Jesse Jagz | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Jesse Garba Abaga |
Also known as | Jargo |
Born | 10 August 1984 |
Genres | |
Occupations |
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Years active | 2003–present |
Labels | Jagz Nation |
Jesse Garba Abaga (born 10 August 1984), known professionally as Jesse Jagz, is a Nigerian rapper, record producer, and songwriter. He signed a record deal with Chocolate City in 2010 and released his debut studio album Jag of All Tradez that same year. He voluntarily exited the Chocolate City deal in 2013 and announced the launch of his independent label, Jagz Nation. Jagz released his second studio album Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come in 2013; it included singles such as "Redemption", "Bad Girl", "Sex & Scotch" and "God on the Mic". His third studio album, Jagz Nation, Vol. 2: Royal Niger Company , was released in 2014. He returned to Chocolate City in 2015 but left the label again prior to releasing his fourth studio album Odysseus in 2017. In May 2020, he released a 5-track EP titled Garba.
Jesse Garba Abaga was born on 10 August 1984 [1] to Chris and Lydia Abaga. [2] He grew up in Jos and is a member of Taraba State's Jukun ethnic group. [3] His father is a pastor and his mother is a gospel artist and counselor. [2] He joined his church's choir at the age of seven and later learned to play the drums on his parents' drum kit. He recorded an unreleased album with the short-lived music group Gospel Insanity in 2003. A year later, Abaga formed the group Eleven Thirty; they enjoyed local success before disbanding in 2006. [3] Abaga first released music under the stage name Jesse Jagz shortly thereafter with his first hit single "Africa" in 2006, topping the charts of several local radio stations in northern Nigeria. In 2007, three of his singles had similar success, peaking within the Top 10 on several radio charts in the region. [3] Jesse Jagz has produced songs for several artists, including Majek Fashek, M.I Abaga, Banky W, Ice Prince, and Mode 9. [4] [5] In February 2009, he represented Nigeria at the Sauti Za Busara Music Festival. [4]
Jesse Jagz released his debut studio album Jag of All Tradez on 21 April 2010. [6] [7] It included the singles "Wetin Dey", "Pump It Up", "Jesse Swag", "Sugar Cane Baby" and "Bend Down Low". [8] The album was produced entirely by Jesse Jagz and went platinum in Nigeria two months after its release. [9] Described as a commercially driven pop project, the album was experimental in nature. [6] In an interview with Adeoye Arubayi, Jagz said the album was a learning process and a way for him to explore the different music markets in Nigeria. [10] Jag of All Tradez received generally mixed reviews from music critics. Keeps Magazine commended the album's production and Jesse Jagz's delivery, but ended the review saying that the record should have been shortened to ten songs. [8] Oye Akd of 360nobs granted the album an overall verdict of 7.5 stars out of 10, commending it for being a diverse body of work that contained a "mixture of beats and rhymes that exemplify where Nigerian hip-hop should be today". [11] Adeyinka Yusuff of BellaNaija awarded the album a 5/10 rating, praising its overall production while simultaneously criticizing its experimental nature. [12]
In March 2013, Jesse Jagz announced his voluntary exit from Chocolate City and the launch of his own independent outfit Jagz Nation. [13] [14] Several media outlets such as Nigerian Entertainment Today and Pulse Nigeria reported that Chocolate City accused Jesse Jagz of owing them money and being a marijuana addict. [15] However, the label debunked the reports through their PR firm, World PR Media. [15] In an interview with Kolapo Olapoju, Jesse Jagz said he left Chocolate City because he got tired performing songs from his Jag of All Tradez album for three consecutive years. [16] Moreover, he told Vanguard newspaper the label's management had showed little interest in promoting a track he recorded. [17]
