever-expanding music industry. A solo done with his friend, Djinee, produced, Safe, which enjoyed impressive airplay around the country. His debut album , Let's Talk About It, won different awards such as Musician of the Year (Modemen Awards, 2008), Best Hip Hop Artiste (City People Awards). M.I's signing onto Chocolate City Records saw him move from Jos to Abuja and also influenced the beginning of his success in music, with recognitions in international events such as Channel O Music Awards, MTVBase Awards and the American BET Awards. He tells DANIEL ANAZIA what fashion means to him.
What is fashion to you?
It depicts individual's personality. It tells more about a person and his ability to put the right colours and materials together to create the right impression.
Your style sense
Simple and natural.
Favourite colour
I'm more at home with blue and green.
Favourite fashion piece
I would not place any, because whatever I wear appears good on me. Talk about Jeans and T-shirt or suits; they are always cool on me, but as a hip-hop person, jeans make me mobile.
Favourite designers
None, I just go for what is good and fits me.
How often do you change your wardrobe?
No fixed period, but I always try to spoil myself a little with something nice.
What would you not be caught wearing?
I guess it's a woman's dress — a skirt. Though, I once wore it for the fun of it.
Favourite signature scent
Give me anything that smells good and cool. It could be DKNY, Givenchy or 212 for men.
Favourite food
Though I love all kinds of food, rice and chicken remain on the top list.
Turn on
Fear of God, sincerity and hardwork.
Turn off
I hate lies, dishonesty and disrespectful people.
Influences on career
They are Notorious B.I.G, Jay-Z, Common, Kanye West, Ludacris, Busta Rhymes, Lauryn Hill, Robert Nesta Marley, Sarah Mchlaclan, Pablo Neruda, Jay-Z and DMX.
How do relax when you are not working?
I love football and I'm a fan of Arsenal FC. So, anytime my team is playing, I always go to watch them.
Choice travel/holiday destination
I have been to quite a number of places, but Zanzibar remains unique for its pleasing landscape.
What would you like to change in Nigeria if given opportunity?
I would like to change our youths' apathy and mentality about Nigeria. The idea of leaving the country!
Philosophy of life
Laugh, love and live. Take things the way they come and don't be afraid to take risk.