Jesse Garba Abaga (born August 10, 1984),professionally known as Jesse Jagz, is a Nigerian rapper, record producer, and songwriter. In 2010, he inked a record deal with Chocolate City, and the following year, he released his debut studio album, Jag of All Tradez.
In 2013, he voluntarily ended his contract with Chocolate City and declared the opening of his own independent label, Jagz Nation.
Early Life and Education
Jesse Jagz, born on August 10, 1984, into the loving family of Chris and Lydia Abaga, hails from Jos, Plateau State. Proudly belonging to the Jukun ethnic community of Taraba State, Jesse Jagz was raised in a vibrant cultural environment that would later shape his artistic journey.
With a mother who is a talented gospel singer and counselor, and a father who serves as a pastor, Jesse Jagz was exposed to music and spirituality from an early age. At just seven years old, he eagerly joined the choir at his church, immersing himself in the world of melodies and harmonies. Fascinated by the rhythmic beats, he soon found himself drawn to his parents’ drum set, where he began honing his drumming skills.
In 2003, Jesse Jagz embarked on a collaborative musical project with the short-lived ensemble known as Gospel Insanity. Although the CD they worked on together remained unreleased, this experience served as a stepping stone for Jesse Jagz’s burgeoning music career. A year later, he took a bold step and formed the band Eleven Thirty, which quickly gained recognition and success in the local music scene. However, like many artistic journeys, the band eventually disbanded in 2006, each member venturing on their own path.
Jesse Jagz’s early musical ventures not only showcased his talent and passion but also laid the foundation for his future endeavors. His upbringing in a musical and spiritual household instilled in him a deep appreciation for the power of music and its ability to connect with people on a profound level.
As Jesse Jagz’s musical journey continues to unfold, it is evident that his upbringing and diverse experiences have shaped him into a unique and versatile artist. With each project, he pushes boundaries, blending different genres and infusing his own distinctive style. His artistry serves as a testament to his commitment to creating meaningful and soul-stirring music that resonates with listeners far and wide.
Career
Following his musical journey, Jesse Abaga took on the stage name Jesse Jagz and delved into creating his own music. In 2006, he made his official debut with the release of his track titled “Africa.” The song quickly gained traction and climbed the charts, reaching the coveted number one spot on several local radio stations across northern Nigeria.
With its captivating melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, “Africa” showcased Jesse Jagz’s unique blend of musicality and storytelling. The track resonated deeply with audiences, earning him widespread recognition and solidifying his position as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene.
As the success of “Africa” spread like wildfire, Jesse Jagz’s distinctive sound began to captivate listeners far and wide. His ability to seamlessly fuse various musical elements, from infectious rhythms to heartfelt verses, set him apart as an artist with a creative vision and an undeniable talent for crafting captivating music.
With “Africa” serving as a powerful introduction to his artistry, Jesse Jagz embarked on a journey that would see him continually push boundaries and defy genre expectations. His passion for music, combined with his innate creativity, allowed him to carve out a unique space in the industry, where his talents as a rapper, singer, and producer converged to create a sound that was truly his own.
From that pivotal moment in 2006, Jesse Jagz’s musical career soared to new heights, setting the stage for a future filled with artistic exploration and groundbreaking releases. The success of “Africa” served as a testament to his exceptional talent and foreshadowed the impact he would make on the Nigerian music landscape.
With his infectious energy and unwavering dedication to his craft, Jesse Jagz continues to captivate audiences with his signature style, cementing his position as a dynamic and influential force in the world of music.
He released Jagz Nation, Vol.1. Thy Nation Come, his second studio album, which featured the hits “Redemption,” “Bad Girl,” “Sex & Scotch,” and “God on the Mic.”
2014 saw the release of Jagz Nation Vol. 2: Royal Niger Company, his third studio album. He went back to Chocolate City in 2015, but he quit the company once more before his fourth studio album, Odysseus, was released in 2017. He released the 5-track EP Garba in May 2020.