Jesse Jagz's second studio album Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come was released on 10 July 2013. [18] It features collaborations with guest artists such as 9ice, Wizkid, Brymo, James Maverik and Lindsey Abudei. Jesse Jagz recorded over 200 songs for the album and worked with producers Kid Konnect, Shady Bizniz, Samklef and GuiltyBeatz. [19] He didn't feature M.I Abaga or Ice Prince on the album because he wanted to be the only rapper on it. [20] In an interview posted on MADC.com, he elaborated on the album, saying "It's just going to be music. With the album I just tried to push the boundary. Writing, production, arrangement, engineering. I set out to just make good music. Forget about being Nigerian, forget about being in Lagos and just make some good music." [19] Jesse Jagz said he expected to receive mixed reviews when he dropped the album and that being gifted in recording and producing added to the album's depth. [19] Jesse Jagz promoted the album by holding the Jesse Jagz Experience concert at the New Afrika Shrine on 24 August 2013. [21] [22] He told The Punch newspaper he decided to host the concert at the Shrine for historical reasons and to accommodate some of his less financially stable fans. [20] Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come was nominated for Best Rap Album at The Headies 2014 and for Best Album of the Year at the 2014 Nigeria Entertainment Awards. [23] [24]
The album's lead single "Redemption" was released on 29 May 2013. OkayAfrica said it is "anchored on an addictive clink-clank beat and swerving synth melody, which Jesse Jagz expertly rides and molds into a hip-hop-meets-dancehall gem." [25] The audio and visuals for "Redemption" were released simultaneously. [26] The Wizkid-assisted track "Bad Girl" was released on 10 July 2013, as the album's second single. Its music video was uploaded to YouTube on 7 December 2013. [27] Contributing a lead single to the Heaven's Hell film soundtrack, Jesse Jagz released the Femi Kuti-assisted track "3rd World War" on 7 August 2013. [28] [29] On 19 January 2014, Jagz Nation released the music video for the third single from Jagz Nation, Vol.1. Thy Nation Come, "Sex & Scotch", which was directed by Mex Film Production. [30] On 23 January 2014, Jesse Jagz released the J.O. King-directed animated video for the album's fourth single "God on the Mic". [31]
Jesse Jagz released his third studio album, Jagz Nation, Vol. 2: Royal Niger Company , on 28 March 2014. [32] He hired fellow musicians Shady, Dugod, Hyce-age, Ibro and Phazehop to assist with production. The album consists of samples ranging from Rufus & Chaka Khan's "Ain't Nobody" to excerpts from movies such as Network (1976), Scarface (1983), and Johnny Mad Dog (2008). The album features guest appearances and recording samples by Fela Kuti, Tupac, Rufus & Chaka Khan, Tesh Carter, Jumar, Dugod, Sarah Mitaru, Rexx and Show Dem Camp. [33] [34] Jagz Nation, Vol. 2: Royal Niger Company was originally meant be a mixtape and was initially titled The Transfiguration of Jesse Jagz. [35] On 28 March 2014, Jesse Jagz made the album available for digital streaming on SoundCloud. [34] On 2 August 2014, he held the second edition of the Jesse Jagz Experience concert at the AGIP Recital Hall; he called it "The Greatest Concert" and performed with a 16-man hip-hop orchestra band. [36]
Jesse Jagz started creating the album by recording a mixture of ideas for two months. After the two-month period, his team sifted through the music and selected the album's final track listing. He chose the album's title to sensitize Nigerians about their history, saying that he made the album for his core fans. [37] He described the album as two steps above Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come and said he wanted to stay away from reggae-influenced sounds for sentimental reasons. He hoped people found healing from the album and wanted people who were hurting to find comfort in it. [37] On 17 March 2014, the album's cover art was released to the general public. [38] Inspired by the works of René Magritte, it shows a standing man with his face hidden by an apple. The concept behind Magritte's work revolves around revealing one thing and hiding another. The cover art features a model holding different items that symbolize the culture of Nigeria. [37]
Jesse Jagz signed a new record deal with Chocolate City in 2015. [39] [40] He produced several tracks on the label's 2015 compilation album The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation (TICBN). The album's release celebrated the merger of Loopy Music and Chocolate City as well as his return. [41] TICBN was released to the general public two weeks following its exclusive release on Star Music. [41] It included the singles "Summer Time" and "Suite 99". [41] In December 2016, Jesse Jagz performed with Femi Kuti and Niniola at a live music concert held at the Sheraton Hotel in Abuja. [42]
