Nigerian rap legend MI Abaga has delivered a scathing indictment of the country’s music industry, describing its alleged dependence on fraud-related funding as a damning national failure. Speaking candidly on the So Nigeria Podcast, the veteran artist peeled back the curtain on an uncomfortable truth—many young musicians, lacking legitimate financial support, are forced to turn to questionable sources just to launch their careers.
“It is an indictment on our country,” MI declared, his voice heavy with frustration. “We have incredible talent, yet the major funding for our industry comes either from the West or from this other industry,” he added, carefully alluding to cybercrime. His words cut deep, painting a bleak picture of a system where desperation meets opportunity—often at a moral cost.
The rapper, who has previously been misquoted on the subject, clarified his stance: while he does not condone illegal activity, he understands the harsh realities pushing artists toward illicit backing. “Evil is evil,” he emphasized, “but I empathize with those navigating this landscape without real options.” His remarks strike at the heart of a broader crisis—Nigeria’s creative economy, despite its global influence, lacks the institutional support to nurture talent ethically.
MI’s comments have reignited urgent conversations about accountability. With wealthy individuals and corporations thriving in Nigeria, why does the music industry remain starved of legitimate investment? Who bears responsibility—the struggling artists, the indifferent elite, or a system that fails to provide alternatives?
As debates flare online, one thing is clear: Nigeria’s music scene, though vibrant, stands at a crossroads. Without structural reform, the next generation of artists may continue facing an impossible choice—compromise or quit. And for a country brimming with potential, that’s a failure too glaring to ignore.
