"I wanted to run back to Lagbaja when things got hard." -Ego

The gossip blogs convinced Nigerians that Lagbaja was dating his band member, Ego Ogbaro (nee Iheanacho). In fact, they reported they had gotten married!
It didn’t help when the mega-hit song ‘Never Far Away saw Ego and Lagbaja singing about love in London for the viral music video.
So when she left Lagbaja’s band, there was shock around the country. Did they fight? Was she unhappy? Was this going to be the end of both their careers?
Ego says the years after were incredibly tough. Many of the people who promised to support her disappeared, her gorgeous album (really one of the best albums ever to come out of Nigeria) didn’t succeed commercially; in fact many times she wanted to run back to Lagbaja’s band - but didn’t.
How did she survive those desperate years? How did she handle the envy about other female artistes who were succeeding? And how has she found herself back in the public eye with a glistening acting career?
We also talk about separating from her husband and his shocking death last year, and through tears, she tells me why she hasn’t yet healed from losing her father.
Watch the full episode here: watch.withchude..."watch.withchude.com
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#WithChude is a special series of targeted multimedia (video, audio, text, event) conversations and investigations that leverage the voice, network and passion of its host, Chude Jideonwo and his interviews, to underline issues, raise consciousness and spark movements; especially in Africa and for Africans.
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[@KingDamzy]

I can't stress how good of an actress she is. I even think she's actually a better actress than singer. Her acting on WURA deserves all the accolades it can get. 👏

[@user-pr8lp6on3m]

True

[@ayoadeayoami3368]

No lies told

[@nnajiugochukwu3810]

one day we'll sit & discuss how lagbaja+her was amongst the top 5 duo of all time in Nigerian music history....

[@ayorindeafolabi7378]

I thought the chemistry between both of you was perfect and Lagbaja could have pulled the string but he was shy to admit that you both had a beautiful thing going. You were really fond of each other and we could see it was beyond music. I wished you both happened and it could have taken your music to a sky height. Alot of people will agree with me that when both of you parted ways, your music and everything just collapsed and I mean both of you. I actually stopped listening to Lagbaja after you left him and I heard nothing about you too afterwards. You're never far away was your parting shot and that song will forever be in Lagbaja's heart. We Love you still❤

[@kellyzanny5139]

Facts

[@albertmarki.8743]

Well said.

[@danielakinyemi1594]

Agreed

[@Olaedomusic]

Can we get Egos KZbin channel so we can support her solo music ❤

[@tomisinnwabueze4179]

She was a phenomenon singer!! She needs to come back❤

[@djfitzfabiola]

Yeah right We need it oo

[@mosesadekunle5434]

She will be part of Lagbaja and Lagbaja will always be part of her

[@SamsonAdeyemi]

She's the celebrity of my time... They sang good songs, good music.. I wish her well

[@olalekanolude3863]

I have missed her voice....I grew up listening to "Never far away"

[@TMartins379]

If you didn’t plan it and you didn’t think about it before doing it, that is what you call an impulsive move. Impulsive moves never materialize into good results. There is nothing wrong with leaving but it ought to be planned, calculated and most of all, done at the right time. Cheers. We live to learn👏👏👏

[@desola-O]

I AGREE!

[@danielakinyemi1594]

Seconded!

[@floBar51651]

Exactly. No plan is ridiculous and I bet it was a religious sentiment that God will make a way.

[@GodSpecialDaughter]

I also think her exit from lagbaja's band, though a good one, but it was not well coordinated and planned. Both ego n lagbaja's career went on a steep decline afterwards. Wishing then the best!

[@anthonyogundipe9248]

that one too

[@jahbmerciful3561]

U were and will always be part of lagbaja, and lagbaja was and Wil always be part of you. Please you guys should have a reunion, even if it jz for us your fans.

[@mikebabz]

You may want to deny it but we all know it. Both you and Lagbaja felt the impact of you leaving that group. Wishing you both the very best in life

[@joeadeleke]

she dey change mouth... she's admitted it before

[@danielakinyemi1594]

Can Ego and Lagbaja just give us one fantastic jam just once again please?

[@elmappetiskamga886]

Just want to say we have many talented Nigerians who never got a chance. You got a stage and you gave us the best music of that time. Thank you.

