From solo studio recordings to stage performances, Jabih Mandela transforms every beat into a movement and every verse into a rallying cry. Awarded Indigenous Rapper of the Year by the Taraba Entertainment Industry and the mastermind behind two sold‑out editions of Vibes with Jabih Mandela, he proves time and again that his artistry commands every stage

A bilingual force in Nigerian hip‑hop, Jabih Mandela (born Japhet James Joshua) was raised in Jalingo, Taraba State. His lyrical journey began in 2010, with a debut single in 2012 that hinted at the storytelling prowess he would soon hone. While earning a Sociology degree at Taraba State University, he channeled his passion into MKA Entertainment Music Knowledge Acquisition—a label and mentorship platform launched in 2018 to elevate Northern Nigerian talent.

Jabih’s catalog is as rich as it is varied:

Rayuwa (EP, 2018) lays bare the joys and struggles of Northern life.
Clean Sheet (EP, 2022) fuses West African rhythms with collaborations spanning Zimbabwe to Ghana, marking a defining evolution in his sound.

Singles: Shake Body and Lesson Learnt (2023) pulse with personal growth and social insight.
Kun Gane, Issues, and Pain & Struggle (2024) delve deeper into resilience, identity, and justice, wrapped in compelling narratives.

His influences range from contemporaries Nas, Jay‑Z, and Kendrick Lamar to African legends M.I Abaga and 2Baba. Through beatboards that blend traditional Hausa melodies with modern production, Jabih steers conversations on culture, community, and progress.

Beyond recording booths, Jabih Mandela has become a consummate live performer—headlining two editions of Vibes with Jabih Mandela, where local fans and fellow artists unite under the banner of creativity and empowerment. He’s also been honored by the Kwararafa Entertainment and Music Awards (KEMA) for his contributions to Northern hip‑hop.

Today, Jabih Mandela stands at the forefront of Nigeria’s music scene: an award‑winning artist, visionary label head, and mentor shaping the next generation of voices from the North.