{{Short description|Nigerian singer-songwriter and actress (born 1978)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2014}} {{Use Nigerian English|date=September 2022}} {{Infobox person | name = Muma Gee | image = Gift_Uwame.jpg | image_size = | caption = | alma_mater = University of Port Harcourt | birth_date = {{birth date and age|df=yes|1978|11|18}} | birth_place = Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria | occupation = {{Flat list| *Actress *businesswoman *fashion designer *politician *singer-songwriter *television personality }} | net_worth = | years_active = 2004—present | spouse = {{Marriage|Prince Eke|2011}} | partner = | children = 3 | political_party = People's Democratic Party (PDP) | relatives = | website = {{URL|mumagee.com|mumagee.com}} | module = {{Infobox musical artist | embed = yes | instrument = {{Flatlist | *Vocals }} | genre = {{Flat list| *African pop *reggae *world *afro soul }} | label = {{Flat list| *Black Attraction Productions *Mgee Records *Geeklips Entertainment }} | associated_acts = {{Flat list| *Cobhams Asuquo *Nelson Brown *Samini *VIP }} }} }}
'''Gift Iyumame Eke''' (née Uwame; born 18 November 1978), professionally known as '''Muma Gee''' ({{IPAc-en|m|uː|m|ə|_|dʒ|iː}}), 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.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Muma Gee: Truth about her friends, controversies, marriage – Daily Newswatch Newspaper |url=https://www.mydailynewswatchng.com/2017/02/28/muma-gee-truth-friends-controversies-marriage/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Muma Gee |url=https://cultureintelligence.ynaija.com/people/muma-gee/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |website=Culture Intelligence from RED |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2018-04-21 |title=Why I killed old Muma Gee —Singer, Muma Gee |url=https://tribuneonlineng.com/why-i-killed-old-muma-gee-singer-muma-gee/ |access-date=2023-11-08 |newspaper=Nigerian Tribune|language=en-GB}}</ref>
Uwame rose to prominence in 2010 as a contestant on the celebrity edition of Nigerian reality TV series Gulder Ultimate Search.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Okachie |first=Leonard |title=Nigeria: Gus Celebrity Showdown - Emeka Mourns Muma Gee's Eviction |url=https://allafrica.com/stories/201005100341.html |access-date=2 September 2024 |website=www.allafrica.com}}</ref>{{citation needed|date=September 2022}} 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.<ref name="Chioma and Muma Gee"/> "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 2009, she was nominated for four awards at the 3rd Nigerian Music Video Awards. 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". As an actress, she starred in the Nollywood films ''Last Dance'' (2006),<ref>{{IMDb title|1067190|Last Dance (2006)}}</ref> ''Solid Affection'' (2008),<ref>{{IMDb title|1232142|Solid Affection (2008)}}</ref> ''Secret Code'' (2011),<ref>{{IMDb title|2715812|Secret Code (2011)}}</ref> and ''The Code'' (2011).<ref>{{IMDb title|2715808|The Code (2011)}}</ref> Among her accomplishments are numerous titles and honours such as, Oonyon 1 of Upata Kingdom,<ref name="Muma Gee laughs out">{{cite web|url=http://www.audionigeria.com/?p=2710|title=What about the size of his 'thing'?: Muma Gee Laughs out loud– ha!|publisher=Audio Nigeria Multimedia|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430061934/http://audionigeria.com/?p=2710|archive-date=30 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Queen of African music, Pop Queen, and Mrs. Ngor-Okpala.<ref name="dailysun">{{cite news|url=http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=35805|location=Lagos, Nigeria| title=Muma Gee: Why Ngor- Okpala crowned me as queen |last=Agadibe|first=Christian| date=18 August 2013|accessdate=29 April 2014|newspaper=The Sun}}</ref>
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.<ref name="Muma Gee emeka ike">{{cite web|url=http://www.modernghana.com/movie/12304/3/mixed-feelings-over-emeka-ikes-reaction-after-muma.html|title=Mixed Feelings Over Emeka Ike's Reaction After Muma Gee's Eviction|publisher=Modernghana.com|date=7 May 2010|accessdate=29 April 2014}}</ref> In 2011, Uwame married actor Prince Eke, and gave birth to a twin boy and girl, on 18 April 2014.<ref name="Muma Gee twins">{{cite web|url=http://www.africanspotlight.com/2014/04/19/singer-muma-gee-husband-prince-eke-welcome-twins/|title=Singer Muma Gee and husband Prince Eke welcome twins|publisher=African Spotlight|date=19 April 2014|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-date=22 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140422031514/http://www.africanspotlight.com/2014/04/19/singer-muma-gee-husband-prince-eke-welcome-twins/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Early life== Born in Port Harcourt, Rivers State to Ekpeye parents, Uwame grew up in a strict Christian household, the third of six children.<ref name="vanguardngr1"/> Her father, who was involved in Military Medicine, died when she was a child.<ref name="Thepunchnews"/> 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.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.citypeopleonline.com/why-i-left-the-music-scene-in-the-last-6-years-rivers-state-born-song-goddess-muma-gee/|title=Why I Left The Music Scene In The Last 6 Years, Rivers State Born Song Goddess, Muma Gee|date=2018-10-29|website=City People Magazine|access-date=2023-06-22}}</ref>
