Nigerian singer Chidozie Ugochinyere, known as Fave, has made history as the first Nigerian artiste to officially feature artificial intelligence as a collaborator on a song.
She announced a new version of her track Intentions, saying she chose to embrace AI after first struggling with the idea.
She said Intentions is one of the few songs she wrote about herself while becoming an adult and learning that she could not always be in control. She explained that the song came from trying to accept change and the things she could not alter.
Fave said she was worried when her mother, friends, and fans told her an AI-generated version of the song was already trending online. She said, “I struggled sooo hard to accept that. But that’s the old me. It’s happening so why fight it.”
She later chose to work with AI by using it in the choir vocals, which she described as her way of keeping what she called dual authenticity.
The viral AI version had earlier sparked attention because many listeners believed it was her real voice. The clip copied her tone so well that fans kept tagging her, saying the song sounded like something she would sing.
She said, “At first, I was shocked because it wasn’t me. But the more I listened, the more I understood why they loved it.” She added that she later saw how excited fans were and did not want the moment to fade. She said she decided to take ownership by making an official version.
Before releasing the track, she spoke with Urban Chords, the original creators, and her team. She said, “It was important to respect the original creators. Urban Chords did something beautiful, and I wanted my involvement to be a collaboration, not confusion.”
Fave said she hopes to strike a balance between creativity and technology while protecting artists. She said, “AI is here whether we like it or not. But if it’s going to use my voice, then I want to guide the narrative and make sure the art still has heart.”
The official version of Intentions marks a new step in how African artists use AI in music, and Fave said she hopes it inspires more openness and creativity in the industry.
She was also recently named Spotify’s EQUAL Africa artiste for November.
