I prefer a relationship not driven by money or sex —Guchi

Guchi is an emerging song star in the Nigerian music scene. The student of Theatre and Media Arts at the University of Lagos, whose real name is Ugochi Onuoha,  is signed to Media Viva Productions Company (MVP). The 22-year-old singer born in Kaduna State speaks with Newton-Ray Ukwuoma about her journey into the music industry, inspiration and goals. Excerpts:

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Upbringing

I was born in Kaduna but I grew up in Abuja. I am from a family of six and I am the second child. I am 22 and I have been singing since I was seven. I love to sing.

 

Parents’ support 

My parents are totally supportive of my decision to go into music. They have monitored my progress in music since I was a child. They know it is my passion and life. So, yes, they are in support of my music.

 

Music career

I remember as a child, there was a family get-together on my grandfather’s birthday that the children were called to sing. I recall that I was the only child that came out to sing. And I came out with excitement and clarity. I sang “Wish for one thing,” a song I got from a Barbie cartoon movie. I think that was the beginning of the awareness of my innate ability and passion to sing. I also sang in the choir at my teen age, which helped shape my desire and resolve to take it on fully.

 

Simi simulation

Some people have said that I sound like Simi but honestly I don’t see any relationship. I admire Simi like I admire a lot of other artistes who are doing wonderfully well, but I don’t think I sound like her. I think I sound more like Guchi than like Simi.

 

Music gene

My dad, I would say. He is a music lover. He made me like Michael Jackson’s songs, as he was always playing them. That was an early influence and inspiration.

 

Competition

I am aware that the Nigerian music industry is saturated with talents, but that does not bother or discourage me. I am prepared for any competition and the challenges that lie ahead. And, like I said earlier, I have been in music since 2012. I have dozens of songs prepared already and I will be dropping them back to back.

 

Educational background

I was studying at the Edo State University, but when I relocated to Lagos, I had to start all over again at the University of Lagos. I am now studying Theatre and Media Arts at the University of Lagos.

 

Music career and education

It’s not going to be easy I know, but my course falls in line what I am doing – Theatre and Media Arts- so I think I can cope. And again, I did not register for a full time programme, but part time, so I can have time to conveniently juggle between the two.

Handling scandals

Yes, I know that the industry comes with its share of scandals or negative stories, but I would not let that too to bother me because I know who I am. My personal life is different from my music life, which to me is more like acting. Saying things about me would only serve to make me more popular, I guess.

 

Music genre

I consider genres such as Afropop, Dancehall and Highlife as my favourites. I am not an everybody›s-kind-of Afro-pop musician. I can do any of the three depending on what inspires me.

 

Inspiration for No be Jazz

The inspiration came from the fact that girls nowadays seem more interested in the money and the men more interested in sex. “No be Jazz” portrays the old kind of love where neither money nor sex was the basis for relationships or marriages; but true love, and that was why couples could go through the good and bad times in love. My mother actually inspired the song. Taking a cue from her, she was always steadfast in the good and the bad times; steadfast in love. So, the song preaches trust and love, even in the face of challenges.

 

Music inspiration

More often than not, the songs artistes sing do not necessarily define the artistes or their experiences.  I did a song called “Hennessy,” not because I drink it but because I know that it would certainly appeal to some people. A song like that could also be done to promote the brand. That is why I said music is like acting.

 

Record label

My songs are produced under the record label, Media Viva Productions Company (MVP). The record label is run by popular broadcaster and compere, Mr Israel Edjeren, and I am the first artiste on his label.

Future collaborations

I am hoping to collaborate with and perform alongside some of our established artistes like Burna Boy, Kizz Daniel, Tiwa Savage and Davido

 

Non-music career

I don’t think there’s any other thing I would have done. Music is just my love.