When TikTok first began shaping the music landscape, few grasped its profound impact as deeply as Favour Ugochi Ansoike known by her stage name, Ugoccie. A former On-Air Personality, she seamlessly embraced the platform, offering listeners an intimate glimpse into her musical world. With a voice as vibrant as her persona, Ugoccie’s breakthrough came when she aligned with the cultural zeitgeist surrounding a prominent Igbo woman’s burial, funded by the renowned businessman Obi Cubana.
Drawing from her earlier showcases of rapping prowess in tracks like Do You Really Like Me and No Wahala, Ugoccie solidified her position by seamlessly blending Igbo language into her messages. In Breakfast, she collaborated with Phyno, further cementing her celebrity status. Ugoccie’s rise has been marked by determination and savvy, navigating the music business as deftly as she creates.
Her 2022 debut EP, A Piece Of Me, featured collaborations with artists such as Niniola and King Perryy, further proof of her talent and collaborative prowess. Building on her success, Ugoccie has released her sophomore EP, Voice Of The East (VOTE), led by the sunny melodies of Ifenkili, evoking memories of classic wedding tunes by Flavour, albeit with her unique flair.
Throughout the EP, Ugoccie showcases her artistic prowess, celebrating African culture, particularly the rich heritage of Nigeria’s eastern region. The five-track collection features a collaboration with the Onitsha-born duo Umu Obiligbo, enhancing the project’s brilliance with production by Endeetones (Beatlord).
Opening with Isimgbaka, Ugoccie narrates a tale of betrayal and resilience, followed by Ụwa, a collaboration with Umu Obiligbo celebrating individual beauty and resilience against societal judgment. On Ọgọ m, she preaches kindness and charity in a world often devoid of conscience, while Ezi Enyi recounts a friend’s betrayal in love. Closing the EP, Maranma infuses Amapiano with Igbo flute, creating a captivating dance hall vibe rooted in tradition.
With Voice Of The East, Ugoccie cements her status as a storyteller, bridging tradition with contemporary sounds in a captivating musical journey while championing femininity and individuality, eschewing fleeting trends for songs with enduring communal appeal.
Listen to Voice Of The East here: