From Minna to Abuja: The Grind Behind the Boards UCEE’s journey began in 2008, producing for friends in Minna as a hobby before relocating to Abuja, where he became a linchpin of the city’s underground scene. His early years were marked by relentless hustle—producing for local artists while battling for recognition as both a producer and artist. After a seven-year stint with Alien Prose (2011–2018), he founded Remitano Entertainment, determined to carve his own path .
Name: Uchechukwu James Agu
Stage Name: UCEE
Origin: Udi, Enugu, Nigeria
Active Since: 2011
Genres: Afrobeats, Afrofusion, Dancehall, Highlife, Hip-Hop
Label: Remitano Entertainment
Signature Works: “Dog Eat Dog” (ODUMODUBLVCK), “No Wam” (Ajebo Hustlers), “Funds” (Davido)
The Abuja Movement: Flooding the Airwaves
In 2020, UCEE launched a radical campaign: “NO PAY, NO SHOW”, protesting radio stations’ payola system. He began producing full tracks for Abuja artists at a flat rate of ₦30,000 (€60), with one condition: “If you don’t release the song, I take back my beat.” This strategy flooded Abuja’s airwaves with his tag (“UCEE on the beat!”) and cemented his reputation as the city’s go-to hitmaker. His presets (like “UCEE PRESETS 2.0”) became studio staples, empowering a generation of DIY artists .
Signature Sound & Collaborations
UCEE’s production blends:
– Afrobeats bounce (e.g., “Dog Eat Dog”)
– Highlife guitar riffs (e.g., “No Wam”)
– Drill-infused grit (e.g., ODUMODUBLVCK’s “Declan Rice”)
His breakout moment came with ODUMODUBLVCK’s “Dog Eat Dog” (2023), a drill-Africa anthem that showcased his ability to merge street energy with mainstream appeal. Recent work includes Davido’s “Funds” (2024), where his Amapiano-infused beats elevated the track’s hustler narrative .
The Lagos Ascent & Industry Impact
After dominating Abuja, UCEE moved to Lagos in 2021, declaring: “I’ll be the first popstar producer—the Michael Jackson of producers.” His collaborations read like a who’s-who of Nigerian music: Davido, ODUMODUBLVCK, Shallipopi, Amaarae, and more. Artists praise his “Underwater Sound”—a moody, immersive style crafted in isolation .
Philosophy & Legacy
UCEE’s mantra—”If you’re behind the scenes, you’ll be forgotten”—drives his visibility. Unlike many producers, he insists on face-to-face industry relationships, crediting Abuja’s tight-knit community (EESKAY, Phaemous) for his resilience. His goal? To make Abuja’s sound “respected on its own turf” while pushing Afrobeats forward .
Final Take:
UCEE isn’t just a producer; he’s a cultural strategist. From radio rebellions to viral tags, his blueprint for success—sacrifice, community, and unapologetic innovation—is rewriting Nigeria’s music rules. With “Funds” topping charts and 5ive on the horizon, 2025 might just be his year.
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