Ugoccie

Favour Ugochi Anosike (born March 6, 1997), professionally known as Ugoccie, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, rapper, and voice-over artist from Aba, Abia State. She blends Afrobeats, alté, and R&B with Igbo storytelling, delivering culturally rooted music through both singles and EPs. She rose to fame with the viral hit “Do You Really Like Me?” and has since established herself as a prominent voice in contemporary Igbo music. (en.wikipedia.org)

Early Life

Favour Ugochi Anosike, professionally known as Ugoccie, was born on March 6, 1997, in Aba, Abia State, Nigeria. She hails from Bende Local Government Area in southeastern Nigeria and is of Igbo ethnic heritage. Raised in a Christian household, Ugoccie grew up alongside her siblings under the guidance of her supportive parents, who were traders at the bustling Ariaria Market in Aba.

From a young age, Ugoccie showed a strong passion for music and storytelling. She began singing as a child and actively participated in talent shows and church choirs. Her first step into the entertainment world began during her teenage years when she worked as an on-air personality (OAP) at a local radio station—a role that helped shape her vocal strength, confidence, and stage presence.

Career

Ugoccie first gained widespread attention in 2021 after her freestyle cover of Kizz Daniel’s “One Ticket” went viral on social media. The cover caught the attention of both Kizz Daniel and Tunde Ednut, who reposted the video on their platforms, instantly giving her national visibility and growing her fanbase online.

Riding on the success of her breakout single “Do You Really Like Me?”, she quickly became a voice to watch in Nigeria’s alté and Afro-fusion scenes. That same year, she was named Next Rated Artist at the Naijatraffic Awards (2021), confirming her emergence as a promising female talent.

In March 2022, she received a nomination for Rookie of the Year at The Headies Awards, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious music award events. On April 22, 2022, she collaborated with Nigerian superstar rapper Phyno on the single “Breakfast,” which blended Afro-rap and highlife-inspired melodies to positive critical acclaim.

By June 22, 2022, Ugoccie earned another nomination at the NET Honours Class of 2022, reinforcing her growing influence in the music industry.

In March 2024, Ugoccie released her sophomore EP titled “Voice of the East”. In an interview with Ukpeme Udoh of African Folder, she described the project as a tribute to the resilience and talent of young female creatives from southeastern Nigeria. The EP was celebrated for its fusion of traditional Igbo sounds with contemporary Afrobeat production and storytelling.

Discography

EPs / Albums

• A Piece of Me (2022)
  A deeply personal debut EP exploring love, pain, and self-discovery.
• Voice of the East (2024)
  A culturally rich project highlighting Igbo identity and empowering young women creatives.

Popular Singles

• Do You Really Like Me
  Her viral breakout hit that brought her into the limelight.
• Breakfast (feat. Phyno)
  A reflective Afro-fusion track on heartbreak and resilience.
• No Wahala
  A groovy, laid-back single encouraging inner peace and simplicity.
• Obi Cubana
  A tribute to the flamboyant Igbo entrepreneur, blending celebration and pride.
• Hookup
  A socially conscious track inspired by the death of a friend and the dangers faced by sex workers.
• Due Time
  A motivational single urging patience and divine timing.
• Close For The Day
  A relaxing tune echoing self-care and reflection.
• Ifenkili
  A romantic and melodious song celebrating feminine beauty and love.

Education

• Completed secondary education in Aba (famousbirthdays.com, nzukobrand.com)
• Studied Microbiology at Alex Ekwueme University, Ebonyi State (nzukobrand.com)
• Trained as a radio personality during university (nzukobrand.com)