[@samsonabanni9562]

Please have a reunion with lagbaja..do this for us

[@olayinkaexcel5948]

In my opinion, it was a premature Freedom. I love freedom, I appreciate freedom, I support freedom with my mights. But, premature freedom usually don't end well.

[@preciousfires5088]

Absolutely... Properly captured

[@BlackTizza]

What happened later is not a case. They made good records together. Her voice captured my heart as a very little boy years ago. They both are doing well and are legends

[@fredkiller5132]

Lady Ego with Lagbaja really brought so much joy to many. I was so fascinated with Lagbaja music since 2006 i stared using VCD: Show me your 32, Konko Below, Nothing for You, Never Far Away. Ego's signature in each was so top-notch, even in No do Gra Gra. I was so sad to hear of her break-away then. I wish her all the best. She has left an indelible mark in the sands of time. Nothing lasts forever. Whatever level of success she has recorded afterwards is her lot and she should just be fulfilled and move on.

[@PositiveVibessss]

Firstly Ego is super talented. However, leaving Lagbaja wasn’t a good move for her let’s be honest. She fell off in her attempt to be a solo artist.

[@segunbelo-osagie4746]

Motherlan was a Mecca for me those days. I would marvel at the creative synergy in the band. Especially between Ego and Lagbaja. My daughter was a crazy Ego fan. One day, she rushed in gushing, "Dad, I saw Ego. Do you know she lives in this estate. Let me take you to her block so you can knock on her flat and introduce me to her." I laughed it away and told her Ego had a right to her privacy. She never forgave me. I am so happy to know that Ego is a clear-headed, frank, open-minded, engaging and determined lady. Up, up you Ego. My very best wishes always. And thanks Chude for bringing her on.

[@TunjiOkunlola]

She was meant to be with Lagbaja for a long time....they were good together.

[@anthonyogundipe9248]

I agree to this

[@saranghae2808]

Reminds me of Leona Lewis. She is supposed to be one of the greatest names in music today. She sings better than EVERYBODY. Won a high profile music competition. But when she split from Simon Cowell, things went down. To each their own, but maybe she should have bid her time...I think people just assume God, life and people are on their side and that things would work out - dangerous assumption in my view. Now, make big moves, take big risks, move on when you need to - but with A SAFETY NET AND BACKUP PLAN IN PLACE. Life and time are too fragile to make assumptions about the future. Unless there was something really bad going on, in my view, there is always room for U-Turns. We make mistakes all the time...I dont know what happened but i was in her shoes, i would have gone back to Lagbaja...get back in the limelight, rebuild my platform, start singing solo on the side, etc. But maybe she was so hurt by him. But i know that sometimes, pride and shame doesnt allow us to make U-Turns. Finally, sometimes, our destinies are just connected to somebody else. We might not be destined to do certain things on our own. So the moment we split from our destiny helper, things go down the drain. If there is someone your destiny is connected to, may we have the wisdom to protect that relationship; treat it like glass. May we have the wisdom from God to make the right decisions in life, IJN 🙏

[@Saved178]

You write so wisely.

[@ogbonnahappiness5091]

It's the last paragraph for me. So apt!

[@naikisal1934]

Your comment is spot on.

[@Lighted_Path]

You see that line of "Our destiny is connected to someone else" is very true. Look at Abraham and Lot, after their herders had a fight and their was a split. Lot went his way and was never the same. He lost everything to the point he was rescued. Abraham on the other hand did extremely well. DonJ and Dbanj same thing. Yea Dbanj has money but after that break music wise he didn't sustain it and tanked. Look at Don J after the split. He didn't only get into producing those who has done well till date. His influence and diversity too still stands. What people call instinct without proper divine guidance and wisdom, is just what their subconscious tells them then they embrace it consciously. Time and season plays a huge part. When a timing is not waited for it can be aborted and when it goes beyond chaos steps in.

[@okunolaosobu5846]

Spot on 👏

[@NOHOLDSBARREDWITHIT]

I love her honestly, she didn’t paint the picture of things being rosy from the beginning. The beginning is always tough.

[@iamcalvary]

At some point, I thought they were married. They sang so good together.

