An underrated gem finally gets her shine.
Introduction: Guchi Steps Back Into the Spotlight
In a music landscape where artists often compromise their identity to chase trends, Guchi is standing firm. Her new EP, No Skips, Just Feeling, is everything the title promises — a compact, 7-track body of work rooted unapologetically in Afrobeats. For fans of African pop music, this is a project that confidently wears its roots on its sleeve.
Since her emergence in 2020 with her debut EP, Guchi — real name Ugochi Lydia Onuoha — has remained an underrated talent in the Nigerian music industry. While contemporaries like Omah Lay have scaled rapidly, releasing multiple projects and hitting international stages, Guchi’s journey has been slower, not for lack of talent, but perhaps due to an underwhelming industry push. That, however, might be changing.
Sound and Structure: A Bold Afrobeats Identity
Musically, No Skips, Just Feeling is solidly Afrobeats at its core. One of the project’s strongest qualities is how consistent it is in sound while still managing to explore different textures within the genre. There’s no identity crisis here — Guchi knows who she is and leans fully into it.
The opening two tracks introduce a modern, contemporary Afrobeats style. Then the EP shifts gear with “Balance,” arguably the standout track, which blends Afrobeats with kpom kpom highlife rhythms to create a mid-tempo groove that’s both grounded and uplifting.
What also sets the EP apart is Guchi’s vocal approach. She doesn’t just ride the beat; she fills the songs with range and emotion, offering more vocal dynamism than many of her peers in the genre. Her choices — from falsetto runs to deep, chesty deliveries — add a creative depth to what could have easily been a typical Afrobeats collection.
Thematic Breakdown: Love in Its Many Layers
The EP is essentially a love diary, but not in the clichéd way that romantic music often gets delivered. Guchi’s perspective is layered, covering self-love, heartbreak, desire, and emotional growth.
“Your Type” opens the project with a self-affirming anthem — an ode to individuality and womanhood. Guchi sends a strong message about embracing uniqueness, especially for women, saying there’s no replica for who you are. It sets the tone not just musically, but emotionally.
“Butterfly” follows as a soft, tender offering to a lover. Guchi paints her partner as her “personal Odogwu and investor,” letting us into a world of romantic devotion that’s also playful and affirming. It’s affectionate but not submissive, sensual yet grounded.
Then comes “Balance”, where Guchi takes a step back from romantic love to speak on personal satisfaction and success. It’s a hustler’s anthem wrapped in calm confidence. She declares her peace with where she is in life, unfazed by past criticism or doubters. It’s both a clapback and a mantra: everything is in balance now.
“Tsunami” is one of the most creatively produced songs on the project. From its low-pitched bass pads to the cinematic strings in the hook, the sound builds gradually — much like the emotion in the song. It’s a confession of emotional vulnerability; when love goes wrong, it crashes into her like a tsunami. The dramatic imagery and rich vocal delivery make this one especially memorable.
With “Intentional”, the narrative flips again. Guchi sings to an ex, frustrated by a lack of clarity in the relationship. She’s walking away from someone who never loved her deliberately, finally choosing her own peace.
Why This EP Matters
No Skips, Just Feeling is more than just a collection of songs — it’s a statement. A reminder that Guchi isn’t new to this, and she’s not going anywhere. While many Nigerian female artists often get boxed into narrow lanes, Guchi asserts herself with a voice that’s unbothered, genre-loyal, and emotionally aware.
It’s also important to note how consistent the quality is. There really are no skippable tracks — from theme to production to vocal arrangement, the project is tightly woven. PG Records Entertainment Ltd., her management, should be doing more to amplify this work on a global level, because talent like this deserves a wider audience.
Final Thoughts
Guchi’s No Skips, Just Feeling EP is a refreshing return to form. In a year where many projects have played it safe or leaned too far into global trends, this EP proudly flies the flag of core Afrobeats. It’s soulful, diverse in mood, and emotionally resonant. It may not have the PR machine some other acts enjoy, but it has heart — and most importantly, no skips.