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.<ref name="Muma Gee claims she don't dope">{{cite web|url=http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/nvnews/5586/3/i-dont-take-drugs-i-am-naturally-high-on-stage-mum.html|title=I Don't Take Drugs; I Am Naturally High on Stage – Muma Gee|publisher=TheNigerianvoice.com|date=9 January 2009|accessdate=29 April 2014}}</ref> She also became part of Port Harcourt's burgeoning music scene, performing at nightclubs and inner city bars.<ref name="African queen Muma Gee"/>
==Career== ===2006: ''Kade''=== 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.<ref name="vanguardngr1"/> In 2006, the album, entitled ''Kade'' was released as a CD to music stores<ref name="Muma Gee is spiritual"/> 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."<ref name="Muma Gee is spiritual">{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/content.asp?contentid=968&ContentTypeID=5|title=I'm Spiritual —Muma Gee|publisher=Nigeriafilms.com|date=4 December 2006|accessdate=29 April 2014}}</ref> 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.<ref name="African queen Muma Gee">{{cite news|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201402100348.html|title=Nigeria: Muma Gee – Controversial, Weird but Focused|date=9 February 2014|work=AllAfrica.com|publisher=AllAfrica Global Media|accessdate=29 April 2014}}</ref> Kade would later be nominated for AMEN Awards,<ref name="Muma Gee amen nominated">{{cite web|url=http://m.museke.com/node/1381|title=One of the many Nigeria music awards shows 2007– nominees and winners|publisher=Museke|date=31 July 2007|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-date=30 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430002834/http://m.museke.com/node/1381|url-status=dead}}</ref> Nigerian Music Video Awards, The Headies Awards, and Sound City Music Video Awards.<ref name="Muma Gee nominated">{{cite web|url=http://m.museke.com/node/1804|title=Soundcity (Nigeria) Music Video Awards – check winners below|publisher=Museke|date=2 April 2008|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-date=30 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430002745/http://m.museke.com/node/1804|url-status=dead}}</ref>
===2007–2010: Star Trek, ''The, Woman in Question'' and Gulder Ultimate Search=== 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.<ref name="star trek">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thenationonlineng.net/archive2/tblnews_Detail.php?id=21678|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Muma Gee, Davina, P-Square draw curtain on Star Trek|date=9 June 2007 |accessdate=8 May 2014|newspaper=The Nation}}</ref> 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".<ref name="star trek1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/content.asp?ContentTypeID=5&contentid=1555|title=Day Muma Gee Trekked To Enugu in Search of a Husband|publisher=Nigeriafilms|date=16 June 2007 |accessdate=8 May 2014}}</ref> [[File:Muma Gee at the 2008 HipHop World Awards.jpg|right|thumb|Muma Gee at The Headies Awards, March 2008]] By the end of 2007, she began hinting that she was working on new material for her next album.<ref name="Muma Gee hints new album">{{cite web|url=http://www.modernghana.com/movie/1605/3/scandals-keep-me-relevant-muma-gee.html|title=Scandals keep me relevant – Muma Gee|publisher=Modernghana.com|date=22 September 2007 |accessdate=29 April 2014}}</ref> 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."<ref name="Muma Gee amebo"/> 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.<ref name="Muma Gee amebo">{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/content.asp?contentid=2538&ContentTypeID=7|title=With Amebo, Muma Gee changes gear|publisher=Nigeriafilms.com|date=18 May 2008 |accessdate=29 April 2014}}</ref> "Amebo" was sent to radio afterwards;<ref name="vanguardngr4"/> Muma Gee also spoke briefly about the new album's content and direction, saying, "I figured out that there are lots of love songs in the album. Maybe I am learning the rules to falling in love. (Laughs) and it's finding interest in my songwriting, maybe, maybe not, well I am not sure."