M.I Abaga Claims Internet Fraudsters Fund Large Part of Nigerian Music Industry

Veteran rapper Jude Abaga, popularly known as M.I, has sparked conversation with his recent claim that internet fraudsters provide significant financial backing for the Nigerian music industry.

Speaking on the So Nigerian podcast, the award-winning lyricist described the situation as a serious indictment on the country, noting that much of the industry’s funding also comes from the West rather than local, legitimate sources.

“There’s a lot of controversies when people talk about Yahoo Yahoo, because a lot of artists—that is the funding that they have. What I’m trying to say is that, it’s an indictment on our country that we have such talented musicians and that the major funding for the industry comes from the West and the fraud industry. It shows that something is wrong. Hopefully, we can do better,” M.I said.

The rapper urged wealthy Nigerians and investors to step up, stressing that young creatives are currently relying mostly on financial support from their peers. He emphasized the need for proper local funding structures to support Nigeria’s musical talents.

Opinion:
M.I’s revelation may be uncomfortable, but it’s far from surprising to those who understand the financial realities of Nigeria’s entertainment scene. The absence of robust, transparent funding channels has left a vacuum that is being filled by questionable sources, ultimately muddying the industry’s reputation.

Nigeria’s music exports are winning global awards, selling out arenas, and shaping culture—but behind the glamour lies an underfunded creative economy that thrives largely on hustle, personal sacrifice, and in some cases, illicit money.

If Nigeria truly values its music as a cultural export and economic asset, there must be a deliberate shift toward legitimate, well-structured funding—from government grants to private investments. Until then, the question remains: who’s really bankrolling the beat?