Career & Appointments

• Occupations: Singer, songwriter, rapper, voice-over artist (en.wikipedia.org)
• Radio Debut: Teen radio personality prior to music career (famousbirthdays.com)
• Breakthrough Freestyle: Viral cover of Kizz Daniel’s “One Ticket” in 2021 (en.wikipedia.org)
• Debut Single: “Do You Really Like Me?” released April 2021 (en.wikipedia.org)
• Collaborations:
  • Breakfast (April 2022) with Phyno (facebook.com)
  • Freestyle shared by Kizz Daniel and Tunde Ednut (famousbirthdays.com)
• EPs & Singles:
  • A Piece of Me (Nov 2022) (viberate.com)
  • Voice of the East EP (Mar 2024) (en.wikipedia.org)
  • Chart singles: “No Wahala,” “Obi Cubana,” “Hookup,” “Due Time,” “Close For The Day,” “Breakfast,” “Ifenkili,” “Man on Fire,” etc. (en.wikipedia.org)

Awards & Recognitions

• Next Rated (Naijatraffic Awards, 2021) – Winner (en.wikipedia.org)
• Top Naija Music Awards 2021 – Artiste of the Year – Winner
• The Headies 2022 – Rookie of the Year – Nominee
• NET Honours 2022 – Breakout Artiste (Female) – Nominee
• Additional 2023–2024 honors, including CAEF Awards (Hit Song), Ae-FUNAI Diaspora Artist, etc.

Controversies & Public Discourse

Despite maintaining a reputation as a culturally grounded and socially conscious artist, Ugoccie has found herself at the center of several important public debates. While not embroiled in any personal scandals, her work and interviews have consistently sparked discussions on gender, identity, morality, and culture.

1. “Hookup” – Music as Protest and Social Commentary

Date: June 2022
Context: In the emotionally charged single “Hookup,” Ugoccie tackled the subject of transactional sex and gender-based violence. The song was inspired by the tragic murder of her close friend, who was allegedly involved in sex work. Rather than sensationalizing the topic, Ugoccie approached it with empathy, using her platform to humanize women in the “hookup” economy and highlight the dangers they face.

“I was not trying to glamourize hookup culture… it was a cry for help. It was my way of mourning a sister and telling society to protect women,” — Ugoccie, The Guardian Nigeria

The track sparked mixed reactions online. While many praised her for her bravery in addressing such a taboo topic, some conservative audiences felt uncomfortable with her open engagement with the subject. The conversation spilled into blogs and social media, where Ugoccie was lauded by feminists and cultural commentators as part of a new wave of artists tackling real-world issues through music.

Source:
Guardian Life. (2022, July 2). Ugoccie: I want to be among people holding it down for indigenous music. Retrieved from https://guardian.ng/life/music/ugoccie-i-want-to-be-among-people-holding-it-down-for-indigenous-music/

2. Relationship Morality & Gender Expectations

Date: September 2024
In a candid interview published by Vanguard Nigeria, Ugoccie addressed her views on romantic relationships and personal boundaries. When asked if she could forgive a cheating partner, she responded firmly:

“I can’t cope with a cheating partner. Love must come with loyalty and discipline.”

Her comments immediately sparked debate on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram blogs, and lifestyle forums, where users split between praising her traditional moral values and labeling her stance as “too idealistic” in today’s relationship dynamics.

Her statement resonated particularly with younger Nigerian women, who viewed her as a role model advocating for self-respect and standards in modern relationships. It also placed her in contrast to some Afrobeats lyrics that often glorify infidelity and male dominance in love.

Source:
Vanguard. (2024, September 22). I can’t cope with cheating partner – Singer, Ugoccie. Retrieved from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/09/i-cant-cope-with-cheating-partner-singer-ugoccie/

3. Cultural Advocacy and Southeast Marginalization

Ongoing
Ugoccie has consistently spoken about the underrepresentation of Southeastern (Igbo) musicians in the Nigerian mainstream. In several interviews, including one with Nzuko Brand and African Folder, she called out Lagos-centric media houses for neglecting eastern talents unless they conform to West African stylistic norms.

“We need to tell our stories the Igbo way—through our instruments, our proverbs, our pain and resilience… I’m not trying to fit in. I’m trying to be heard.”

She emphasized the importance of linguistic diversity, urging Igbo artists to embrace their language in songwriting and stop apologizing for sounding “too local.”

