Mary Nnah
UK-based Afrosoul sensation, Uchechi Emelonye is scheduled to perform at the annual IT ecosystem concert, “Celebrating You”, usually hosted by TD Africa, a development that would herald her first major performance in Nigeria since her professional music career started three years ago.
The concert which will have other Nigerian music stars like Flavour and Patoranking, will take place at Konga Place, Lekki Lagos on Sunday, December 3, 2023.
The award-winning multi-instrumentalist who is fondly called Afrosoul Princess is full of enthusiasm about this opportunity to connect with her growing fan base, especially in Nigeria and has vowed to use it to entrench more her roots. According to her, “It would be so beautiful to physically connect with my fans in Nigeria. Since my music expedition, my Nigerian fans have been very supportive and I see this performance as a good opportunity to connect more with them. I am excited this is happening. I’m eagerly looking forward to that evening.”
As part of her itinerary during the visit, Uchechi is scheduled to interact with media personalities who have shown enthusiasm for her music and wish to understand the motivation behind her lyrical skills as exemplified in all her singles.
With songs such as ‘Little Black Bird’, ‘Sunrise to Sundown’ and ‘Underwater’, which won the BBC Music Introducing ‘Record of the Year 2022’ in Lancashire, England, 22-year-old Uchechi unveiled, ‘Baby You’ in August 2023, after capping her efforts with a Law degree from Lancaster University, in the UK.
Lauded for her dexterity in emotionalising her themes with lyrics and rhythm, Uchechi, an offshoot of the Emelonye clan of artists in Imo State, has had a steady rise in her music career since the debut of her first single in 2020.
From Imo State, Emelonye who turned 22 on November 27, has been creating Afro-inspired music that feeds the soul. She recently graduated with a degree in Law from the prestigious Russel League Lancaster University, United Kingdom and currently pursuing a master’s degree in Entertainment Law and simultaneously en route to qualifying as a Solicitor of England and Wales. She has been writing songs since the age of 13 and is not new to the stage, having participated in various productions, bands and performances in multiple countries.
As the daughter of a United Nations diplomat, she was raised and schooled across 7 countries and draws the influence for her lyrics and songs from the unique sounds and cultures of her international exposure and global worldview.
Combining her experience, confidence and love of music, she launched her successful debut song with a breathtaking music video, ‘Little Black Bird’ in 2020.
Emelonye’s singles have gained enormous airplay across major Nigerian, British and American radio stations. Huge interest has been evoked in her, evidenced by the numerous interviews she has done with radio personalities and on TV.
Her stunning music video for ‘Little Black Bird’ directed by top Nigerian Director, Sesan is still being played on prime music channels and has garnered over 130,000 streams on YouTube.
Her 2022 single, ‘Underwater’, won the BBC Music Introducing ‘Record of the Year 2022’ in Lancashire, England. BBC Music Introducing, launched by the global media network, BBC in 2007 is a special platform dedicated to supporting new artists and their music. Her latest single is ‘Baby You’ and is available on all music streaming platforms.
