A Journey of Authenticity and Empowerment
Singer Favour Anosike, known as Ugoccie, shares her journey in a candid conversation about her career, the challenges she has faced, and the values that define her music.
The Power of Expression
When asked what she loves most about being a singer, Ugoccie emphasizes the freedom of expressing emotions through music. For her, it’s like therapy. She acknowledges that her journey hasn’t been straightforward, filled with rejection, trolls, and doubt. However, each phase has shaped her into an artiste who values authenticity over perfection. She has learned to stay true to her voice, culture, and message.
The Inspiration Behind ‘Achalugo’
Her recent song, ‘Achalugo’, has garnered significant attention. Inspired by self-worth and self-awareness, the track celebrates grace and beauty from an Igbo woman’s perspective. It serves as a reminder that uniqueness is a crown, and one’s shine doesn’t require permission. The song is also a tribute to cultural pride and identity, reflecting the elegance and depth of African womanhood.
Collaborating with Powerful Women
Ugoccie featured Mercy Eke, Waje, and Bimbo Ademoye in the promotion of the song. She wanted to celebrate powerful women who embody different shades of excellence. Their involvement amplified the song’s message about every woman deserving her red-carpet moment. Featuring them wasn’t just about star power; it was about building a sisterhood of inspiration.
The Red Carpet Concept
The red carpet idea was creative and came from a desire to make people feel special. Walking a red carpet symbolizes recognition and celebration. Ugoccie wanted to flip the script, encouraging people to create their own moments of celebration and confidence.
Challenges in the Industry
Promoting music in Nigeria can be demanding, especially for female artists. Ugoccie highlights the high costs involved, including good production, marketing, and visibility. She advocates for more inclusive platforms, mentorship programmes, and grants dedicated to female creatives.
Support Among Women
Ugoccie believes that women in the industry are supporting each other more than ever. She emphasizes collaboration over competition, noting that when one woman wins, it opens the door for the next. There’s a growing sense of community among female artistes, who feature each other, share platforms, and celebrate milestones together.
The Ugoccie Brand
Ugoccie describes her brand in three words: authentic, soulful, and bold. Her brand reflects truth and originality, with authenticity capturing her connection to roots and honesty in her music. Soulful represents the emotion and vulnerability in her songs, while bold signifies courage and audacity.
Cultural Representation
Blending Igbo with modern rhythms, Ugoccie emphasizes the importance of cultural representation. She sees music as a bridge between generations, aiming to modernize tradition without losing its soul. She wants young people to feel connected to their heritage through her art.
Challenges as a Woman in Music
Ugoccie has faced bias and unfair expectations but has navigated these challenges through faith, resilience, and purpose. She believes authenticity is her greatest weapon, opening more doors than trying to fit in ever could.
Song Creation Process
Creating a song varies for Ugoccie, with ‘Achalugo’ taking just a day to write. While the initial process can be quick, perfecting the delivery, production, and visuals takes time and care. She is intentional about how her music sounds and feels.
Surprising Reception
‘Achalugo’ surprised Ugoccie the most in terms of reception. She never expected it to resonate globally, showing the power of authenticity. The love and messages from fans worldwide remind her that genuine art has no borders.
Opportunities Opened by Music
Music has changed Ugoccie’s life, opening doors to meet industry legends and gain recognition. Her biggest dream is to shut down arenas both in Nigeria and abroad, earning international and local recognitions for her work.
Fashion Style
Ugoccie describes her fashion style as Afro-elegant and freestyle. She expresses her mood through fashion, which is her silent language.
What Makes Her Music Stand Out
Honesty and relatability define Ugoccie’s music. Every lyric comes from a real place, and she doesn’t try to sound like anyone else. She tells her truth, and people connect to that.
Alternative Path
If not for music, Ugoccie would have chosen business, envisioning herself with 10 shops and building a mini empire from scratch.
Musical Influences
Artists like Onyeka Onwenu and her father have influenced her. They taught her melody, storytelling, and emotional connection. Everyday people and real-life experiences keep her music grounded.
Misconceptions About Her
People often assume Ugoccie is extroverted, but she is actually shy and loves her alone time. Solitude helps her recharge and create her best work.
Qualities in a Partner
Ugoccie values patience, understanding, and confidence in a partner. She needs someone secure enough to let her shine and grounded enough to protect her peace.