In 2017, Jesse Jagz announced his departure from Chocolate City for the second time. He told The Punch newspaper that he left in order to have more creative control over his music. [43] In June 2017, Jesse Jagz unveiled the cover art for his fourth studio album Odysseus on his Instagram profile. [44] The cover features a picture of his mother as a child, sitting with Jan Boer's three biological children. [45] [46] The photo was taken in the grounds of Boer's idyllic Jos home. [45] Jesse Jagz had originally began production on Odysseus in August 2014, and the album was initially scheduled for release in 2015 but was delayed multiple times. [47] Its title was inspired by the Greek king Odysseus. [47] Jesse Jagz performed tracks from the album to select listeners at an Industry Nite event held in June 2017 at Spice Route in Victoria Island, Lagos. [48]
Odysseus was released on 8 September 2017. [49] It features collaborations with Hotyce, Styl-Plus, Cynthia Morgan, Melon and Burna Boy. [47] Prior to releasing the album, Jesse Jagz released a number of singles in 2017, including "Midnight Vibes" and "New World". [50] "Best in You" was released as a pre-released single. [46] Odysseus draws influences from Caribbean sounds, supporting the dancehall identity that Jesse Jagz embraced on his second studio album Jagz Nation, Vol.1. Thy Nation Come (2013). [51] Although built on a predominantly hip-hop foundation, some of the tracks on Odysseus are infused with Caribbean rhythm and patois-laced rap. [46]
On 29 May 2020, Jesse Jagz released Garba, a 5-track extended play named after his traditional surname. He produced it with assistance from Geekbeatz and Misty. The EP is a mixture of Afropop, trap music, hip-hop and folk music; it features collaborations with Anchorman and Mr Murph. [52] Motolani Alake of Pulse Nigeria awarded Garba a rating of 6.8 out of 10, praising its production and saying it "beautifully sells Jagz's tales with natural honesty and storytelling". [53] Conversely, Alake criticized Jesse Jagz for letting the EP be about "lyrical brilliance and storytelling" rather than "an out-of-body sonic experience". [53]
Jesse Jagz primarily makes hip-hop and reggae, but incorporates elements of other genres into his music. His music utilizes various kinds of instrumentation, auto-tune and echo. [3]
Jesse Jagz is the younger brother of recording artist and producer M.I Abaga. [54] He has a daughter with singer Ruby Gyang. [55] In July 2020, he married his girlfriend Tolu. The wedding was a private ceremony held in Jos, Plateau State. [56] [57]
Studio albums
| EPs
Compilation albums
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Year | Recipient | Award | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|
2010 | Himself | Next Rated | Nominated | [58] |
2011 | Producer of the Year for "Oleku" and "Jargo" | Nominated | [59] | |
2012 | Producer of the Year for Everybody Loves Ice Prince | Nominated | [60] | |
2014 | Lyricist on the Roll for "God on the Mic" | Won | [61] | |
"Bad Girl" (featuring Wizkid) | Best Reggae/Dancehall Single | Nominated | [23] | |
Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come | Best Rap Album | Nominated | ||
2016 | Best Reggae/Dancehall Single | "Body Hot" (Praiz featuring Jesse Jagz and Stonebwoy) | Nominated | [62] |
"Jagga Love" | Nominated | |||
Year | Recipient | Award | Result | Ref |
2010 | Himself | Best New Act of the Year | Won | [63] |
Best Rap Act of the Year | Nominated | [64] | ||
2012 | Best Music Producer of the Year | Nominated | [65] | |
2013 | Best Rap Act of the Year | Nominated | [66] | |
2014 | Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come | Best Album of the Year | Nominated | [24] |
2010 | Himself | Music Producer of the Year | Won | [67] |
2014 | "Bad Girl" (featuring Wizkid) | Most Gifted Ragga Dancehall | Nominated | [68] |
Gilbert Bani, known by his stage name A-Q, is a Nigerian rapper and songwriter. His single "Agu Ji Ndi Men" was nominated for Best Rap Single at The Headies 2016.
Chocolate City is a Nigerian record label founded in 2005 by lawyers Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo, and Yahaya Maikori. Generally regarded as one of Africa's most successful indigenous urban record labels, Chocolate City operates as a subsidiary of Chocolate City Group. Other arms of the group include Chocolate City Distribution, Chocolate City Events, CCX, and Chocolate City Media. On 28 March 2019, Warner Music Group partnered with the label. Under the partnership, Chocolate City artists will join WMG's repertoire and receive the support of the company's distribution and artist services via its independent label services division, ADA.
