Introduction and Rebranding

• MI Abaga appeared at Google Talk as special guest, introduced as entrepreneur, rapper, entertainer, artist, businessman, CEO
• Google employs close to 500,000 people globally with massive reach in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America
• MI explained name change from MI to "The Guy" - wanted to remember why he started recording project
• Was 15kg heavier 3-4 years ago, questioned if he had anything left to contribute as African music was blowing up
• Set goal to lose weight by running 1 hour daily for 6 months
• Achieved weight loss goal, felt like "the guy that did it" - wanted to remember that achievement feeling
• Album concept: reminding people never to give up on dreams, "you are the guy/girl/person that could achieve this dream"

Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

• Despite being considered GOAT of African rap, experienced significant self-doubt
• As you get older, attempt fewer new things, spend more time between achievement feelings
• Created larger-than-life persona "MI Abaga Mr Incredible" to accomplish feats
• Around 40th birthday, world changed - now it's streaming era, had to start over
• Need to return to authentic self when external validation changes
• Advice: whatever highest picture you see of yourself, believe that all the time - "why not?"
• Don't waste time having low opinion of yourself - enough people already doing that

Album Reception and Collaborations

• "The Guy" album released August 19th, exceeded expectations
• Discovered Gen Z generation cares about quality of product regardless of artist age
• Featured collaborations: Nas, Buju, newer artists
• Favorite aspects: seeing people share music organically, soldier discussing mental health on TikTok
• Nas collaboration represents step toward global recognition of African rap talent

Mental Health and Masculinity - "Soldier" Track

• "Soldier" addresses male vulnerability, mental health, accountability
• Lyrics explore toxic masculinity: "boys don't cry, they don't tell us why"
• Second verse reveals statistics: asked 10 female friends, 6 had been raped, all 10 assaulted
• 95% of violent crimes committed by men
• Advocates for feminism: simple definition - believing women have right to make own decisions
• Gets criticism on social media but maintains this is his truth

Therapy and Mental Health Advocacy

• Strong advocate for therapy, especially for Africans
• Therapy = paying someone with skills to listen to your complete story without interruption
• Everyone has trauma: colonialism, apartheid, immigration, racism affects African families
• Personal example: grew up poor, father was pastor, experienced shame around school fees
• Therapy helps identify childhood coping mechanisms that may not serve adult life
• Compared therapy stigma to gym stigma - both are places to get "fit" (mentally/physically)
• Getting married soon, using therapy to assess relationship patterns and career

African Music Global Impact

• Observed African music playing globally - from Tahiti to Belgium restaurants
• Attributes success to fans, not industry funding or platforms
• Young people organized events, bought albums, spread music organically
• Technology + new generation rejecting old frameworks (skin color, gender barriers) created opportunity
• Movement completely fan-driven: "young people said I will buy 100 copies and spread to friends"

TASK Platform and Supporting Creatives

• Founded TASK - platform to help young creatives access opportunities
• Big assumption: current industry wasn't created by creatives, has too much friction
• Goal: rethink from foundation how creatives interact with funding, opportunities, value capture
• Current work: farming opportunities at scale, matching creatives to career-progressing opportunities
• Working with social impact funders: OSF, Luminate, Gates Foundation, UNDP
• Focus on elections: enlisting culture leaders in communities to spread civic messages
• 75% women-led teams at TASK

Artist Recommendations and Industry Insights

• Excited about Asake: perfect intersection of raw street sound with high-level harmonies
• Highlighted Tomi Owó: excellent writer/voice, featured on "Soldier" track
• Emphasized need for safe spaces for young female artists
• Industry challenge: women less safe in studios, affects skill development from ages 15-17
• TASK creating women-only programs with female producers/engineers

Personal Life and Family

• Parents (both pastors) always supportive of music career
• Father started calling him "MI" after first album success
• Parents convert Afrobeat songs into church songs
• Recently engaged, partner helps provide perspective on life and career
• Describes partnership as having "another human being who can give me best perspective on who I am"