[@suggestionbox01]

Ego is the joy and happiness many people feel and enjoy in Lagbaja band she took away the joy suddenly . Tell her to Record a track with Lagbaja to gladdens her fans heart

[@emiliasamuel2330]

With all the work and growth i still haven't heard her sing or come across any performance since she left,unless i go searching now after watching this video.However am certain she knows why she left and no be everything she go tell us for camera. Anyone with her social media handle should please drop it.Thanks

[@Ọlájùmọ̀kẹ́mi5]

I so love this. Thanks Ego for being so honest. You've worked very hard, harvest is here. Much love!

[@tdad8683]

If this was a world of JUSTICE, EGO OGBARO would be one of THE BIGGEST NAMES in Nigerian Music today. Her VOICE is 2nd to none. She has a Gift that can only be compared to ONYEKA ONWENU, OMAWUMI, WAJE and other AMAZING NIGERIAN VOCALISTS.

[@ezinneerhirhieneeukaogo1439]

This is why they say Talent is NOT enough. We need more than Egusi to make a delicious pot of Egusi soup.

[@helenomotayo9827]

​@@ezinneerhirhieneeukaogo1439True!

[@oluwafikayomiogunrinde9807]

What happens in the world of Injustice? 🤔 Seriously, how does Ego's career have anything to do with justice or not?

[@tinaojo5699]

You know this well

[@royal_mama]

Mummy Kuti, Iya Mide, the Almighty is your backbone.

[@Daseeker4895]

They both felt the impact in their careers. However, I think Ego made a bad decision to leave when she did.

[@AJBam-xc5rd]

The exit was premature and not properly planned...simple....all the best to her...

[@wonderfulera63490]

Yeah I share same feeling

[@Funmise-World.]

I agree, that affected both of them. Without Ego Lagbaja was never the same vice versa

[@Aro_Gidigba]

​@@Funmise-World.I beg to differ. Lagbaja did many more hits after she left, and he never lost his sound. Lagbaja like KSA, Obey etc don't have to make any new music to maintain a band because the spectacle of their performance and stage craft is what people enjoy and the quality of their music. I think anyone who has nostalgic feelings and desires the old lagbaja musical genre should turn to Beautiful Nubia

[@justbe990]

@@Funmise-World. She inadvertently ended her career and Lagbaja's. What a waste.

[@desola-O]

Exactly 👍

[@theodiorokaka]

There is is a place to under someone to learn more! Most people have jumped ship without thinking through it. No be everybody go be main Oga

[@florenceflourish6367]

There are some people tied together...That was Ego and Lagbaja....When they both parted ways musically, Lagbaja music also went down and Ego also went down. I am happy she is acting now.

[@justbe990]

@@florenceflourish6367 absolutely correct 👏

[@kanjelot5543]

My thoughts too!

[@olayemiafolabi5330]

I don't know about anybody else, but for me, "Never Far Away" is the best Nigerian song ever made.

[@oluwakayodesamuel4739]

Lagbaja is a true leader and a boss indeed

[@FalhenStudios]

She’s transparent with lot of deep meaning in between

[@bakaremariam4577]

No one wants to serve. And when it gets to that . Most bosses will just wish u well. They won't give u any sermon

[@ibraheemgboyega9170]

Sure!

[@anthonyogundipe9248]

this i think was the real issue

[@blessingajisafe6915]

Those two humans made wonders then. Really amazing music

[@olaowolabi6853]

Very beautiful and talented woman…. Sad that we didn’t get to witness her best potential

[@NewworldChristopherson]

The last part of the interview is the best part of it all I once told a man it's within Ur human right to envy but let it be a positive one so u can be great as the person u r envying

[@yuscobada]

Our one and only Mummy Tunmi and Bro. Mide oka of Iperindo in Wure movie series... Long live Ego.

[@otesileoluwakemi4110]

She's so down to earth. That makes me respect her so much.

[@obinnaokpani1372]

Hand wey touch my comment won't know poverty amen and amen

[@olaoluwaanuoluwapo8337]

AMEN AND AMEN.

[@mojisolaibitoye5706]

Amen IJMN

[@randomyoutuber1416]

You dey make money from youtube comment?

[@olukanmiolarewaju1224]

Amen

[@Tech_daily1]

🙏

[@justbe990]

We are not animals; never always trust your instincts. Fact-check every thought and harmonize current situations with future consequences. Pure instinctive based decisions should be relegated to the animal world.