Jude Lemfani Abaga, better known as M.I Abaga or M.I, is a Nigerian rapper, songwriter, and record producer. He is widely considered one of the influential rappers in Africa. He gained mainstream attention after the release of his track song, "Crowd Mentality" (2006). Since then, he has released albums Talk About It (2008), MI 2: The Movie (2010), The Chairman (2014), The Guy (2022); playlist Rendezvous (2018), and A Study on Self Worth: Yxng Dxnzl.
Panshak Henry Zamani, better known as Ice Prince Zamani or just Ice Prince, is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. He rose to fame after releasing "Oleku", one of Nigeria's most remixed songs of all time. He won the 2009 Hennessy Artistry Club Tour. His debut studio album Everybody Loves Ice Prince was released in 2011. It was supported by three singles: "Oleku", "Superstar" and "Juju". In 2013, Ice Prince released Fire of Zamani as his second studio album. The album contained the singles "Aboki", "More", "Gimme Dat" and "I Swear". On 1 July 2015, Ice Prince was announced as the vice president of Chocolate City. He held the position until he left the label in 2016. He has collaborated with top African rappers like Navio of Uganda, Khaligraph Jones of Kenya, AKA of South Africa, Sarkodie of Ghana among others.
Ọlawale Ọlọfọrọ, better known as Brymo, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, sonic artist, actor and author who was born and raised in Okokomaiko. Brymo started recording music in 1999 while in secondary school. He signed a recording contract with music label Chocolate City in 2010 but was accused of breaching his contract in 2013. Brymo released his debut studio album Brymstone in 2007. His second studio album The Son of a Kapenta was released in 2012, and was supported by the singles "Ara", "Good Morning" and "Go Hard". His third studio album Merchants, Dealers & Slaves, which was released on 20 October 2013, received positive reviews from music critics and yielded the singles "Down" and "Eko".
Everybody Loves Ice Prince is the debut studio album by Nigerian rapper Ice Prince. It was released by Chocolate City on October 9, 2011. The album's production was primarily handled by Jesse Jagz, along with additional production from M.I Abaga, Wizboyy, E Kelly, Samklef and Chopstix. It features collaborations with Brymo, Wizkid, 2 Face Idibia, Jesse Jagz, M.I, Yung L, J-Milla, Samklef, Wizboyy, Morell and Sean Tero. The album was supported by the singles "Oleku", "Superstar" and "Juju". E.L.I is a mixture of hip hop, R&B, dancehall, raga, Afrobeats, reggae, highlife and soul.
Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper and record producer Jesse Jagz. It was released by Jagz Nation on July 10, 2013. The album was primarily produced by Jesse Jagz, along with additional production from Shady Bizniz, Kid Konnect, GuiltyBeatz and Samklef. It has eighteen tracks and features collaborations with 9ice, Wizkid, Brymo, James Maverik and Lindsey Abudei. Musically, Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come is a hip hop and ragga record that incorporates elements of dancehall music. It was supported by the singles "Redemption", "Bad Girl", "Sex & Scotch" and "God on the Mic". The album received generally positive reviews from music critics, who characterized it as a "tour de force" and praised its production.
"Murder Dem" is a song by Nigerian rapper and record producer Jesse Jagz. It was released on December 2, 2012, by Chocolate City. Jesse Jagz's second studio album, Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come (2013) was initially supposed to feature the song. However, "Murder Dem" was ultimately removed from the album's final track list due to the rapper's departure from Chocolate City.
"Redemption" is a song by Nigerian rapper and record producer Jesse Jagz. It was released as the lead single from his second studio album, Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come (2013). The song was written and produced by Jesse Jagz and is the first single released following his departure from Chocolate City.
Jagz Nation, Vol. 2: Royal Niger Company is the third studio album by Nigerian rapper and record producer Jesse Jagz. Released by Jagz Nation on March 28, 2014, the album marked a departure from the dancehall and ragga elements deployed on Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come (2013). Jesse Jagz enlisted Shady, Dugod, Ibro and Phazehop to assist with production. The album consists of samples ranging from Rufus & Chaka Khan's "Ain't Nobody" to excerpts from movies such as Network (1976), Scarface (1983) and Johnny Mad Dog (2008).