<ref name="Muma Gee single">{{cite web|url=http://www.modernghana.com/movie/3177/6/vacancy-i-am-single-apply-within-muma-gee.html|title=Vacancy: I am single, apply within – Muma Gee|publisher=Modernghana.com|date=25 October 2008 |accessdate=29 April 2014}}</ref> In 2009, Muma Gee released the album's second single "African Juice" and its accompanying music video, the latter of which earned her several nominations at that year's Nigerian Music Video Awards.<ref name="NMVA 2009">{{cite web|url=http://www.jaguda.com/2009/10/16/nigerian-music-video-awards-2009-nominees-keffi-mi-darey-mo-hitts-dominate/|title=Nigerian Music Video Awards 2009 Nominees – Keffi, MI, Darey & Mo-Hitts Dominate|publisher=Jaguda.com|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140429191311/http://www.jaguda.com/2009/10/16/nigerian-music-video-awards-2009-nominees-keffi-mi-darey-mo-hitts-dominate/|archive-date=29 April 2014}}</ref> On 26 February 2010, ''Vanguard'' announced that Muma Gee's second studio album was titled ''The Woman in Question'' and that it would be released in March. Along with these details, it was announced Muma Gee had songs with Samini, VIP, and Terry G on the album and that producers on the album would include Cobhams Asuquo, Puffy T, Terry G and OJB.<ref name="vanguardngr4">{{cite news|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/02/muma-gee-in-panafrican-collabo/|location=Lagos, Nigeria| title=Muma Gee in PanAfrican collabo|last=Sowoolu|first=Lolade| date=26 February 2010|accessdate=29 April 2014|newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref>
Beginning March 2010, Muma Gee appeared in the reality television show Gulder Ultimate Search. She had been selected with nine other celebrity participants.<ref name="Muma Gee Gus">{{cite web|url=http://www.gulderultimatesearch.tv/GUS%207/news_08.html|title=Muma Gee ignites GUS camp|publisher=Gulderultimatesearchtv.com|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-date=19 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161019062158/http://www.gulderultimatesearch.tv/GUS%207/news_08.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> After being sent to the jungle, she naturally connected with fellow campmate Emeka Ike. However, their extra-closeness soon prompted viewers to believe their friendship was beyond platonic.<ref name="Emotional Muma Gee">{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/7685/7/i-am-emotionally-attached-to-emeka-ike-so-what-mum.html|title=I am emotionally attached to Emeka Ike, so what? – Muma Gee|publisher=Nigeriafilms.com|date=22 May 2010|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430065755/http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/7685/7/i-am-emotionally-attached-to-emeka-ike-so-what-mum.html|archive-date=30 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Various news outlets and gossip sites depicted Ike as a handsome married actor, with whom Muma Gee was romantically lovestruck.<ref name="vanguardngr3"/> It was further alleged that the pair engaged in lewd conduct during a bathroom scene on the show. Muma Gee admitted to an emotional relationship with her campmate but denied the sex allegations.<ref name="vanguardngr3"/><ref name="Muma Gee denies">{{cite web|url=http://www.underdarock.com/blog/muma-gee-denies-sex-rumours-with-actor-emeka-ike/|title=Muma Gee denies sex rumours with actor, Emeka Ike|publisher=UnderDaRock.com|date=20 March 2010|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-date=4 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304201029/http://www.underdarock.com/blog/muma-gee-denies-sex-rumours-with-actor-emeka-ike/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In another incident, contestant Chioma Chukwuka defied Muma Gee and threw her property out of their tent. She had verbally attacked Muma Gee on several occasions at the camp and made disparaging remarks about her marital status.<ref name="vanguardngr3">{{cite news|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/muma-gees-best-kept-secrets/|location=Lagos, Nigeria| title=Muma Gee's best kept secrets| date=29 May 2010|accessdate=29 April 2014|newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref><ref name="Chioma vs Muma Gee1">{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/7564/7/warchioma-chukwuka-vs-muma-gee.html|title=Chioma Chukwuka VS Muma Gee|publisher=Nigeriafilms.com|date=20 May 2010|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430063442/http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/7564/7/warchioma-chukwuka-vs-muma-gee.html|archive-date=30 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Throughout their time in the Jungle, both contestants rivalled each other. They were evicted on the same day for not being able to complete their respective tasks.