Nigerian singer-songwriter Guchi has built a reputation on infectious hooks and cross-continental appeal. Born Ugochi Lydia Onuoha in Kaduna State and raised in Abuja, she broke out with 2021’s viral hit “Jennifer”, which later spawned a remix with Tanzanian star Rayvanny.
Her follow-up single “Benzema” climbed to No. 3 on Billboard’s Top Triller Global Chart, cementing her as one of Afropop’s rising exports. Along the way, she’s collaborated with Yemi Alade, Zlatan, Odumodu Blvck, Kuami Eugene and Wendy Shay, while earning nods from AFRIMA, AEAUSA, and The Headies.
Her latest project, the 7-track EP No Skips, Just Feelings, pushes further into her blend of Afropop, R&B, and dancehall. Across songs like the empowering opener “Your Type” and the Afrobeat-driven standout “Tsunami,” Guchi pairs melody-rich production with themes of love, self-worth, and emotional vulnerability. It’s her most cohesive body of work yet, marking another step in a career that shows no signs of slowing.
You’ve earned over 400 million career streams and become one of Nigeria’s most recognisable Afropop voices. How did your journey in music begin, and what helped you stay committed in the early days?
Well, I started music when I was just 7 years old. I started from the choir, and my dad kind of influenced my love for music because he always played music in the morning growing up. He played the likes of Michael Jackson, Osadébé—so I've been listening to music since I was little. And that has helped me stay committed to my passion. I have so much passion for music, and I love music so much.
From Lagos to global stages, you’ve built a strong fanbase and earned nominations at The Headies, AFRIMA, and AEAUSA. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced as an up-and-coming artist, and how did you push through?
My biggest challenge was visibility. But thank God for TikTok. My song went viral on TikTok, and over time, I've gathered lots of fans, and right now, they just keep me going
With over 5.8 million TikTok followers and 910,000 YouTube subscribers, you’ve built a huge digital presence. What are your best tips for independent or emerging artists who want to grow their socials on a tight budget?
My advice would be that they stay consistent, focus on what they can control, take social media very seriously, and believe in themselves.
How did you develop your identity as an artist, and what advice would you give to others trying to stand out?
I did that by telling myself that no one can be like me. I've always wanted to stand out, and one of the things I did was to pick a signature colour for myself. And so, for others trying to stand out, first being yourself and being conscious of who you are will always lead you to f inding your unique style.
Were there any strategies or platforms that really helped boost your visibility when you were still establishing yourself?
Well, social media played a huge role, especially TikTok, and of course, my team played a huge role too.
What keeps you inspired creatively?
I get inspired by things happening around me, daily life experiences, and real-life experiences.
What’s your advice for networking in the music industry, especially for new artists?
Engage before you enter people’s DMs. Consistently show love to other artists, producers, and media people. Comment with real insight, share their work, and make yourself memorable. Play the long game. Don’t overwhelm someone you just met with a bunch of requests. Build trust slowly. One small win can lead to bigger collaborations you didn’t even see coming