By FEMI SALAWU and GANIYAT BANKOLE
“I have not been to church in eight years and this is the first time I am saying this,” came the shocking admission from Chocolate City Rapper, Jesse Garba Abaga.
Ironically, the 31 year-old 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.
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.
