How I was chased off 2008 Headies red carpet for Omotola – MI Abaga

Nigerian rap legend, Jude ‘MI’ Abaga, has opened up on a humiliating but life-changing moment he experienced at the 2008 Headies Awards, revealing that he was chased off the red carpet to make way for Nollywood superstar, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde.

Speaking during an interview on the Vbyz TV Cartel, MI described the period before the awards as a time when his hard work was largely unrecognised, despite earning a nomination for ‘Best Rap Single’.

According to the rapper, he arrived at the venue with his manager, but the red carpet ushers did not recognise him. He said they repeatedly asked him to “get out of here” to create space for Omotola’s photo session as she arrived with her security team.

“The people on the red carpet didn’t even know I was nominated. They kept chasing us from place to place because Omotola was moving to take pictures,” he recounted.

The 44-year-old rapper said the incident made him reflect deeply on stardom, until everything changed just hours later when he won the award.

“In February 2008, I was announced the winner for ‘Best Rap Single’, and my life changed that day. Two hours after being chased around, I had a gold plaque in my hand, and everyone suddenly looked at me differently,” he said.

MI noted that the win marked the beginning of a new era in his career, paving the way for hit songs such as Safe, Talk About It, and Incredible Music.