<ref name="Chioma and Muma Gee">{{cite web|url=http://nigeriafilms.com/news/7542/27/muma-gee-releases-new-album-the-woman-in-question.html|title=Muma Gee releases new album: The Woman in Question|publisher=Nigeriafilms.com|date=13 May 2010|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430071137/http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/7542/27/muma-gee-releases-new-album-the-woman-in-question.html|archive-date=30 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Uwame's ''The Woman in Question'' was released the next day.<ref name="vanguardngr2">{{cite news|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2010/05/muma-is-the-woman-in-question/|location=Lagos, Nigeria| title=Muma is the Woman in Question| date=14 May 2010|accessdate=29 April 2014|newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref> On 8 May 2010, in an interview with Nigeriafilms.com, Chukwuka claimed her actions against Muma Gee were deliberate and a mere display of her blatant side.<ref name="Chioma explains">{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/7468/7/my-quarrel-with-muma-gee-on-screen-was-mere-preten.html|title=My quarrel with Muma Gee on screen was mere pretence –Chioma Chukwuka-Akpotha|publisher=Nigeriafilms.com|date=8 April 2010|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430072015/http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/7468/7/my-quarrel-with-muma-gee-on-screen-was-mere-preten.html|archive-date=30 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> During June 2010, Muma Gee was invited for Thanksgiving at the Redeemed Christian Church, by Gus winner Emeka Ike and his wife Emma. There, she met and befriended up-and-coming Nollywood actor Prince Eke—Ike's best friend—whom she felt was God-sent and who would propose to her seconds later. On 23 June, Uwame received an engagement ring from Eke shortly after he had arrived safely from work. She would then wed him the following year.<ref name="eke">{{cite news|url=http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=87952|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Love at first sight: How Prince Eke proposed to me —– Muma Gee|newspaper=The Sun|date=26 October 2014|accessdate=29 October 2014}}</ref><ref name="Thenationnigeria"/>
===2011–present: Marriage and ''Motherland''=== thumb|left|190px|Muma Gee, December 2011 On 23 July 2011, reports surfaced announcing the date for Muma Gee and Eke's White wedding as 18 November, and venue at Recovery House, Port Harcourt International Church.<ref name="Muma Gee gettin wed">{{cite web|url=http://www.thenigerianvoice.com/news/56704/3/actress-cum-singer-muma-gee-set-to-wed.html|title=Actress cum singer, Muma Gee set to wed|publisher=TheNigerianvoice.com|date=23 July 2011 |accessdate=29 April 2014}}</ref> In August 2011, Muma Gee was reported to have moved temporarily from Lagos back to Port Harcourt to participate in politics.<ref name="Muma Gee politiking">{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/12982/25/actress-cum-singermuma-gee-relocates-to-port-harco.html|title=Actress cum singer, Muma Gee relocates to Port Harcourt to lobby for political appointment|publisher=Nigeriafilms.com|date=3 August 2011|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430055311/http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/12982/25/actress-cum-singermuma-gee-relocates-to-port-harco.html|archive-date=30 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Although no further details were released about the development at the time. She would later reveal in interviews that there were no political intentions behind her relocation to the city.<ref name="Thenationnigeria"/> On 6 September 2011, Muma Gee revealed that the wedding was undergoing its final adjustments.<ref name="wedding coming">{{cite web|url=http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/13486/48/queen-of-african-musicmuma-gee-wedding-slated-for-.html|title=Queen of African music, Muma Gee wedding slated for November 18th 2011|publisher=Nigeriafilms.com|date=6 September 2011|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430065948/http://www.nigeriafilms.com/news/13486/48/queen-of-african-musicmuma-gee-wedding-slated-for-.html|archive-date=30 April 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> However, on 4 November 2011, the couple decided to push back the wedding date to work on Muma Gee's music video, "Port Harcourt Is Back".