Ugoccie || The Igbo Afrobeat Queen Redefining Nigerian Music

In the dynamic world of Nigerian music, where Afrobeat reigns supreme and creativity knows no bounds, one name has steadily risen with a unique sound, captivating presence, and rich cultural flavor: Ugoccie. Born Favour Ugochi Anosike, Ugoccie is a Nigerian singer, rapper, songwriter, and voice-over artist who proudly embraces her Igbo heritage while delivering infectious tunes that resonate with a wide audience.

From her early viral freestyle videos to topping streaming charts and earning major award nominations, Ugoccie is quickly becoming one of the most influential voices among Nigeria’s new generation of musicians. This article explores her background, musical journey, style, achievements, and her role in promoting Igbo identity through sound.

Early Life and Education

Ugoccie was born on March 6, 1997, in Aba, Abia State, southeastern Nigeria. Aba, known for its entrepreneurial spirit and vibrant creative community, played a role in shaping her outlook. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, she developed an early interest in music and performance.

She pursued higher education at Alex Ekwueme Federal University in Ebonyi State, where she studied Microbiology. Despite her scientific studies, Ugoccie’s love for music remained constant. While in school, she began to explore the world of media and entertainment, gaining attention as a radio personality and voice-over artist, an experience that sharpened her confidence and communication skills.

Breakthrough Moment

Ugoccie’s major breakthrough came in 2018 when she posted a freestyle rap on Instagram that caught fire. The video, which showcased her ability to mix fluent rap with melody and witty Igbo-laced lines, quickly went viral.

However, it was in 2021 that she became a household name. She released a single titled “Do You Really Like Me?”, a melodic reinterpretation of Rotimi’s In My Bed. The song exploded on TikTok and other social platforms, with thousands of users creating videos using her sound. This viral hit was more than just a social media trend, it was a cultural moment that cemented Ugoccie as a star to watch.

The song resonated especially with younger audiences who connected with her lyrics about relationships, self-worth, and authenticity. It also sparked conversations around women in Nigerian music and how female artists are using digital platforms to bypass traditional industry gatekeeping.

Musical Style and Igbo Influence

What makes Ugoccie stand out in the crowded Nigerian music space is her Afro-Indigenous sound. She blends Afrobeat, rap, and soul with heavy influence from traditional Igbo rhythms, language, and proverbs.

By frequently singing and rapping in Igbo, she celebrates her roots and challenges the dominance of Westernized pop in Nigerian music. Her music is often rich in storytelling reflecting her cultural background and personal experiences. Songs like “Ogo M”, “Isimgbaka”, and “Uwa” are examples of how she weaves modern beats with age-old wisdom and social commentary.

Ugoccie has openly cited Nigerian legends like Onyeka Onwenu and Celestine Ukwu as influences, and her work reflects a desire to preserve and showcase the beauty of Igbo language and culture.

Discography and Projects

1. A Piece of Me (2022)

Ugoccie’s debut EP features tracks that touch on love, self-discovery, and resilience. Songs like “Man on Fire”, “Phenomenal Girl”, and “Breakfast” (featuring Phyno) showed her lyrical depth and vocal versatility.

2. Voice of the East (2024)

Her sophomore project is a cultural masterpiece. With collaborations from artists like Umu Obiligbo and production by Endeetones, this EP is deeply rooted in the sounds of the East. The project is both a tribute to her homeland and a powerful artistic statement.

Popular Singles Include:

Do You Really Like Me?

Hookup

Ifenkili

Obeledu

Ogo M

Awards and Recognition

Ugoccie’s talent and hard work have earned her numerous accolades:

Next Rated Artist – Naijatraffic Awards 2021

Rookie of the Year Nominee – The Headies 2022

Breakout Artiste of the Year (Female) – NET Honours 2022

Best Rap Single – GMA Awards

In 2025, Ugoccie was nominated for Best Regional Artiste (East) at the 6th edition of the Galaxy Music Awards. This nomination is a testament to her growing influence in the Eastern music scene and her dedication to projecting Igbo culture on a global stage. The recognition also places her alongside other influential voices in the region, further cementing her reputation as a cultural torchbearer.

Cultural Advocacy and Empowerment

More than just an entertainer, Ugoccie is also a cultural advocate and female empowerment icon. She actively uses her platform to encourage young girls especially from southeastern Nigeria to embrace their language, identity, and passion.

Through her music, interviews, and social media presence, she promotes self-confidence, resilience, and pride in one’s heritage. Her rise proves that artists don’t need to abandon their culture to succeed globally. In fact, her success highlights a growing shift in the Nigerian music industry, where authenticity and originality are being embraced more than ever.

Ugoccie has also collaborated with NGOs and cultural organizations to promote literacy, youth mentorship, and artistic development across Nigeria. Her message is simple yet powerful: stay true to yourself and your roots, and the world will listen.

Performances and Tours

Ugoccie has performed on major stages across Nigeria, including the Lagos International Music Festival, Eastern Sound Fest, and Homecoming Concert in Aba. Her live performances are known for their high energy, colorful outfits inspired by Igbo culture, and deep connection with her audience.

In 2024, she embarked on her first regional tour across southeastern states, where she performed in Enugu, Owerri, Abakaliki, and Onitsha. The tour, titled “Voice of the East Live,” drew large crowds and marked a significant milestone in her growing career.

Plans are already underway for a West African tour, with dates expected in Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Senegal. Ugoccie’s management has also hinted at a possible collaboration with international acts later in 2025.

Her fans, often called the “Ugo Tribe,” continue to grow and support her evolution as an artist. She uses her platforms not only to promote her music but also to speak out on issues affecting young people, especially women, in Nigeria.

Conclusion

Ugoccie is more than a rising star, she’s a movement. With her bold fusion of Igbo culture and modern Afrobeat, she represents a refreshing direction in Nigerian music. Her voice is authentic, her lyrics are meaningful, and her presence is inspiring.

As she continues to evolve and take her sound to global stages, one thing remains constant: Ugoccie is proudly Igbo, proudly female, and proudly original.

Her journey serves as a beacon for aspiring artists, showing that staying true to one’s roots can be both powerful and profitable. In an era where trends shift rapidly, Ugoccie’s brand of authenticity and culture-driven artistry is timeless.