Veteran Nigerian rapper Jude Lemfani Abaga, popularly known as MI Abaga, says he is not in competition with Afrobeats heavyweights like Davido or Wizkid.

In an interview, the 43-year-old rapper noted that he had carved his own unique path in the music industry and remains content with where he stands.

MI acknowledged the evolution of the music scene, particularly the increasing wealth and extravagant lifestyles of younger artistes.

However, he noted that he has chosen to stay grounded and true to himself.

He said: “In terms of comparing myself to artistes that are hot, I truly don’t have that part. To me, what matters is how good you are, and I’ve not yet felt threatened in that space and in my career.

“I can really look at Odumodublvck, Shallipopi, Falz, Ladipoe, Blaqbonez and love their talent — but it doesn’t intimidate me. What I do and how good I am at it fills me up and makes me secure in myself as an artiste.

“I’m not Davido, I’m not Wizkid. They are in the red-hot moment. I’m MI. Has MI lost something? I don’t see it. I can still work, I can still go forward, I still have the fans I had, I still have the skill. That’s what’s important.”

Speaking on lifestyle changes, MI revealed that he once owned six luxury cars, but now drives “small” vehicles and spends wisely.

“I used to have six massive cars, now I have two small cars. My wife has one, I have one. The cars Davido is buying now — N100 million, N200 million — in our time, they were N20 million.

“So it’s not like I’ve lost anything, I’m just not in that hot moment making billions to buy a ₦200 million car.

“Now I don’t care anymore. Do you know how much an economy ticket is? I live in Nigeria, where people need money. I have staff who work with me, and they have real issues. So those priorities have shifted for me.”