Acclaimed lyricist Phenom has weighed in on the incessant comparison between MI Abaga and other Nigerian rappers.

In a recent post, Phenom stated that no Nigerian rapper should be compared to hip hop icon MI Abaga.

His comment is a reaction to a post by a hip hop blog comparing who is the rapper with the most hits between MI Abaga and Vector.

In another post, Phenom argued that the only rapper who could be compared to MI in terms of hit songs is his fellow former Chocolate City signee and hitmaker Ice Prince.

While Phenom’s statement is be the subject of further dispute as his typical with matters of who is the better hip hop act, it reflects the high esteem in which MI Abaga is held in Nigerian music.

Since announsing himself on the mainstream in 2008 with his acclaimed debut album ‘Talk ABout It,’ MI Abaga has gone on to enjoy a successful career that has made him one of Nigeria’s greatest rappers and musicians of the 21st century.

The rapper has several hit records to his credit including ‘Action Film’ with Brymo, ‘Anoti’ featuring Gabriel, ‘One Naira’ featuring Waje, and ‘Number 1’ featuring Flavour, among several others.

Phenom is not the only rapper to refer to MI Abaga as the greatest Nigerian hip hop act. His former Choc Boiz members Ice Prince and Jesse Jagz have both called him the greatest Nigerian rapper.

MI Abaga is expected to continue his nearly two-decade run in Nigerian hip hop with a new album set for release later in 2025.

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Nollywood filmmaker Seyi Babatope is the film director, screenwriter, and part-time cinematographer who’s been making waves in Nollywood. 

In an exclusive interview with Pulse Nigeria, Seyi opened up about his journey from a wide-eyed student at California State University, Northridge, to a filmmaker with nine feature films under his belt, including his latest dramatic series, Kabiyesi, now streaming on Showmax.

“It’s a very long story.” He credits his time interning at Quentin Tarantino’s company at Banda Parts and later with Andrew D’Ossomoo at RSA USA for laying the groundwork for his career. 

“My first feature film is When Love Happens,” he says, adding that each project has been a stepping stone to where he is now.

For Seyi, filmmaking isn’t just about turning a script into a movie. It’s about blending history and culture with fresh, vibrant storytelling. 

“I see the intersection of cultural identity and the sophistication of Yoruba culture as something that should be presented beautifully and dramatically,” he explains. “I want to show that we’re not one-dimensional; we are people with serious thoughts and a rich past.”

When discussing his latest project, Kabiyesi, Seyi is candid about his creative process. 

“This is my poetic license on a slice of historical fact,” he says. “I stayed true to what was most authentic about that time: architecture, costume design, photography. But at the end of the day, it’s a dramatic presentation meant to capture a true human experience.”

Filmmaking, as Seyi notes, is never without its challenges. “Making a movie is hard, no matter what. I was lucky to work with incredibly gifted people who gave their all,” he admits with a smile. 

The project, which spans over 10 hours of content, pushed him to evolve from the anxious filmmaker of a decade ago, when he’d wonder, “Can I make a film?” to a confident storyteller who sees the current landscape as a much larger playing field.

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ALSO READ: AMVCA Win: Game changer or just another trophy?

Looking at Nollywood today, Seyi is optimistic. “I hope the future is bright,” he says. “Since 2014, we’ve seen more money, more platforms like Showmax, and a whole new level of production quality. There’s a tendency in Nollywood to do anything with little consequence, but if we focus on making quality products, we can really change the game.”

When asked about untapped projects, Seyi points to the exciting trend of Nigerian talent being showcased globally, like in Children of Blood and Bone. 

“I’d love to see more projects that start here in Nigeria, telling our stories with our own creative vision,” he asserts.

Finally, on casting for Kabiyesi, he credits the confidence instilled in him by the Showmax team. “They said I didn’t have to cast famous people, and that unshackled me,” Seyi explains. “I was free to find the best talent to embody my character without all the baggage of fame. It opened my eyes to what was truly possible.”

With a refreshing blend of honesty and humor, Seyi’s story is a reminder that in Nollywood’s ever-evolving landscape, it’s the passion for storytelling and the willingness to break free from conventions that truly drive success.

So, let’s talk about the AMVCA and whether winning one actually changes a filmmaker’s life in Nollywood. 

Every year, when the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards roll around, it feels like the whole industry holds its breath. 

Filmmakers campaign like politicians, actors rally their fanbases, and when the winners are announced, social media goes into overdrive. 

But after all the glitz, glam, and teary acceptance speeches, does the AMVCA truly push a filmmaker’s career to the next level? Or is it just another feather in their cap?

First off, let’s agree on one thing: the AMVCA is a big deal. It’s arguably Nollywood’s most prestigious award show, recognising the best of the best in filmmaking. 

Winning one isn’t just about the trophy; it comes with prestige, visibility, and bragging rights. But let’s be real: does it translate to bigger budgets, more projects, and international recognition?

Take someone like Kunle Afolayan. The man has been a powerhouse in Nollywood for years, AMVCA or not. 

Yes, he’s bagged multiple awards, and yes, it solidifies his status as one of Nollywood’s top filmmakers, but did winning an AMVCA change his career trajectory? 

Not really; his work speaks for itself. But for a newer filmmaker, say, someone who’s just beginning to make waves, winning that award can be a game-changer. It puts their name in rooms they never imagined.

READ ALSO: How the AMVCA has shaped Nollywood over the years

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Let’s look at Jade Osiberu. Isoken won her an AMVCA, and since then, she’s become one of Nollywood’s most sought-after filmmakers. 

But was it the AMVCA that made her? Or was she already on her way up, and the award just confirmed what we all knew?

And then there are cases where winning an AMVCA doesn’t necessarily translate to career longevity. Some past winners have vanished into thin air. 

They had their moment in the spotlight, but without consistency, the award became just another memory. 

Nollywood thrives on “What’s next?” Today’s golden filmmaker can easily be tomorrow’s forgotten talent if they don’t keep up.

So, does winning an AMVCA actually boost a Nollywood filmmaker’s career? The answer is: it depends. 

It opens doors, sure. It makes people pay attention, definitely. But at the end of the day, it’s what the filmmaker does with that recognition that truly matters. Some use it as a launchpad to even bigger projects, while others just let it be a one-time moment of glory.

Moral of the story? The AMVCA can be a game-changer, but it’s not a magic wand. It’s what you do after the win that really counts. So, if you ever find yourself holding that golden trophy, just know; the work is only beginning.