Emma Ugolee Biography: Wife, Height, Books, Parents, Ethnicity, Religion, Net Worth, TV Shows

Emmanuel Chinenye Ugolee also known as Emma Ugolee is a pioneering Nigerian media personality, television producer, voice-over artist, blogger, and author renowned for creating some of the country’s earliest entertainment talk shows and music video countdowns.

Through his engaging hosting style, long-running program The Gist, and advocacy for kidney health awareness following his personal health battle, he has educated and inspired audiences while shaping Nigerian broadcasting and digital recognition platforms.

Quick Facts

• Full Name: Emmanuel Chinenye Ugolee
• Stage Name: Emma Ugolee
• Born: October 4, 1975
• Age: 50 years old
• Birthplace: Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
• Nationality: Nigerian
• Ethnicity: Igbo
• Occupation: Media Personality, TV Producer, Voice-Over Artist, Author, Blogger
• Height: Unknown
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Mr. Ugolee and Mrs. Ugolee
• Siblings: Shirley Ugolee (younger sister)
• Spouse: Catherine Ugolee
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1.5 million USD

Early Life and Education

Emmanuel Chinenye Ugolee was born on October 4, 1975, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria, to parents Mr. Ugolee and Mrs. Ugolee.

He hails from Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area in Abia State, southeastern Nigeria, and grew up in the culturally diverse environment of Jos.

His family has a history of high blood pressure, which later influenced his own health journey.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) and later obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing from Lagos State University (LASU).

In 2002, he attended the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) Training School to sharpen his broadcasting skills. His religion is Christianity, and his ethnicity is Igbo.

Career

Emma Ugolee began his professional path while still a student at ESUT in 1999 when he appeared as a guest on the television talk show Just Gisting on Minaj Broadcast International (MBI) to promote an awards event.

Impressed by his presence, MBI owner Mike Ajegbo offered him a hosting role upon graduation.

He hosted Just Gisting and created Nigeria’s first all-Nigerian music video countdown, MBI Top 10 Countdown, which helped launch careers of artists like Sound Sultan, Ruggedman, Mode 9, and D’banj.

From 2000 to 2004, he anchored entertainment programs at MBI, earning the nickname “king of talk shows.”

He joined Globacom in 2004 as an executive in marketing communications and produced/presented The Glo Show.

In 2011, he launched his independent talk show The Gist, which aired on HipTV from 2015 and later moved to Africa Independent Television (AIT), where it continues.

In 2018, he co-founded the Nigerian Social Media Awards with partner Ossy Achievas to honor digital influencers.

He has worked as a voice-over artist for commercials and authored the 2019 book A 100 Random Light Bulbs, a collection of inspirational musings.

Despite health challenges, he has remained a respected voice in Nigerian entertainment, mentoring talents and advocating for industry growth.

Awards and Nominations

• 2002: Hip Hop World Magazine Media Personality of the Year
• 2006: Nominated for The Future Awards Africa – Young Professional of the Year

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @emmaugolee

Personal Life

Emma Ugolee, 50 years old, is married to Catherine Ugolee.

He was previously married on September 13, 2013; that marriage ended in mutual separation and divorce in 2016 after about one year and three months, with the couple choosing to delay having children until his health stabilized.

There are no publicly known children from either marriage, and he keeps much of his romantic life private to avoid scrutiny.

His younger sister, Shirley Ugolee, famously donated a kidney to him in 2012 during his health battle, an act he has publicly praised as profoundly selfless.

He resides in the United States and prioritizes faith, family support, and personal reflection. His height is unknown.

Filmography

• Just Gisting (host on Minaj Broadcast International)
• MBI Top 10 Countdown (creator and host – Nigeria’s first all-Nigerian music video countdown)
• The Glo Show (producer and presenter for Globacom)
• The Gist with Emma Ugolee (creator, producer, and host – ongoing on AIT)
• Nigerian Social Media Awards (co-founder and host)
• A 100 Random Light Bulbs (2019 book)
• Voice-over projects and commercials (2000s–present)

Net Worth

Emma Ugolee’s net worth is estimated at $1.5 million USD.

His income primarily comes from decades of television production and hosting, voice-over work for commercials, brand partnerships, the Nigerian Social Media Awards project, book sales, and media consulting.