Guchi, the PG Records-signed artiste has been able to make some indelible marks in the music industry. She recently returned with two new singles.
By Emmanuel Daraloye
With cumulative YouTube views of over one hundred and twenty million, no doubt, Ugochi Lydia Onuoha, better known as Guchi, is one of the new school artistes making headway in the Nigeria music space. The journey which began over a decade ago took a more hyped race only two years ago.
Guchi, the PG Records-signed artiste has been able to make some indelible marks in the music industry. She recently returned with two new singles. In this interview with Afrocritik’s senior music critic, Emmanuel Daraloye, Guchi leads us into her world, her journey in the music industry, and her future aspirations.
I have listened to your new songs, “All over You,” and “Moh Bebe.” For the first time, you released two songs at the same time. What’s responsible for this?
I wanted my listeners to have a sufficient taste of what I have in store for them.
On the first song, “All over You,” you crave your lover’s attention. “Mon Bebe” finds you gushing about your lover. What inspired these records?
Love is the inspiration. I am also trying to make it cool to love your partner loudly.
Your versatility as an artiste is noticeable in your discography. Why do you feel there is a need to give the fans different sounds?
Variety, they say, is the spice of life. I can make different kinds of music and they would be a shame if I stuck to one kind of music without letting the world experience other aspects of my talent.
You have some impressive streaming figures on YouTube, courtesy of your songs. How do you think the streaming era has helped the music industry?
Streaming has helped the industry by providing better ease of access to the listeners, a strong additional source of income for creatives, as well as being a useful metric in measuring artistic growth.
For someone who was born in Kaduna State, grew up in Lagos State and now commutes between Lagos and the world, how have these various places contributed to your music exploits?
My music is a melting pot of all the experiences I gain. The feelings that these places give me circle back to my creative process.
Growing up, who were the artistes you listened to, or looked up to?
Brandy, Michael Jackson, P-Square, Rihanna, R Kelly are some of the artists that shaped my artistry.
For the new fans who might only be getting to know you via this interview, who is Guchi?
Guchi is an African pop star and entertainer whose goal is to positively impact the world through her art.
You don’t collaborate so much with other artistes. Why?
I have had some key collaborations, and I am open to working with creatives that align with my brand’s vision.
Some artistes claim to be inspired by their environment, and others describe their accumulated experiences as what inspires them. What inspires you?
I am inspired by myself, my experiences, love, and my journey.
In November 2022, you released your second EP, Purple Diary. Midway into 2023, you already released three singles. Should the fans be looking forward to a project from you later this year?
I may not be able to disclose that at the moment, but one thing I can assure you is that my listeners will never go too thirsty for new music.
(Listen to Guchi’s new singles here)
Emmanuel Daraloye is Africa’s Most Prolific Freelance Music Critic. He has over 500 album reviews in his archive.