Jesse Jag has written songs for superstars such as Majek Fashek, M.I. Abaga, Banky W, Ice Prince, Mode 9, Proverb, and Dekunle Fuji.
He represented Nigeria at the Sauti Za Busara Music Festival in February 2009. Three of his singles from that year experienced comparable success, peaking in the top 10 on various radio charts in the area.
Although Jesse Jagz predominantly creates hip-hop and reggae, his music also contains aspects of other genres. He uses a variety of instruments, auto-tune, and echoes in his music.
At the age of seven, he joined the choir at his church, and on his parent’s drum set, he eventually learnt to play the drums.
In 2003, he collaborated on an unreleased CD with the short-lived musical ensemble Gospel Insanity.
After a year, Abaga started the band Eleven Thirty, which was successful locally before breaking up in 2006.
Following his musical journey, Jesse Abaga took on the stage name Jesse Jagz and delved into creating his own music. In 2006, he made his official debut with the release of his track titled “Africa.” The song quickly gained traction and climbed the charts, reaching the coveted number one spot on several local radio stations across northern Nigeria.
With its captivating melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, “Africa” showcased Jesse Jagz’s unique blend of musicality and storytelling. The track resonated deeply with audiences, earning him widespread recognition and solidifying his position as a rising star in the Nigerian music scene.
As the success of “Africa” spread like wildfire, Jesse Jagz’s distinctive sound began to captivate listeners far and wide. His ability to seamlessly fuse various musical elements, from infectious rhythms to heartfelt verses, set him apart as an artist with a creative vision and an undeniable talent for crafting captivating music.
With “Africa” serving as a powerful introduction to his artistry, Jesse Jagz embarked on a journey that would see him continually push boundaries and defy genre expectations. His passion for music, combined with his innate creativity, allowed him to carve out a unique space in the industry, where his talents as a rapper, singer, and producer converged to create a sound that was truly his own.
From that pivotal moment in 2006, Jesse Jagz’s musical career soared to new heights, setting the stage for a future filled with artistic exploration and groundbreaking releases. The success of “Africa” served as a testament to his exceptional talent and foreshadowed the impact he would make on the Nigerian music landscape. With his infectious energy and unwavering dedication to his craft, Jesse Jagz continues to captivate audiences with his signature style, cementing his position as a dynamic and influential force in the world of music.
Three of his singles from that year experienced comparable success, peaking in the top 10 on various radio charts in the area.
Among the artists for whom Jesse Jagz has written songs are Majek Fashek, M.I. Abaga, Banky W, Ice Prince, Mode 9, Proverb, and Dekunle Fuji.
He represented Nigeria at the Sauti Za Busara Music Festival in February 2009. Jesse Jagz released Garba, a 5-track extended play with the same name as his family’s traditional surname, on May 29, 2020.
With the aid of Misty and Geekbeatz, he produced it. The EP comprises collaborations with Anchorman and Mr. Murph and is a blend of Afropop, trap, hip-hop, and folk music.
Garba received a 6.8 out of 10 rating from Motolani Alake of Pulse Nigeria, who praised the film’s quality and said it “beautifully sells Jagz’s narratives with natural honesty and storytelling.”
Jesse Jagz, on the other hand, came under fire from Alake for letting the EP focus more on “lyrical brilliance and storytelling” than “an out-of-body aural experience.”
Jesse Jagz Net Worth
Jesse Jagz is a super talented Nigerian rapper, songwriter and performer with an estimated net worth of $1.5 million. He is one of the best rappers in Nigeria having cemented his place in the heart of hip-hop lovers.
Personal Life
Jesse Jagz is the younger brother of M.I Abaga, a popular Nigerian rapper, recording artist and producer. Jesse Jagz was in a relationship singer, Ruby Gyang and they have a daughter together.
In July 2020, he got married to his girlfriend Tolu, in a private wedding ceremony held in Jos, Plateau state.
Social Media
- Instagram: @jessejagz
- Twitter: @Jessejagz