<ref name="Muma Gee cancels">{{cite news|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/201111040995.html|title=Nigeria: Muma Gee Postpones Wedding|date=4 November 2011|work=AllAfrica.com|publisher=AllAfrica Global Media|accessdate=29 April 2014}}</ref> On 20 December 2011, Muma Gee and Prince Eke were married in a double traditional wedding ceremony in Ahoada East and Ngor Okpala respectively. A formal white wedding later took place on 23 December 2011 in Port Harcourt.<ref name="odili.net">{{cite web|url=http://odili.net/news/source/2011/dec/11/500.html|title=All set for Muma Gee's triple wedding|publisher=Odili.net|date=11 December 2011|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-date=2 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140502032732/http://odili.net/news/source/2011/dec/11/500.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> After her marriage to Eke, Muma Gee continued to work on her music career. In February 2012, she released "Port Harcourt Is Back" and its music video, which was directed by her husband Prince Eke.<ref name="Thenationnigeria">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/sunday-magazine/glamour/42336-the-whole-truth-about-my-marriage-%E2%80%94muma-gee.html |location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=The whole truth about my marriage —Muma Gee |date=8 April 2012 |accessdate=25 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410193807/http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/sunday-magazine/glamour/42336-the-whole-truth-about-my-marriage-%E2%80%94muma-gee.html |archive-date=10 April 2012|newspaper=The Nation}}</ref> Speaking about the concept of the song, she explained "It's a single and more of appreciation for the transformation in my birthplace." Furthermore, Muma Gee stated that her new album called ''Motherland'' was in the making, and that "it was inspired by what I experienced when I went to Port Harcourt after many years in Lagos. It is warm and welcoming."<ref name="Thepunchnews">{{cite news|url=http://www.punchng.com/spice/my-favourites/i-believe-in-looking-good-muma-gee/|title=I believe in looking good – Muma Gee|date=25 March 2012|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120325095749/http://www.punchng.com/spice/my-favourites/i-believe-in-looking-good-muma-gee/|archive-date=25 March 2012|url-status=dead|newspaper=The Punch}}</ref> On 8 April that same year, the album's second single "African Woman Skillashy" followed. The music video, directed by Bobby Hai Ndackson was released soon after. Muma Gee told ''Vanguard'' that "[the song] is all about the African woman, her beauty and how she makes herself beautiful. An African woman is therefore not to be messed up with or looked down upon because she's feminine. Even though she's beautiful, she's strong and has a sense of pride."<ref name="vanguardngr1">{{cite news|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/06/the-role-emeka-ike-played-in-my-marriage/|location=Lagos, Nigeria| title=The role Emeka Ike played in my marriage| date=15 June 2013|accessdate=29 April 2014|newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref>
In March 2013, she released "Jikele" as the album's third single.<ref name="Jikere">{{cite web|url=http://www.360nobs.com/2013/03/get-familiar-muma-gee-jikele|title=Get Familiar: Muma Gee – Jikele|publisher=360nobs.com|date=19 March 2013|accessdate=29 April 2014|archive-date=30 April 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140430100931/http://www.360nobs.com/2013/03/get-familiar-muma-gee-jikele/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Motherland'' was revealed to be a 12-track album and when asked why is it taking so long? she commented "One needs to take one's time because good work takes time. But it must be worth the wait in the end."<ref name="vanguardngr1"/> At the 4th City People Awards, 14 July 2013, she lost South South Musician of the Year to fellow Rivers State recording artist Oba Omega; present at the occasion were the celebrities Rita Dominic and Yvonne Nelson from Ghana.<ref name="mindspace101">{{cite web| url=http://nollywoodmindspace.com/2013/06/23/list-of-nominees-city-people-entertainment-awards-2013/|title=List of Nominees: City People Entertainment Awards 2013|publisher=Nollywoodmindspace.com|date=23 June 2013 |accessdate=10 May 2014}}</ref><ref name="mindspace102">{{cite web| url=http://nollywoodmindspace.com/2013/07/16/list-of-winners-city-people-entertainment-awards/|title=List of Winners: City People Entertainment Awards|publisher=Nollywoodmindspace.com|date=16 July 2013 |accessdate=10 May 2014}}</ref> Muma Gee competed in the first Imo State intercommunity beauty pageant, representing the community of Umuhu in Ngor Okpala. She came into the competition through her matrimonial union with Eke, whose heritage stems from the Umuhu people. On 1 August 2013, she was named Mrs. Ngor Okpala by first lady of Imo State, Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha, after beating off challenges from 28 other entrants.