Both MI are Ice Prince are my competitors –Jesse Jagz

Jesse Jagz

Multitalented artiste, Jesse Abaga aka Jesse Jagz, talks about his return to his former label, Chocolate City, after a three-year hiatus

How does it feel to be back to Chocolate City?

It feels great. Getting signed to and being on a proper label is always a big deal anywhere in the world. This seems a lot bigger because of the history we have.

When you left Chocolate City in 2012, you seemed bitter. Why are you no longer bitter?

I wasn’t bitter. It was business so both the record label and I insisted on what we wanted. There are so many aspects to a record contract. Irrespective of what anyone thinks, I left Chocolate City to better my career. During the period I was away from the label, we were not enemies; we still did business together and that’s what people did not understand.

How were you able to resolve your differences and did you hold out an olive branch to Chocolate City?

We were in talks the whole period I was away. It wasn’t an olive branch situation as such.

In the last three years, would you say your career suffered because you did not make the desired impact on the music scene?

In life you win some and lose some. There were certain things I wasn’t empowered to do but in that time, I built Jagznation. I will always make an impact with or without Chocolate City.

Tell us about your new contract with Chocolate City and when is it running out?

I have a three-year contract that will run out in 2018.

Do you regret leaving Chocolate City?

I don’t regret any decision I make. It’s a decision and each person has the responsibility to see it through.

What has changed about Chocolate City ?

My brother, MI, is now president . Everything changes with time. That is a constant in life.

Is it true you got a house and car among other goodies from Chocolate City?

I know nothing of that. We are from the old school where we work first and enjoy later.

Was your brother, MI, instrumental to your return?

Yes, he was. It took a while but we all saw the process through. MI and Ice Prince are my brothers, Audu Maikori is my uncle. We had been talking back and forth for a while.

Do you perceive the two biggest artistes on Chocolate City being MI and Ice Prince as competition and are you under pressure to outdo them?

Without a doubt, MI and Ice Prince are the two biggest artistes but we’ve been in competition long before Chocolate City. The both of them have always made me make better music and vice versa. It is a care of iron sharpening iron. I’m not here to outdo anyone but me. That’s the only way to learn and teach at the same time.

Now that you have made a U-turn, don’t you think you have betrayed Brymo who left the label about the same time you did even though you both say you left on your individual accord?

I didn’t make a U- turn, it’s always a straight path. I have Chocolate City and Jagznation. That’s not a U- turn, that’s winning.

What would you consider some of your achievements during your time away from the label?

Jagznation, Thy Nation Come, Royal Niger Company, Lyricist of the Year Award at the HipHop World Awards to mention but a few.

Did you return because you felt you were not better off on your own?

Nobody in life is better off alone. We all need people and that’s why there is family. Let’s not confuse family with business.

Did you experience challenges with your music and fans during your time away from the label?

I gained a lot more fans but that’s a given. I kept putting out music and working. Releasing two critically acclaimed albums during that period is not a joke.

When are you releasing another album?

I have announced to fans that my next album, Odysseus, will be out in June.

Your songs seem rebellious in nature. Why is it so and does that illustrate your personality?

Life itself is a rebellion against death. We are all in rebellion against something and I allow that to reflect in my music. However a lot of other things about me reflect in my music.

Do you have plans of returning to school to complete your degree in law?

There are not enough schools that teach music and art as a discipline. We only had the streets and still do. The only place we could develop as musicians was outside school. Music is the highest of professions and disciplines. In Africa today, it’s seen as a talent and not a skill. I abandoned school because I wanted to learn and get better at music and in Africa, school doesn’t support art.

Your younger brother recently married, when are you getting married?

You will know when the time comes.

What kind of woman appeals to you?

I want a woman that understands me. Respect is a woman’s job and love is the man’s.

How has fatherhood impacted on your life and would you encourage your daughter to take after you?

Fatherhood changes everything and my daughter is my friend. She’s still in school and growing .She is already learning how to play the piano and I’m teaching her production.

Having made up with Chocolate City, is there a likelihood you may get back together with mother of your daughter?

Ruby and I are very good friends and have always been that way. She has a special place in my heart. I’ve been married to my music from day one.

Who are those you look up to in the industry and why?

I look up to a lot of people. MI and Audu Maikori taught me about entertainment business. Femi Kuti is my mentor. His level of discipline and creativity remain unmatched.

You spend a lot of time off the social scene unlike most of your colleagues. Are you a recluse?

Making incredible music takes time. Music is my business while being social is an outlet. You need to be careful when socialising so you do not lose relevance. I spend more time working on me as a person and musician. I’ve been learning to play the saxophone for a year now. It takes silence, time and discipline.