Muma Gee

Gift Iyumame Eke (née Uwame; born 18 November 1978), professionally known as Muma Gee, meaning "do good Gift", is a Nigerian singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, fashion designer, television personality and politician.

She was born, raised, and resides in Port Harcourt.

Uwame's first taste of stardom came through her song "Kade", which became the title track of her first official album, released in 2006.

The single's accompanying music video directed by Wudi Awa, received five nominations, including two from the AMEN Awards (Best Picture and Best Costume) and one each from the Nigerian Music Video Awards, the Headies Awards, and the Sound City Music Video Awards.

As an actress, she starred in the Nollywood films Last Dance (2006), Solid Affection (2008), Secret Code (2011), and The Code (2011).

Among her accomplishments are numerous titles and honours such as, Oonyon 1 of Upata Kingdom, Queen of African music, Pop Queen, and Mrs. Ngor-Okpala.

Uwame's social life and alleged relationships have gained widespread coverage in the media, with the most prominent being her emotional affair with former GUS campmate Emeka Ike.

In 2006, the album, entitled Kade was released as a CD to music stor Muma Gee had explained the meaning of its title in an interview, "it is a courageous word that gives hope".

I believe so much in empowerment.

So Kade represents advocacy and empowerment towards nation building [...] For example, in my language, we say Kade, meaning go, but its typical meaning is keep moving on and you will get there someday." Following the release of the aforementioned album, Wudi Awa was contacted by Muma Gee in regards to producing a music video for its title track single. Soon after the video was shot, edited and sent to TV stations, it quickly gained popularity, capturing the attention of music lovers in Nigeria. Kade would later be nominated for AMEN Awards, Nigerian Music Video Awards, The Headies Awards, and Sound City Music Video Awards.

In June 2007, Muma Gee performed at the annual Nigerian Breweries-sponsored Star Trek music tour.

She was the only female solo artist called upon to sing at the last leg of the national tour.

The concert was held at the Hotel Presidential venue in Enugu and featured a star-studded line-up of Nigerian musicians, including P-Square, Daddy Showkey, Davina, and Shine Band, among others.

Muma Gee appeared on stage wearing a beaded blouse and a black, rippling skirt.

She involved a group of male fans into a dance competition for a chance to win her love.

The climax of her show came when she hugged, cuddled and attempted to have a liplock with the winner in public.

The young male fan also was treated to a love song she belted out before closing her set with a performance of her hit track "Kade".

By the end of 2007, she began hinting that she was working on new material for her next album.

The following year, on 18 May 2008, it was announced that "Amebo" would be the first single to be released from the album.

According to Muma Gee, this song was what she had long desired to create: "I have been doing my own thing. I've been experimenting even while at the University of Port Harcourt. Now, I want to see what I can achieve professionally."

Explaining what "Amebo" was specifically about, she says, "I am a homegirl, I am an indigenous musician. I believe so much in Nigeria. So, "Amebo" simply talks about our people, our values, and our heritage."

On 25 May, Muma Gee premiered the song at an exclusive night party in Ikoyi.

Other roles she played at the event included meeting fans, and signing autographs.

In 2009, she was nominated for four awards at the 3rd Nigerian Music Video Awards.

Uwame rose to prominence in 2010 as a contestant on the celebrity edition of Nigerian reality TV series Gulder Ultimate Search.

Prior to entering the show, she had worked on her second studio album The Woman in Question, that would be released a day after her eviction.

"Amebo" and "African Juice" were the two singles released from the album.

Uwame had also collaborated with artists and producers such as Samini, VIP, OJB, Cobhams Asuquo and Terry G, among others.

In early 2012, Uwame started work on a new album called Motherland and has since released singles "Port Harcourt Is Back", "African Woman Skilashy" and "Jikele".

In 2011, Uwame married actor Prince Eke, and gave birth to a twin boy and girl, on 18 April 2014.

Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State to Ekpeye parents, Uwame grew up in a strict Christian household, the third of six children.

Her father, who was involved in Military Medicine, died when she was a child.

After her father's death, Uwame was raised by her mother in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Uwame always liked music and was trained by her mother to sing songs at the age of 4.

Upon finishing her primary and secondary school education in Abuja, Uwame enrolled at the University of Port Harcourt and earned a degree in Theatre Arts.

In addition to her academic background, she owned and operated numerous other busia nesses including vehicle leasing company, restaurant, tailor shop and beauty salon.

She also became part of Port Harcourt's burgeoning music scene, performing at nightclubs and inner city bars.

Moving to Lagos, Muma Gee settled in Surulere, a residential and commercial area of that city.

Shortly after, she met record producer Nelson Brown.

Brown was instrumental in putting together most of the songs on Muma Gee's debut full-length.