Ugoccié – A Piece of Me
“Do You Really Like Me,” Ugoccié’s playful viral hit from 2021, introduced the Abia-born singer’s cheeky, story-based approach to music-making and established her as an act to pay attention to. Further singles like “Breakfast” and “Hookup (Onome)” show her dexterity as a keen observer of all aspects of the prevailing culture around her, tackling weighty topics like sex work and heartbreak with a sure-footed sense of empathy and humour. Ugoccié’s debut project, A Piece of Me, sees more moments of reflection and humour as she fleshes out details about her life, belief, and inspirations with a sharpness that can only come from living out the specific experiences she details. Across seven songs, Ugoccié swings from optimism to cynicism, swapping a pithy declaration of love (“Runaway”) for a sweltering banger with King Perryy (“Whenever”). Still, the most exciting moments on A Piece of Me come when Ugoccié takes control of her narrative, demonstrating that she’s committed to a life of ease on “Loud” in tandem with Niniola or crafting a highlife-influenced ode to her tribal heroes on “Man on Fire.”