<ref name="dailysun"/> It was also made known on 23 September 2013, that Muma Gee has commenced a new recording session—possibly for ''Motherland''—with Slim Burna and P Jaydino in the studio.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925162350/http://www.vnolly.com/muma-gee-in-the-studio-with-singer-slim-burna-and-his-co-producer-photo/|url=http://www.vnolly.com/muma-gee-in-the-studio-with-singer-slim-burna-and-his-co-producer-photo/|title=Muma Gee in the studio with singer Slim Burna and his Co-producer [PHOTO]|publisher=Vnolly Magazine|archive-date=25 September 2013|accessdate=6 May 2014}}</ref> On 15 February 2014, whilst heavily pregnant with her first child, she confirmed in a telephone interview with Saturday Beats of ''The Punch'' that she will be performing at the album launch party for ''Motherland'' regardless of her physical condition.<ref name="Muma Gee Pregnant">{{cite news|url=http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/saturday-beats/muma-gee-is-pregnant/|title=Muma Gee is pregnant|last=Ben-Nwankwo|first=Nonye|date=15 February 2014|accessdate=12 May 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140513020802/http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/saturday-beats/muma-gee-is-pregnant/|archive-date=13 May 2014|url-status=dead|newspaper=The Punch}}</ref> On 18 April, just weeks before the anticipated concert, Uwame delivered twins – a boy and a girl commenting on this Uwame said, "I was not initially expecting twins. All I knew was that I started getting big and bigger. And people would see me and say, oh, you are looking so beautiful. I didn't believe I was going to have twins."<ref name="muma gee happy">{{cite web|url=http://encomium.ng/muma-gee-hubby-excited-over-miraculous-twins/|title=Muma Gee, hubby excited over miraculous twins|publisher=Encomium Magazine|date=27 April 2014|accessdate=21 July 2014|archive-date=20 July 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140720073735/http://encomium.ng/muma-gee-hubby-excited-over-miraculous-twins/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
==Politics== In October 2014, Muma Gee officially announced her intent to run for a seat in the Nigeria's House of Representatives via the Ahoada East–Abua–Odual constituency in Rivers State. She initially registered to run as a member of the Rivers State People's Democratic Party but later switched allegiance to the Labour Party, becoming the party's nominee for the seat.<ref name="Saint45">{{cite news|author=Don Saint|title=Muma Gee Emerges As Candidate For Federal House of Representatives Under Labour Party|url=https://diamondcelebrities.org/2014/12/11/muma-gee-emerges-as-candidate-for-federal-house-of-representatives-under-labour-party/|accessdate=20 October 2016|work=Diamond Celebrities|date=11 December 2014}}</ref><ref name="Muma Gee runs">{{cite web|url=http://nationalhelm.com/2014/11/2015-elections-more-entertainers-join.html|title=2015 Elections; More Entertainers Join Politics, Muma Gee Picks Nomination Form|last=Andra|first=Chinedu|publisher=National Helm|date=1 November 2014|accessdate=2 November 2014}}</ref> While elaborating on the reasons for her decision to join politics, Muma Gee described the move as the appropriate means to "liberate her people" who she says deserves representation that is qualitative and has their best interest in mind.<ref name="muma nov 8">{{cite news|url=http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/saturday-beats/im-not-quitting-music-muma-gee/|title=I'm not quitting music – Muma Gee|date=8 November 2014|accessdate=9 November 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141108013234/http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/saturday-beats/im-not-quitting-music-muma-gee/|archive-date=8 November 2014|url-status=dead|newspaper=The Punch}}</ref>
She was defeated at the federal election by Betty Apiafi, who ran as a PDP candidate and who has represented the constituency since 2007.<ref name="The Punch">{{cite news|author1=Nonye Ben-Nwankwo|url=http://sunnewsonline.com/yoruba-totally-ungrateful-people-ahmadu-ali/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=Though I lost, no regrets going into politics — Muma Gee|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629155956/http://www.punchng.com/entertainment/saturday-beats/though-i-lost-no-regrets-going-into-politics-muma-gee/|archive-date=29 June 2015| accessdate=20 October 2016|url-status=dead|newspaper=The Sun}}</ref>
