31 year-old Chocolate City Rapper, Jesse Garba Abaga who was raised in the city of Jos, Plateau State by clergy parents, Pastor Chris G. Abaga, Founder, Chris Abaga Ministries and Mrs Lydia Abaga, a gospel artiste and counselor has admitted he hasn’t been to church in 8 years!
“I have not been to church in eight years and this is the first time I am saying this,”
He waxed philosophical about his decision to stay away from Church; “Well, I think it is because I believe that education doesn’t only exist within the boundary of school, education is a separate thing on its own. Same way, God does not just exist only in religious institutions, He exist on His own.” In a chat on Wednesday at Chocolate City office, Jesse explained further:
“Growing up in church and all that…I have come to realize that a relationship with God is what is most important. Church might/ can be defined in so many other ways but as long as God and you is okay…whether you are a Buddhist or whatever. Yeah, I believe God exist but it is we human beings that take religion thing.”
This confession should not come as a surprise to those who have keenly followed the career trajectory of the founder of the indie label, Jagz Nation whom some have described as a ‘rebel.’ The 31 year-old woke one morning and exited from Chocolate City, a record label that was co-run by his brother, M.I Abaga. What emerged from that radical move was his second and most critically-acclaimed studio album entitled Jagz Nation, Vol.1. Thy Nation Come.
“He has a mind of his own,” M.I Abaga once said about his talented producer cum rapper brother. The singer who has since returned to Chocolate City is due to release a third studio album entitled The Return Of The Gods this September.