Veteran Nigerian rapper, Jude Abaga, popularly known as M.I. Abaga, has defended the silence of some celebrities when politicians come under public criticism.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Outside The Box podcast, the rapper explained that personal relationships often influence these decisions, as many entertainers have friends who have transitioned into politics.
According to him, such friendships create a moral dilemma where a celebrity may choose not to add their voice to the public backlash, not because they disagree with the criticism, but out of respect for personal connections.
M.I. recalled a personal encounter with the governor of Plateau State, with whom he once held a late-night discussion about the creative industry until 2:30 a.m. He noted that experiences like this could make him reluctant to criticise the governor publicly, despite acknowledging that some critiques may be valid.
Also Read: The Present Cellular Connectivity is A Reality With 6G Network
“Most artists have a friend who’s entered into politics, and because you have a closer understanding of an issue, you also see that person receiving insults. You may not want your voice to be part of that insult,” M.I. explained.
He added that sometimes, public figures in politics need a few people who can still see the good in them, despite widespread criticism.
“This is part of being a human being,” the rapper concluded.
