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 was born into the family of Chris and Lydia Abaga on August 10, 1984. He was raised in Jos, Plateau State and belongs to the Jukun ethnic community of Taraba State.
His mother is a gospel singer and counselor, while his father is a pastor. 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, Jesse Jagz started the band Eleven Thirty, which was successful locally before breaking up in 2006.
Career
Soon after, Abaga started making music under the stage name Jesse Jagz, and in 2006, his debut track, “Africa,” which reached number one on various local radio stations in northern Nigeria, was published.
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.
Soon after, Abaga started making music under the stage name Jesse Jagz, and in 2006, his debut track, “Africa,” which reached number one on various local radio stations in northern Nigeria, was published.
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