This cultural stance has made her a beloved figure among Igbo youth and a symbol of creative resistance, though it has also drawn subtle criticism from industry figures who believe commercial success demands more universality.

Source:
NzukoBrand. (2023). Ugoccie: The Voice of the East. Retrieved from https://nzukobrand.com/articles/ugoccie

Ugoccie’s willingness to use her platform to address controversial or uncomfortable subjects—rather than merely chasing trends—has helped define her as an artist of substance. Though she has not been involved in personal scandals or industry feuds, her outspoken nature keeps her voice relevant in Nigeria’s evolving entertainment landscape.

Family & Personal Life

Ugoccie, born Favour Ugochi Anosike, comes from a modest, close-knit family based in Aba, Abia State. Her parents are traders who run their business in the famous Ariaria Market—one of the largest commercial hubs in southeastern Nigeria. Growing up in this vibrant environment, she was raised alongside her siblings in a household that valued hard work, community, and cultural pride. Despite her growing fame, Ugoccie has maintained a relatively private personal life. As of now, there is no public record of her being married or having children, and she has successfully kept her romantic relationships, if any, away from the spotlight. There have been no verified rumors or controversies surrounding her family or personal affairs, further reinforcing her reputation as a grounded and focused individual in the entertainment industry.

Associations with Notable Igbo Figures

• Collaborated with Phyno (Igbo rapper) on “Breakfast” (en.wikipedia.org)
• Freestyle acknowledged by Kizz Daniel and Tunde Ednut (famousbirthdays.com)
• Cites influence from Igbo icons such as Onyeka Onwenu, Celestine Ukwu, etc. (guardian.ng)

Recent Works & Public Image

• Voice of the East EP (April 2024): Commended for cultural storytelling and featuring Umu Obiligbo (guardian.ng)
• Maintains a strong independent stance, promoting Igbo pride and empowerment through songs and interviews

Online Presence & Reach

• TikTok: ~800k+ followers under @ugoccie (guardian.ng, famousbirthdays.com)
• Active on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Ugoccie is a powerful voice for contemporary Igbo culture and identity. From her viral debut to socially conscious storytelling, she combines artistry with activism. While avoiding major scandals, she has used her platform to address issues like violence, relationship integrity, and cultural authenticity. With her EP Voice of the East and collaborations, she continues embedding Igbo heritage into Nigeria’s music industry.

References 

AfricanMusicLibrary. (n.d.). Ugoccie profile and discography. Retrieved July 4, 2025, from https://africanmusiclibrary.org/artist/Ugoccie

FamousBirthdays. (n.d.). Ugoccie biography. Retrieved July 4, 2025, from https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/ugoccie.html

Guardian Life. (2022, July 2). Ugoccie: I want to be among people holding it down for indigenous music. Retrieved July 4, 2025, from https://guardian.ng/life/music/ugoccie-i-want-to-be-among-people-holding-it-down-for-indigenous-music/

Guardian NG. (2024, April 6). Ugoccie celebrates Igbo heritage in sophomore EP, Voice of the East. Retrieved July 4, 2025, from https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/ugoccie-celebrates-igbo-heritage-in-sophomore-ep-voice-of-the-east-2/

Legit.ng. (2024, February 15). “I prefer natural hair to wigs”: Singer Ugoccie shares love for Ankara, indigenous music, others. Retrieved July 4, 2025, from https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/fashion/1578892-ugoccie-speaks-love-african-styles-shares-favourite-accessory/

TimzTell. (n.d.). Ugoccie biography: Rookie of the Year, net worth, songs. Retrieved July 4, 2025, from (not publicly accessible)

Vanguard. (2024, September 22). I can’t cope with cheating partner – Singer, Ugoccie. Retrieved July 4, 2025, from https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/09/i-cant-cope-with-cheating-partner-singer-ugoccie/

Wikipedia contributors. (2025, June). Ugoccie. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved July 4, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ugoccie

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