My Unique Voice Sets Me Apart from other Artists- Ucheeaku

Uchechukwu Success Anyanwu, popularly known by her stage name, Ucheeaku, is rated as one of the hottest rising female artists in the Indigenous music industry in Nigeria. The Nkporo, Ohafia-Abịa State born beautician turn musician is taking the scene by storm! With her unique voice and sound that blends indigenous songs with Afro pop, hip-hop, and R&B], Ucheeaku has quickly captured the hearts of fans. Her latest single, ‘Ride or Die’ showcased not just her incredible vocal talent but also her ability to connect with listeners on a deeply personal level.
With an undeniable stage presence, charming persona and an innovative approach to stage performance, Ucheeaku is not just another flash in the pan artist, but a songwriter, a storyteller, weaving narratives that resonate with the experiences of her audience. In this exclusive interview with Anambra Daily’s Olisemeka Obeche, Ucheeakushares her incredible journey to stardom and her plans to take her career to the zenith, work with top artists and producers in the industry. Enjoy the interview.

Can you tell us about your background and what inspired you to pursue music?
My name is Uchechukwu Success Anyanwu also known as UcheeAku. I hail from Nkporo, Ohafia Local Government Area of Abịa State, Southeastern region of Nigeria. I currently live and work as a musician and beautician in Onitsha, the commercial city of Anambra State. On one hand, I’m an entrepreneur, operating as the Chief Executive Officer of Success Beauty Lounge and on the other hand, I’m a musical artist. You can say that I have dual background. As an Onitsha brought up, the desire to build a business empire that will deliver services and create jobs among other things is there. But on the other side, music is an inheritance. My late Father, God rest his soul, was a musician, songwriter and instrumentalist and he was my first inspiration to pursue music. My biggest music influence was my Father. Witnessing his music helped me learn to appreciate our indigenous music better. It is a dream come true for me to continue what he started in the entertainment industry and it means a lot to step into his shoes and carry that flag. Ofcourse, beyond my father, I have equally gained inspiration from some artists who had dedicated their works to promotion of indigenous music. As I grew older I felt connected to the music of Artistes like Asa, Flavour, etc.

It is a dream come true for me to continue what my father started in the entertainment industry and it means a lot to step into his shoes and carry that flag.

Can you shed more lights on your father and his musical career?
My father, Anya Rex Isaac Ogbuagu, operated under a stage name, Anya Superstar. He started his career as a guitarist but later branched into singing after discovering his own talent in that aspect including musical compositions. He had a successful career and performed with artists like Celestine Okwu and others. He also performed at some popular places at the time in Lagos like Minister Hotel, Festac Hotel and so on. Some of the hit songs he officially released at that time included Ndubuisi Aku, Nkemdilim, Oriaku Nelly m (a song he dedicated to his wife and my mum, Mrs. Confidence Anyanwu) and Uchechukwu ga eme, etc.

My father, Anya Rex Isaac Ogbuagu, operated under a stage name, Anya Superstar. He started his career as a guitarist but later branched into singing

What themes do you explore in your music, and what message do you hope to convey to your audience?
I sing more about love, motivation, and everyday life struggles of the common People. It’s about feeling the pores of the society and using my music to inspire, uplift or encourage my listeners and to calm their souls. I believe that music should go beyond beats and dancing, and more to provoke people to think, reflect on their lifestyles, careers or circumstances as well as inspire them to work harder, improve on themselves or change their ways for better. That is one of the reason indigenous music is my favourite because it gives people something.

“I believe that music should go beyond beats and dancing, and more to provoke people to think….”

How do you think the Nigerian music scene has evolved in recent years, and where do you see it heading?
Nigerian Music industry has done incredibly well over the years. I mean, I can remember how we used to consume more foreign music during my childhood, but right now the case is quite different. Infact, I can tell you that African indigenous music, especially that of Nigerian artists are penetrating the global airwaves now. This is an indication that Nigerian artists have not just managed to take back the industry but also making an inroads into western entertainment industry. It’s a big inspiration to the upcoming artists and a good time to be actively involved in the industry and I see more global dominance.

