In a world where social timelines often dictate life choices, MI Abaga is rewriting the narrative—one deeply personal chapter at a time.
The legendary Nigerian rapper, born Jude Abaga in October 1981, recently opened up on the Tea With Tay podcast about his unconventional journey to marriage. Far from the scripted love stories often found in celebrity culture, MI’s tale is a testament to patience, authenticity, and knowing your own rhythm.
“I Was Ready, But the World Was Loud”
As MI put it, he reached a stage in life where he was ready to settle down—but faced the conundrum of dating in the digital age, especially under the spotlight of fame. “Dating apps just didn’t work for me. I didn’t feel like people were being real,” he admitted. Recognizing the gap between desire and reality, he did something timeless: he asked a friend for help.
That friend was none other than Audu Maikori, co-founder of Chocolate City, who pointed MI in the direction of Eniola Mafe—a brilliant, Afro-wearing woman whose Instagram profile caught MI’s eye. With nothing to lose and a gut feeling to trust, he slid into her DMs.
From DMs to Destiny
What began as a cautious message turned into a flood of connection. “We never stopped talking,” MI recalled. Their chats grew in duration and depth—11 minutes turned into hours, and soon, into something deeper than either expected. By December 2020, they knew it was real.
Nearly a year and a half later, in April 2022, MI made it official: he proposed to Eniola and announced their engagement to the world. “I knew she was the one from our first real conversation,” he shared on social media.
A Wedding Worth the Wait
On September 22, 2022, the couple tied the knot in a vibrant traditional wedding ceremony in Lagos, graced by stars like Banky W, Basketmouth, IK Osakioduwa, and more. Two days later, on September 24, they followed up with a white wedding—more intimate, more emotional, and entirely theirs.
“I found not just a wife, but a confidant,” MI wrote after the ceremony. “I’m glad I waited. I’m glad I chose when it felt right—for me.”
The Message: Your Life, Your Tempo
MI’s story isn’t just about love—it’s about resisting the pressure to conform to external timelines. He reminds us that life’s most meaningful moments can’t be forced. Whether you marry at 25 or 45, the only timeline that matters is the one written in your heart.
Key Lessons from MI’s Journey
| Theme | Lesson |
|---|---|
| Timeline | Wait for when it feels right—don’t let society rush your forever. |
| Love’s Pathway | Genuine connection can come from trusted circles, not apps or trends. |
| Intimacy | Consistent, deep conversation built the foundation of their relationship. |
| Public Celebration | The right partner brings clarity, joy, and confidence in going public. |
| Core Message | Trust your timing—love respects no clocks, only readiness. |