[@oluwoleodetola1626]

Many people don't think 😂 Majority are living by instincts and stimulus

[@victoradebayo2584]

Ego with the sweet voice ❤

[@PharezKamsi]

She actually had plans; just didn’t work out as she envisaged

[@jamesodukoya9966]

Lol, everyone always has plans but life sef dey plan us😅

[@PharezKamsi]

@@jamesodukoya9966 normal 👍🏽

[@lolash800]

I love sincerity at the ending part where she talked about envy. It being a natural emotion but not letting it fester. I love the prayer too. That's someone who's actively 'guarding her heart with all diligence' and not letting negative emotions take root. I wish her the absolute best in her career.

[@olubunmilawal9344]

I ❤ Ego's sincerity. She is not doing badly.

[@maryolayemi3778]

Mama Olumide Kuti in wura, I love this woman.

[@awetolu306]

Just the comment i was looking for ❤

[@gideononyx1986]

Wow! You're a amazing! @Ego. I like the part where you said, "I never had a bad show..." That's excellent.

[@obasmichael7876]

Wow, I LOVE Ego's honesty! She still looks very good for her age!

[@charmyni8847]

How old is she

[@preciousfires5088]

She should be in her 40's

[@odiaose5673]

She had exposure and wanted it fast, she couldn't wait to serve a little longer, she could have been with lagbaja, ventured solo at same time. All the best to her

[@olusoladavid5476]

I'm so happy for Ego and I would have loved her to stay with the band but maybe the pay wasn't a lot and she felt she would've made more being a solo artist but the leaving wasn't planned properly, she should've been doing solo projects while still in the band, like "Destiny's child", but would Lagbaja have agreed?, I would like to believe he would've.

[@user-qk1hs9hc5k]

Unah don start again.. unah don reach this side

[@ARC.benedict-samson]

There was never a time she was not paid well someone next in line with the Boss, The stories I heard then was that friends and fans motivated her to move on since she is talented which is not bad also other side said she wasn't on good terms with Lagbaja's wife, because of the rumours of her dating him. But all the same 20 kids can't play for 20 years.

[@Peepeec5]

I really feel bad when she left lagbaja

[@codeboy9]

She shouldn't have left. She left millions of dollars on the table. The new cats have learnt from all the things they did

[@user-ym3ip7gk2k]

Even the lagbaja where he Is today??

[@desola-O]

@@user-ym3ip7gk2kThey needed each other obviously.

[@lanredaniell]

​@user-ym3ip7gk2k you still want lagbaja to be everywhere like before? Really?😂

[@Cerebralpalsy35]

@@user-ym3ip7gk2k how old where you went lagbaja started music? You are asking where is he? Let me ask you, how many of his colleagues that were sing then still stay in limelight now? One thing you don't seem to understand is that everything is time, even 2face generations are now off limelight so not seeing lagbaja sing again or in the limelight again doesn't mean thing are bad for him, He is a music legend and will forever remain one 💯

[@easymathstutor]

Why shouldn't she have left?

[@gideononyx1986]

Dealing with people from different backgrounds can be truly & really hard

[@olgentleman]

I guess that it is the entrepreneurial part of the music business that has been shielded from all along that is opening up. I love her passion dearly ❤

[@Anonymouscorner]

Please call lagbaja on your show I've missed him ❤❤❤

[@toycatsarena001]

Really I would love to see that icon. I love all his music ❤❤❤❤

[@livinandubuisi8834]

Is this not Iya Mide and Tumi? She's an incredible actress. Love her

[@afeezakinwumi2201]

Yes

[@emmanymatthew2539]

What movie is that?

[@livinandubuisi8834]

@@emmanymatthew2539 Wura season 1 and 2 on Showmax

[@PeterTheAnalyst]

Wura is the movie ​@@emmanymatthew2539

[@omowunmiomotosho4012]

Wura

[@demozobiosio7020]

Truth about envy.. well done sir

[@KesterEkekwe-dy6wy]

Beautiful interview. Soft but quite revealing.