Can you describe your creative process when writing and composing your songs?
Well, the truth is that creative process is never cast in stone, so my songwriting process varies. Most times it starts from an idea, a melody, or a beat from my producer. The only unique thing is that once there is a spark of inspiration somewhere, I go for it and give it all my creative attention and energy till we deliver.

What has been the most challenging experience in your music career so far, and how did you overcome it?
Self-doubt or belief in myself. I never imagined I would be threading this path and that comes with a lot of doubts in my mind. It was when I discovered how precious the artistic talent I have is, that actually increased my self-confidence. I overcame it through self-discovery and belief in myself and being myself. The greatest obstacle to our success is usually self-inflicted and once you can fix yourself, everything else outside your sphere of influence can easily fall into places. It is when you discover your strength and weaknesses and work on them that you can easily harness opportunities and prevail against all odds.

How do you engage with your fans, and what role do they play in your music journey?
Through the social media and I am grateful for the kind of fanbase I have. My fans are the best! Having people who love and believe in my music is one of the best things that has happened to me. The support I receive through the social media gives me strength to keep pushing. And I am using this opportunity to shout out to everyone who love my music and others who are yet to join the gang (Smiles). Together we will re-write the history of indigenous music and enjoy every moment of it. Thank you all for standing solidly behind me. I remain loyal to you all.

Are there any collaborations in the pipeline that you’re excited about?
Yes, of course. But this is best kept under the hood until the right time.

What do you think sets you apart from other artists in the industry?
My voice. Truth is my unique voice sets me apart from other artists in the industry. You can never have two Ucheeaku’s (Smiles)

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are looking to break into the Nigerian music scene?
Don’t wait until you have everything figured out. This is the same advice I give myself every day. Although I still have a long way to go, yet I won’t let my current limitations stall my movement. I keep moving.

Can you share the story behind your latest single or album?
My current single is ‘Ride or Die’ and I had the phenomenal ‘DoubleCliq’ on this amazing song too. It talks about the joy of finding your soul mate. Everyone should listen to this song. The delivery is beyond this world.

My current single is ‘Ride or Die’ and I had the phenomenal ‘DoubleCliq’ on this amazing song too. It talks about the joy of finding your soul mate. Everyone should listen to this song

How do you balance your personal life with your career as an artist?
This is a tough question. Balancing personal life, career as an artist and entrepreneur require a great deal of sacrifices here and there. But how I have managed to keep things going so far is that I try to give time to planning, especially work and career. This helps to balance things out and prevent unnecessary breakdown or disappointments. As an artist, once you are engaged, you must do your best to deliver. And you must give your 100 percent to your fans any time you have the opportunity. It does not matter whether you did some performances few hours before or had a week-load of activities. I must say that I am lucky to have a manager who helps me out in planning myself and this is key.

What are your thoughts on the impact of social media on the music industry, especially for emerging artists?
The social media is a game changer. It’s easier to reach your audience right now compared to the time of our fathers. Every emerging artiste should plug into this innovation.

Balancing personal life, career as an artist and entrepreneur require a great deal of sacrifices here and there…. I try to give time to planning, especially work and career. This helps to balance things out and prevent unnecessary breakdown or disappointments

What are your goals for the next few years in your music Career?
One of my goals this year is to gain more visibility, connect with more people in the industry, and also push myself beyond my limits. It doesn’t matter what I have achieved so far, I’m definitely working harder to raise my game. There is no room for complacency or loss of focus. I’m taking it one step at a time.
What’s your relationship status and your next plan on that?
Right now, I am single, and not ready to mingle. (Smiles) I am more focused on my career at the moment.

One of my goals this year is to gain more visibility, connect with more people in the industry, and also push myself beyond my limits. It doesn’t matter what I have achieved so far, I’m definitely working harder to raise my game.