==Personal life== Uwame lives in Port Harcourt with her actor husband, whom she has been happily married to since 2011. They are both devout Christians and did not participate in courtship.<ref name="Van899">{{cite news|author=Benjamin Njoku|title=Muma Gee's love story: 'I went through purification before marrying my husband'|url=http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/04/muma-gees-love-story-i-went-through-purification-before-marrying-my-husband/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|accessdate=21 October 2016|date=11 April 2015|newspaper=Vanguard}}</ref> She was later separated from her husband Prince Eke.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-07-16 |title=Nollywood actor, Prince Eke questions why people in relationships cheat with ex-lovers |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/07/nollywood-actor-prince-eke-questions-why-people-in-relationships-cheat-with-ex-lovers/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|access-date=2022-07-27 |newspaper=Vanguard|language=en-GB}}</ref>
As of 18 April 2014, they had two children, a twin boy and girl, whom they named Chika and Chisa Eke. Her third child and second daughter, Okwuluoka, was born on the same day as her father Prince Eke on 18 August 2016.<ref name="Pulse1">{{cite web|url=http://pulse.ng/celebrities/prince-eke-muma-gee-couple-welcome-baby-number-three-id5395429.html|title=Prince Eke, Muma Gee, Couple welcome baby number three|website=Pulse.ng|date=19 August 2016 |accessdate=20 October 2016}}</ref>
==Discography==
===Studio albums=== {| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;" |+ List of albums<!-- , with selected chart positions, sales figures and certifications --> ! scope="col" style="width:11.5em;"| Title ! scope="col" style="width:20em;"| Album details |- ! scope="row" | ''Kade'' | * Released: 2006<ref name="housewife not Muma">{{cite news|url=http://allafrica.com/stories/200808180756.html|title=Nigeria: I Would Have Been a Full Time House Wife – Muma Gee|date=17 August 2008|work=AllAfrica.com|publisher=AllAfrica Global Media|accessdate=1 May 2014}}</ref> * Label: Black Attraction Productions * Formats: CD |- ! scope="row" | ''The Woman in Question'' | * Released: 3 May 2010<ref name="Chioma and Muma Gee"/> * Label: Mgee Records * Formats: CD, VCD |}
==Filmography== {| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;" ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Year ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Film ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Role ! style="background:#B0C4DE;" | Notes |- |rowspan="3"|2006 | ''Last Dance 1'' | Lucia |with Chioma Chukwuka |- | ''Last Dance 2'' |Lucia |Drama |- | ''Last Dance 3'' | Lucia | Directed by Obi Callys Obinali |- |rowspan="2"|2008 | ''Solid Affection 1'' |Jane |with Oge Okoye, Uche Jombo & Ramsey Nouah |- | ''Solid Affection 2'' | Jane |Directed by Ikechukwu Onyeka |- |rowspan="3"| 2011 | ''Secret Code'' | Jean |with Prince Eke & Mercy Johnson |- | ''The Code 1'' | Jean | |- | ''The Code 2'' | Jean | |- |}
==See also== * List of people from Port Harcourt * List of Nigerian musicians * List of Nigerian actresses
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{sister project links|d=Q16738959|c=Category:Muma Gee|n=no|b=no|v=no|voy=no|m=no|mw=no|s=no|wikt=no|species=no}}
* {{Twitter}} *{{IMDb name|2715844}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Muma Gee}} Category:1978 births Category:Living people Category:Singers from Port Harcourt Category:Nigerian film actresses Category:21st-century Nigerian actresses Category:21st-century Nigerian women singers Category:Nigerian women pop singers Category:Nigerian women singer-songwriters Category:Nigerian singer-songwriters Category:Nigerian fashion designers Category:Nigerian Christians Category:Television personalities from Rivers State Category:Nigerian businesspeople in the entertainment industry Category:Nigerian soul singers Category:Nigerian reggae singers Category:University of Port Harcourt alumni Category:Entertainers from Rivers State Category:Nigerian feminists Category:Feminist musicians Category:Actresses from Port Harcourt Category:Nigerian women musicians Category:Nigerian businesspeople in retailing Category:Nigerian businesspeople in fashion Category:Nigerian music industry executives Category:Participants in Nigerian reality television series Category:Nigerian restaurateurs Category:Nigerian businesspeople in the cosmetics industry Category:Nigerian women company founders Category:Businesspeople from Port Harcourt Category:Nigerian actor-politicians Category:Nigerian women in politics Category:Politicians from Port Harcourt Category:Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party politicians Category:Songwriters from Rivers State Category:Beauty pageant contestants from Port Harcourt Category:Media people from Rivers State Category:21st-century Nigerian businesswomen Category:21st-century Nigerian businesspeople Category:Nigerian women fashion designers