A fan accused me of using mom for rituals — Ugoccie

Context

My name is Favor Anosike and I am from Bende Local Government in Abia State.

Education

I had my elementary education at Wise Brain Academy Aba, Abia State but as I was a bright kid I sat the Common Entrance Examination when I was in third grade and left for secondary school at the age of seven. I attended Ninlan Demonstration Secondary School until SS2 when I sat the West African Secondary School Certificate Examination. I passed but many schools didn't offer me admission because I was barely 13 at the time.

I then studied microbiology at Alex Ekwueme University, Ebonyi State.

Inspiration

My inspiration comes from everything I see around me. I could see people arguing, lovers arguing, or the news going around at all times and inspiring me.

Music

I am passionate about my culture. I grew up listening to musicians like Onyeka Owenu and Osita Osadebe. I've always been in love with artists who make music in their mother tongue. I also listen to Spanish songs. I have no idea what they say but because they do it in their language, I like it. I project my culture into everything I do, and it makes me feel like I'm on top of the world. It's the best way to express myself.

Social Media

Social media has been such a powerful tool for my brand, especially as an independent artist. With social media, one can have a wide reach without spending too much money. The first song that put me in the limelight, You really like me, was posted on social media, and it became one of my greatest songs. .

Career

I have always sung. I started making music commercially in 2019 when I recorded a "cover" of a song, One Ticket, by Kizz Daniel with Davido. The song went viral and Kizz Daniel contacted me. Davido also posted my version of the song on social media, and that encouraged me. I always wanted to make music but I didn't have the money to make my dreams come true. After this viral coverage, Tunde Ednut (a social media personality) brought me to Lagos and facilitated a collaboration with Duncan Mighty. Then my stage name was Too Tok.

Parent

I will never forget that I have great parents. They always knew that I wanted to make music. But, they wanted me to study microbiology, in case I didn't succeed with music. However, they never stopped me from singing. I remember my dad used to take me in his car to play gigs back then. I am really grateful to my parents. My mother is late but she supported me a lot.

Challenges

The challenges I faced were financial, and the fact that some people thought making music in the Igbo language would put me in a box, and I wouldn't get far. However, artists like Flavor and Phyno do it, even internationally, so why should I be an exception? I'm a freelance artist, so my career is self-funded. If I had more funding, I know my music would have a wider reach. However, I am grateful to have been nominated for Headies 2022 (Rookie of the Year category).

Bullying

I've been bullied online and still do. Trolls are a part of life, especially for popular people or someone doing something good. I've had people say things like, "You're wack (not talented)"; "Your Music Sucks" and "Music Isn't Your Calling". But I don't listen to trolls. I never respond to negative comments. If it hurt that bad, I'd delete it. When I lost my mother last year (2021), someone said I used her for rituals. But, I did not answer. I said to myself that in this career as an artist, I would never respond to a troll. The only thing I might have to answer is if there is a malicious rumor that could destroy my career. I'm just gonna focus on the people who love me.

Fans

I'm always very nice, because I don't know how to tell people. However, most of them can be very pressing. They can become too strong and tough. In this case, I simply tell them that I am not interested.

Relation

(Laughs). I don't like to talk about my relationships.

Phino

Working with Phyno was phenomenal. He is so darling. The funny thing is, he just gave me that verse because I didn't think I'd be on a song with Phyno. I was at home when my friend put me on the phone with Phyno, and he said I sho...