Ace Nigerian rapper Jude ‘MI’ Abaga has openly discussed an awkward encounter at the 2008 Headies awards. He recounted being asked to leave the red carpet. This incident happened to accommodate veteran actress Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde’s photo session.
Abaga explained that he was nominated for the ‘Best Rap Single’ category. Despite this, many people on the red carpet did not recognize him. They told him to “get out of here.” This was to make room for Omotola’s pictures.
The 44-year-old rapper remembered feeling overlooked. He stated that everyone at the ceremony viewed him differently after he received his award.
He shared his experience, saying, “I had been working hard, but nobody seemed to care who I was. In February 2008, I was announced as the winner for ‘Best Rap Single’. My life literally changed that very day.”
Abaga continued, “I recall walking into the venue with my manager. As we entered, Omotola arrived with her security team. The red carpet staff did not even know I was nominated. They simply said, ‘Common, get out of here’.”
“So, we moved to stand in another corner,” he added. “Omotola was posing from side to side for her photos. They kept chasing us from spot to spot. I was just observing this level of stardom.”
The narrative took a swift turn. “Two hours later, I held an award in my hand. It was a gold plaque from Ayo Animashaun,” MI Abaga recounted. “After receiving that plaque, everyone’s perception changed. They realized ‘MI is in the game’.”
He concluded by highlighting his subsequent success. “After that, it was ‘Safe’, ‘Talk About It’ and ‘Incredible Music’,” he mentioned, pointing to a string of hits that followed his Headies breakthrough.
About the Author
