Evi Edna Ogholi is a renowned Nigerian reggae musician, celebrated as the “Queen of Nigerian Reggae.” Born on July 6, 1966, in Isoko, Delta State, she rose to fame in the late 1980s and early 1990s with hits like “Happy Birthday” and “Look Before You Cross.”
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Evi Edna Ogholi |
| Date of Birth | July 6, 1965/1966 (sources vary) |
| Place of Birth | Isoko, Delta State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| State of Origin | Delta State |
| Spouse | Emma Ogosi (ex-husband) |
| Children | Two |
| Occupations | Musician, Reggae Artist, UNICEF Volunteer |
| Labels | Polygram (now Premier), EMI Records |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Education
Evi Edna Ogholi was born on July 6, 1966, in Isoko, Delta State, Nigeria, to Reverend R. O. Ogholirly. Her early life was marked by a strong connection to music, which was fostered by her involvement in the church choir during her school years. This exposure not only honed her vocal skills but also instilled in her a deep appreciation for various musical genres.
After completing her secondary education, Ogholi made a pivotal decision to move to Lagos in 1985. This move was driven by her desire to pursue a career in music, a field that was rapidly growing in Nigeria at the time. Lagos, being the hub of the Nigerian music industry, offered her the ideal environment to explore her talents and connect with other artists and producers.
Career
Evi Edna Ogholi’s music career officially began in 1987 with the release of her debut album “My Kind of Music,” which was produced by Emma Ogosi. This album marked the beginning of her journey as a professional musician and set the stage for her subsequent success.
Her breakthrough came with albums like “On The Move,” “Happy Birthday,” and “Step by Step,” all of which achieved platinum status. These albums showcased her unique style, blending reggae with local dialects, a fusion that resonated deeply with her audience. Her music was not only popular in Nigeria but also gained recognition across West Africa.
Ogholi’s popularity led to extensive touring across West Africa, where she performed to packed audiences. In 1990, she became a brand ambassador for Pepsi, further cementing her status as a leading figure in the music industry. This partnership was significant, as it highlighted her appeal beyond the music scene and into mainstream culture.
After a period of hiatus, Ogholi returned to the music scene with a renewed focus. In 2020, she released an EP titled “Peace and Love,” marking her comeback to the industry. This new work reflected her continued commitment to spreading messages of peace and unity through her music.
Personal Life
Ogholi married her manager and producer, Emma Ogosi, with whom she had two children. However, her marriage was marred by domestic violence, which she eventually escaped by leaving him. This challenging period in her life led to her relocation to Paris in the 1990s.
Evi Edna Ogholi Net Worth
There is no publicly available information on Evi Edna Ogholi’s current net worth. However, her career as a renowned reggae musician and her past success with platinum albums suggest she has earned significant income from her music, but exact financial details are not disclosed
Controversies
Ogholi faced rumors of her death, which were dispelled in 2020. She also spoke out about the domestic violence she suffered from her ex-husband.
Discography
- My Kind of Music (1987)
- On The Move (1988)
- Happy Birthday (1988)
- No Place Like Home (1989)
- Burstin’ Loose (1990)
- Step by Step (1990)
- Peace in the World (2018)
- Peace and Love EP (2020)
Awards and Recognitions
In 2020, Ogholi was honored as the brand Ambassador of Hope and Peace for the Aid People Change Nigeria Charity and Orphanage Organisation. She is also known as “Africa’s Queen Of Reggae.”