[@austinejoe627]

I met Ego onece in Calabar when they had a show with Glo at a time see when she said she use to be arrogant omo you got to believe her o cause that arrogant Ego live rent free whenever her name comes up😂😂

[@ekpenyongperpetua6032]

I love her honesty, I miss her voice

[@iam_chocpapi]

Ego is so real ❤❤❤ I can totally relate to that inner thing... I always check inside too. 💯 📌

[@EmmazonTV]

She is just so real and i love it❤

[@Adebayobamidelealfredmoses]

Mhmm ! Dis is very interesting & educating 🎉❤🥰😍😘

[@nextdigitalzone]

I think leaving Lagbaja wasn't the issue but not properly planning and strategizing was it

[@powerword668]

They both went down after her exit. I suppose they were destined to be career partners but they didn’t know it.

[@sethchongkoni3517]

Your Vocal on that Song is fantastically BEAUTIFUL

[@happinesskenedy464]

She is so real❤

[@lizajgospel4415]

She's a gifted singer and actress, happy to see you again ma.

[@gideononyx1986]

Yeaaaaah, "passion", that's the word

[@iyiolapeter6554]

The regret is obviously theres, she had the world at her feet and could have gone to any height

[@debbieadedapo]

Uncle Edi lawani is a blessing, and I am happy he his in my generation.

[@gideononyx1986]

Wow! This is a beautiful show, 🙂😊 I'll like to see more of this please @chude

[@CabriniDivo]

She is just like me so transparent

[@robinsonjonathan4093]

Fun, failures and fate are few of the finest fantasies of this fickle life.

[@israelekpe2911]

Ego seem to have YEMI ALADE Vibe of today

[@Lifeofayummymummy]

Her hair is so beautiful😍

[@arowoloakeem4268]

Why didn't you go back Ego🎉?

[@gideononyx1986]

You look fantastic jare! 😄

[@randomfactNfantacies]

Enjoyed this. Sincere conversation

[@PolarisTouch]

Listening to this I actually agree with her. At a point in your life and career you should feel like you have exhausted your time energy and resources at a particular point and you need to aim higher

[@Nuges_lar_ges_Mey2131]

Missed the combo of you with Lagbaja;really electrifying! I wish you did NOT PART.

[@jonayodtv8801]

Madam leaving Lagbaja is a wrong move at the right time.

[@es4917]

How do you know? Are you in her life? What metrics did you set for her? How did you arrive at those metrics? How did you judge those metrics to find out if they were met or not?

[@desola-O]

Right move at the wrong time you meant to say..

[@bobbyceezar8739]

Funny how I'm just realizing Iyabo Kuti is Ego😅

[@idara_andee]

I'm telling you😂

[@josephomole6404]

Actually after she stopped working with Lagbaja, Lagbaja started to decline.

[@samthecreator10]

True that

[@user-ym3ip7gk2k]

Them both faded off... Like she left him and he left fame also

[@VintageMariaCouture]

Edi lawani, a very good man from my encounter with him

[@Olayajo_Abiola]

She left at the wrong time and wasn’t planned well… she fell off afterwards and lagbaja’s career declined a bit even though he still made some hits.

[@gideononyx1986]

"This is where you do the shekere" 😄😅

[@preciousfires5088]

Always have accountability partners amd people you respect and submit too... Running on your own based on instincts will run you aground. Don't let your life be a testament of one who missed it. Play safe and smart

[@CabriniDivo]

Beautiful woman

[@dolapotaiwo4995]

Isn't this a rather misleading and unfair headline?

[@adekoyaadetomiwa3949]

Has she seen the face of the man before??

[@ewhresamsonmajohnmajohn668]

In my opinion, both of them made a wrong decision. though he has bn there before her, she brought another energy and for him to have allowed her to go, reduce their musical relevance individually regardless of what they are doing right now separately

[@joyjames1397]

Almost mistake her for Jodie

[@desola-O]

Me too lol

[@Solomon-x7q]

Did anyone notice how she did not say if Lagbaja assisted her financial during her hard time? Maybe not so cool of an exit but then what do I know

[@LoveRowland]

But where is lagbaja?

[@preciousfires5088]

You are my dream come through... Is still stuck in my brain rent free for all this years

[@beebee6594]

Is lagbaja now unmasked? Is he known facially now?

[@PharezKamsi]

What were you expecting her to say? All the best to them