MI Abaga Shares Humbling Story of How He Was Chased Off the Red Carpet for Omotola in 2008

Nigerian rapper Jude MI Abaga has opened up about one of the most humbling moments in his early music career. The award-winning rapper shared the story during an interview on Vbyz TV Cartel, where he looked back at a 2008 experience that taught him the true meaning of resilience and patience in the entertainment industry.

According to MI, the event took place at the 2008 Headies Awards, a night he had been hoping would be his big break. Even though he had been nominated for the “Best Rap Single” category that year, the rapper said event staff did not recognize him when he stepped onto the red carpet. Instead of treating him like a rising nominee, they pushed him aside to make space for Nollywood superstar Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, who arrived with her security team.

MI said he remembered walking the red carpet with his manager, hoping to get photos taken, but the staff kept directing them to move. Photographers were all focused on Omotola, and each time she changed position, MI and his manager were told to adjust again. He described the moment as a major reality check because he had been working hard in the industry, yet nobody seemed to notice him.

He shared that the experience humbled him deeply. Even though he felt invisible on the carpet, he quietly watched Omotola command attention with her star power. He said it helped him understand what true fame looked like and pushed him to work even harder so that one day, people would recognize him too.

But the night took a surprising turn. Despite being ignored earlier, MI’s work finally received the recognition it deserved. Two hours after the red carpet embarrassment, his name was announced as the winner of the “Best Rap Single” award. He walked up to the stage to receive a gold plaque from Ayo Animashaun, marking the official beginning of his rise to stardom.

After that win, MI said everything changed. People started seeing him differently, and the industry quickly took notice. He soon released hit songs like “Safe,” “Talk About It,” and “Incredible Music,” which helped him become one of Nigeria’s most respected rappers.

Reflecting on the moment today, MI called it a defining point in his journey. What started as a painful red carpet experience became one of the most important milestones of his life. It taught him patience, humility, and the importance of never giving up even when it feels like nobody is watching.