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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

I’ve never created drama to stay relevant — Ugoccie

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Named sources Context piece
  • Nigerian singer Ugoccie stated she has never felt pressured to create controversy for relevance, believing talent and authenticity endure.
  • She emphasizes her priority is creating music that resonates, rather than generating headlines through unnecessary drama.
  • Ugoccie also noted that while social media influences music consumption, artistry remains important, and finding a balance is key.

Nigerian singer Favour Anosike, known as Ugoccie, asserts that she has never felt compelled to generate controversy to maintain her relevance in the music industry. She believes that genuine talent, consistent effort, and authenticity will ultimately stand the test of time.

I have never felt pressured to create drama to stay relevant because I strongly believe that talent, consistency and authenticity will always stand the test of time.

— UgoccieExplaining her approach to building a music career.

Ugoccie shared her perspective in an interview, reflecting on the current trend of publicity driven by controversy. "Controversy may bring temporary attention, but it doesn’t necessarily build a lasting legacy," she stated. Her primary focus remains on producing music that connects with listeners, rather than seeking fame through manufactured drama. "I want people to remember me for my music, my artistry and the impact of my work rather than for unnecessary headlines," she added.

Controversy may bring temporary attention, but it doesn’t necessarily build a lasting legacy.

— UgoccieOn the pitfalls of controversy-driven publicity.

Addressing the debate on Afrobeats, Ugoccie acknowledged that the digital age has shifted how music is consumed, leading artists to prioritize visibility and virality. However, she maintains that artistic merit has not been entirely abandoned, as great music continues to distinguish itself. "I believe the challenge is finding a balance between staying visible and staying true to one’s art. For me, substance will always come first because trends fade, but good music lives forever," she explained.

I want people to remember me for my music, my artistry and the impact of my work rather than for unnecessary headlines.

— UgoccieStating her career aspirations.

She also debunked the misconception that her journey has been effortless due to her confident demeanor. Ugoccie revealed that her path has been marked by significant sacrifice, disappointment, and setbacks. "What might shock many people is the number of times I had to keep going despite doors being shut in my face," she said, crediting her passion, manager, supporters, and faith for sustaining her through difficult times.

I believe the challenge is finding a balance between staying visible and staying true to one’s art. For me, substance will always come first because trends fade, but good music lives forever.

— UgoccieDiscussing the balance between virality and artistry in Afrobeats.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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