Chibuzor Onuigbo (MCSHADE): Content Creator Of The Year.

MC Shade, born Praise Chibuzor Onuigbo, is a name that has become synonymous with laughter, creativity, and resilience in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

A native of Nri in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State, he was born in Ogidi in the early 1990s and spent his formative years in Nimo, where he attended Aggie Nursery and Primary School before proceeding to Ebus Secondary School for his junior secondary education and Busy International Secondary School for his senior secondary education, completing in 2009.

Life threw its first major blow at him early—his father passed away when he was still in nursery school, and his mother, Mrs. Eunice Onuigbo, followed years later, leaving him in the care of his grandmother, Mrs. Roselyn Onwujekwe, fondly called Madam Social. She became his guardian, his inspiration, and, unbeknownst to both of them, the catalyst for his eventual rise to fame.

Despite his academic brilliance, financial constraints prevented him from pursuing a university education, leading him to train as a hairdresser. He completed his training in nine months and, after serving under someone for two years, established his own salon, Perfect Touch, in Nri.

However, life had other plans. Competition in the hairdressing business in his village was stiff and made survival difficult. And tragedy struck again in 2019 when he suffered a serious accident that left him incapacitated for nearly a year. This period of hardship threw him into a state of deep depression, but little did he know that his breakthrough was just around the corner. It was during this period of reflection and struggle that comedy found him—or rather, that he found his voice in comedy.

In 2020, he visited his grandmother at Nimo —a casual visit that changed everything and turned into a defining moment in his life. Unknown to him, his grandmother had suffered a stroke. She was recovering from it when he visited.

In an attempt to lift her spirits, he captured a humorous exchange with her on camera with his phone as she shared her views on guys giving girls money —a video that catapulted both of them into national fame. Posting the video on social media, he never anticipated the overwhelming response. The video went viral, shared by top influencers like Tunde Ednut and Igbo TV. This marked the beginning of a journey that would redefine his life and career.

Recognizing the power of digital content, he quickly created a Facebook page, MC Shade, and another for Madam Social, managing both as their popularity soared. His grandmother’s witty remarks and natural humour appealed to audiences and the general public, which made them give her the nickname “Madam Social”, propelling them into the limelight. Through this, he forged connections with top Nigerian personalities, including Obi Cubana, Laura Ikeji, E-Money, and Flavour N’abania. MC Shade’s meteoric rise in the digital entertainment space has been nothing short of phenomenal. His ability to blend everyday reality with humour made his content widely relatable, earning him a loyal and growing fanbase. Tragically, Madam Social passed away on 7th June, 2022, but the legacy she helped shape continued through MC Shade’s work.

The moniker “MC Shade” traces its origins to a rather unexpected source. After facing financial betrayal from his employer in the hairdressing trade, he would retreat to the shade of a tree in his family compound to strategize his next moves. In one of those days, a friend who usually saw him under the shade jokingly called him “Shade”, and the name stuck. When he ventured into comedy, he embraced it fully as his moniker. He added “MC” to it to reflect his equally newfound craft —Master of Ceremony— learning the ropes from mentors like MC Akonuche and Igbo Bekee.

Today, MC Shade stands as one of the most influential digital comedians in Nigeria. With over a million followers on Facebook, 570,000 on TikTok, 81,000 on Instagram, and 23,000 subscribers on YouTube, his reach is undeniable. His ability to connect with audiences through authentic and hilarious content has made him a household name.

Despite facing challenges, including harassment during content shoots and the unpredictable nature of social media monetization, he has remained undeterred. He has not only built a thriving career but has also mentored upcoming comedians, helping them rise in the industry and establish their brands. Some of his protégés have amassed hundreds of thousands of followers, a proof of his influence and willingness to uplift others.

Among his many works, his featuring of Prophet Odumeje, which earned him the nickname “Obere Odumeje,” have consistently gone viral, cementing his place as a creative force in Nigerian comedy. His ability to turn personal pain, societal issues, and everyday struggles into rib-cracking content has made him a fan favorite. His resilience in the face of adversity also serves as an inspiration, proving that talent, when combined with determination and strategic use of digital platforms, can transform lives.

Beyond the laughs and online engagements, MC Shade is a man of deep reflection. He believes that life is like a race where, regardless of who wins, everyone eventually faces the same end. What truly matters, in his view, is the legacy one leaves behind. He champions hard work and encourages young people to develop skills rather than resort to crime or shortcuts to success. His journey, from a struggling hairdresser in a small village to a celebrated comedian rubbing shoulders with top celebrities, is both an evidence and example of what can be achieved with persistence and innovation.

Despite his rapid rise to fame, he remains humble, choosing to keep his achievements low-key rather than flaunting them. Yet, the impact of his work speaks volumes. From making millions laugh to mentoring the next generation of content creators, MC Shade has proven that success is not merely about personal gain but also about creating opportunities for others.

Beyond entertainment, MC Shade is also a passionate humanitarian. He actively leverages his influence to assist those in need, frequently sharing videos of people requiring medical or financial aid and mobilizing his followers to help. Through this initiative, he has paid hospital bills and provided relief for over 50 individuals, with contributions ranging from ₦250,000 to over ₦3 million, depending on the situation. To him, “humanity is religion,” and he remains committed to using his platform to make a tangible impact on people’s lives.

Prior to her demise, Madam Social won African Leadership Philanthropist Award 2021 for the Most Outstanding Comedian in 2021; while MC Shade has received Clementissimus Voice of the Voiceless Award of Merit in 2023; UNIZIK Faculty of Education Award of Recognition in 2024, among other recognitions.

As he receives this well-deserved honour at the Anambra Man of the Year Award, MC Shade stands out as an icon of hope, creativity, and resilience. His story is one of survival, reinvention, and triumph, and there is no doubt that his best is yet to come.