Jesse Garba Abaga is his real name, also widely known as Jesse Jagz or Jago. He is a popular Nigerian rapper, songwriter, singer and music producer whose style of music is a blend of hip-hop and reggae. Jesse also brings in various elements of other genres into music.
He was born in Jos, Plateau Sate on August 10, 1984 to the family of Chris, a pastor father and mother, Lydia, a gospel artist. Jesse hails from Taraba State but grew up in Jos, Plateau State. He is the brother of another talented Nigerian rapper, MI.
Jesse Jagz’s Educational Background
Jesse Jagz attended Baptist High School, Jos Plateau State of Nigeria.
He went further to study Law at the University, but dropped out in his fourth year to make a full career in music.
Jesse Jagz’s Music Career
Jesse Jagz journey into the music world started in his local Church as a choir at the young age of seven where he learnt how to play the drums.
He later became a multi-instrumentalist, playing other variety of instruments like auto-tunes, and echoes in his music.
Jesse became a star to reckon with in the music industry, as many music lovers liken him to Kanye West for his musical dexterity.
Jesse turned professional in music in 2003, when he joined the short-lived musical ensemble “Gospel Insanity” to record an unreleased album. He started the band “Eleven Thirty “a year later which turned out successful locally.
He was shot to limelight in 2006 when he released his first hit single “Africa” under the stage name Jesse Jag. The singles top several music charts on local radio stations in northern Nigeria. The song also maintained months at the top of the Cool FM chart.
Jesse Jagz released his debut music video, ‘Pump It Up’ in November 2009 and got lots of reputable reviews.
In 2010, Jesse released his debut studio album Jag of All Tradez. It produced different hit singles such as “Wetin Dey”, “Pump It Up”, “Jesse Swag”, “Sugar Cane Baby” and “Bend Down Low” which recorded huge success and increased his fan base tremendously.
Two months after its release, the album which was totally produced by Jesse Jagz, reached platinum status in Nigeria.
The album also earned critical review by different music commentators as it earned positive reviews and ratings from them.
Jesse Jagz has so far released good number of albums, including:
- Jag Of All Trades’ which was released in 2010 under Chocolate city,
- Jagz Nation, Vol. 1. ‘Thy Nation Come’ in 2013,
- Jagz Nation Vol. 2: ‘Royal Niger Company’ in 2014 and
- Odysseus in 2017.
Jago released an EP, Garba in 2020. He named it after his traditional surname.
Jesse Jagz is also a prolific music producer with several hit music productions to his credit.
Songs successfully produced by Jesse since his musical career include:
Everybody Loves Ice Prince
- Oleku – featuring Brymo, 2010
- Juju
- Superstar
- Magician – featuring Yung L and J-Milla)
- Baby
- See Myself
- Wassup -featuring 2Face)
- Find You
- Small Small (featuring Sean Tero)
- That Nigga (featuring Morell)
- Raindrops (It’s All Good)
Brymo 2012 The Son of a Kapenta
- Now Now
- Go Hard
- Good Morning
- Jesse Jagz 2013, Jagz Nation, Vol.1. & 2
- Burning Bush
- Bed of Roses – (featuring James Maverik)
- Desire
- Where You At?
- Mamacita
- Sex & Scotch
- God on the Mic
- International
- Steady Going
- Jargo (featuring 9ice)
The Indestructible Choc Boi Nation
- Summer Time – featuring M.I Abaga, Ice Prince and himself
- No More – featuring Ruby Gyang and himself
- Suite 99-featuring himself and Ice Prince)
- Restoration – featuring himself, M.I Abaga and Milli)
Awards and Nominations
Jesse Jagz has in the course of his music career been nominated for various awards, most notably as:
- 2007 Most Top Ten Hits on Cool FM.
- Best Dance Single – “Bend Down Low
- 2008 Producer of the Year (Hip Hop World Awards 2009)
- Producer of the Year (The Future Awards 2009 and 2010)
- Lyricist on the Roll for “God on the Mic” 2014
- 2010 Best New Act of the Year, still counting.
Controversy
Like every human being on earth, Jagz has also had a fair share of controversy which surrounded his relationship with the Chocolate City label. The talented music star revealed that he left Chocolate City owing to the way the label handled his career but maintained a cordial relationship with his former label mates.
In 2012, rumour had it Jesse launched his own music outfit, Jagz Nation. Though, he later claimed it “was just a business move” dismissing the rumours that he had a beef with the label, an online source reported that Chocolate City had accused Jesse of being a marijuana addict and owing the record label a lot of money.
Jesse was reported to have said he sees nothing wrong with the use of marijuana. He said, “I do not see anything wrong with weed; just the same way I do not see anything wrong with money or women. I just think anything done in excess is bad. However, if I have never married before, I cannot say anything about marriage whether it is right or wrong. It is about someone else’s life.”
He had since returned to the record label since 2015.
His Marital Life
Jesse happily married his lovely wife, Tolu in 2020. The wedding ceremony was held in Jos, Plateau State.
Prior to this development, he had a daughter -Jade Abaga, with his ex-label mate, Ruby Gyang.
Jesse Jagz’s Net worth
Jesse Jagz has made huge fortune in his music career with an estimated net worth of about $1 Million dollars.
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