The Chairman is the third studio album by Nigerian rapper and record producer M.I. It was released on October 30, 2014, by Chocolate City and Loopy Music. The album features collaborations with producers and guest artists such as 2face Idibia, Wizkid, Reinhard, Sarz, and Ice Prince, among others. The Chairman was supported by the singles "Bad Belle", "Monkey" and "Bullion Van". It won Best Rap Album and was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies 2015.
Ngohide Ruby Ann GyangGyang, better known by her stage name Ruby Gyang, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She was formerly signed to Chocolate City.
The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation is a compilation album by recording artists of Nigerian record label Chocolate City. It was released exclusively on the Star Music platform for free digital streaming on April 30, 2015. The album features appearances from Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, M.I Abaga, Nosa, Ruby Gyang, Victoria Kimani, Pryse, DJ Lambo, DJ Caise, Loose Kaynon, Dice Ailes, Milli and Koker. Its production was handled by Jesse Jagz, Reinhard, L37, Tunday, Teck Zilla, Nosa, DJ Caise, Ckay, and TMXO. The album's release celebrated the merger of Loopy Music and Chocolate City, as well as the return of Jesse Jagz. TICBN was released to the general public two weeks following its exclusive release on Star Music, and was supported by the singles "Summer Time" and "Suite 99".
Lindsey Chukwufumnanya Abudei, who is known professionally as Lindsey Abudei, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. She started recording music and having jam sessions with rappers M.I Abaga and Jesse Jagz while still an undergraduate law student in 2014. Abudei has released the solo projects Brown: The EP (2013), ...And the Bass Is Queen (2016), and Kaleidoscope (2023).
Christopher Omenye, professionally known as Yung L, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer.
Praise Ugbede Adejo, better known by his stage name Praiz, is a Nigerian multi award-winning R&B singer, songwriter, and producer. Praiz's music career hit the limelight after he finished second runner-up at the maiden season of Project Fame West Africa. He is best known for releasing hit singles like "Rich and Famous", "Sisi" and "I Love You". He contributed guest vocals to Bez's 2011 single "That Stupid Song"; the music video for the song mentioned was the first African video to make a world premiere on BET’s 106 & Park. He is currently signed to Cicada Music.
MI 2: The Movie is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga. It was released by Chocolate City November 23, 2010. The album features collaborations with 2face Idibia, Bola Adebisi, Brymo, Flavour, Ice Prince, Jesse Jagz, Julius Ceaser, Femi Odukoya, Loose Kaynon, Praiz, Ruby Gyang, Timaya and Waje. M.I addresses a wide array of topics on the project, including corruption, poor education, the Niger Delta crisis, shooting, looting, and the sexual objectification of women. MI 2 was ranked the best Nigerian album of 2010 by music blog Jaguda. It won Best Rap Album and was nominated for Album of the Year at The Headies 2011.
Odysseus is the fourth studio album by Nigerian rapper and record producer Jesse Jagz. It was released on September 8, 2017, by Jagz Nation. The album features guest appearances from Hotyce, Styl-Plus, Cynthia Morgan, Melon and Burna Boy. Prior to releasing the album, Jesse Jagz released a number of singles in 2017, including "Midnight Vibes" and "New World". "Best in You" was released as the album's only single. Odysseus draws influences from Caribbean sounds, supporting the dancehall identity that Jesse Jagz embraced on his second studio album Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come (2013).
The Son of a Kapenta is the second studio album by Nigerian singer Brymo. It was released by Chocolate City on November 15, 2012. Recorded in English and Yoruba, SOAK combines elements of fuji music with contemporary pop and techno. It features guest appearances from Jesse Jagz, Pryse, M.I, Ice Prince and Efya. SOAK was produced by E Kelly, Mikky Me Joses, Legendury Beatz, Jesse Jagz, Blaze, DMM Oluremi and Kid Konnect. It was supported by the singles "Ara", "Good Morning" and "Go Hard". SOAK received positive reviews from music critics, who commended its production and Brymo's voice.
The Guy is the fifth studio album by Nigerian rapper M.I Abaga. It was released on 19 August 2022, through Incredible Music and Chocolate City Music. The album features guest appearances from Nas, Olamide, Duncan Mighty, Phyno, Cavemen, Wande Coal, Bnxn, Temi Owo, Lord Vino, Ossi Grace, Chillz, Ice Prince, and Jesse Jagz.