Jesse Garba Abaga, popularly known as Jesse Jagz, is a renowned Nigerian hip-hop artist, music producer, and songwriter, signed with Chocolate City in 2010 and released his debut album, Jag of All Tradez the same year. He left the label in 2013 to start Jagz Nation, releasing two albums before returning to Chocolate City in 2015. Jagz went independent again, releasing Odysseus in 2017 and the Garba EP in 2020, showcasing his artistic growth.
Profile Summary
| Full Name: | Jesse Garba Abaga |
| Date of Birth: | August 10, 1984 |
| State Of Origin: | Taraba |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Genres: | Hip hop, Afrobeat, Raggae, Dancehall |
| Occupation: | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter, Record Producer |
| Net Worth: | $1.7 Million |
Early Life And Education
Jesse Jagz was born on August 10, 1984, in Jos to a pastor father and gospel artist mother. He began singing in his church choir at age seven and later learned drums.
Jesse Jagz received his secondary education at Baptist High School in Jos. He then pursued a degree in Law at a university but made the bold decision to leave in his final year to chase his passion for music, ultimately choosing to forge a path in the entertainment industry.
Career
Jesse Jagz formed two music groups, Gospel Insanity and Eleven Thirty, while he was still an underground artist before going solo in 2006 with the hit single “Africa”. He produced songs for top artists and represented Nigeria at the Sauti Za Busara Music Festival in 2009.
On April 21, 2010,Jesse Jagz unleashed his debut album, Jag of All Tradez, which included hits like “Wetin Dey” and “Sugar Cane Baby”. The self-produced album went platinum in Nigeria within two months, despite receiving mixed reviews from critics. While some praised its production and diversity, others found it overly experimental.
In 2013, Jagz left Chocolate City to launch his own label, Jagz Nation, citing creative stagnation and a desire for new challenges. Despite rumors of unpaid debts and personal issues, Jagz maintained his exit was amicable.
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Jesse Jagz unveiled his second album, Jagz Nation, Vol. 1: Thy Nation Come, on July 10, 2013, featuring collaborations with top artists like Wizkid and Brymo.
He recorded over 200 songs and produced the album himself, aiming to push musical boundaries. The album received mixed reviews and was nominated for Best Rap Album at The Headies 2014 and Best Album of the Year at the Nigeria Entertainment Awards. The lead single “Redemption” was praised by OkayAfrica as a “hip-hop-meets-dancehall gem”. Other singles like “Bad Girl” and “Sex & Scotch” also gained attention, solidifying Jesse Jagz’s artistic growth.
Jesse Jagz released his third album, Jagz Nation, Vol. 2: Royal Niger Company, on March 28, 2014. The album features samples from iconic artists and movies, with guest appearances by Fela Kuti, Tupac, and others. Initially conceived as a mixtape, the album was later refined and released on SoundCloud. Jesse Jagz performed the album with a 16-man orchestra at the AGIP Recital Hall, calling it “The Greatest Concert”.
Jesse Jagz rejoined Chocolate City in 2015, then left again in 2017 to gain creative control. He released his fourth album, Odysseus, in 2017, blending Caribbean and hip-hop sounds. In 2020, he dropped the Garba EP, a mix of Afropop, trap, and folk music, which received positive reviews.
Personal Life
Jesse Jagz is the younger brother of M.I Abaga and has a daughter with singer Ruby Gyang. He married his girlfriend Tolu in a private ceremony in Jos, Plateau state, in July 2020.
Jesse Jagz Net Worth
Jesse Jagz’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $1.7 million, which is a reflection of his successful music career and his work as a producer and songwriter.