Shiaondo Akuhe Ugenga (born 13 May 1975), popularly known as Gabon, is a Nigerian Tiv singer, composer, and political campaign musician from Mbachôhôn Ônmbaagbebija in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State. He is known for his distinctive style of political and social commentary songs performed in the Tiv language. Over the course of his career, he has led a musical troupe and has been associated with political campaign performances across Benue State and neighboring states.
Shiaondo Akuhe Ugenga was born on 13 May 1975 in Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. He hails from Mbachôhôn Ônmbaagbebija. His nickname “Gabon” evolved from “Guy Bones,” a reference linked to his father’s name, which translates to “bones” in English. According to family accounts, the name emerged during his childhood and was later adapted in pronunciation by elders in his community.
He spent part of his childhood living with his maternal uncle in Mbaikyulan, Udam, also in Gwer West, due to family circumstances. He has stated that his interest in singing began around 1989, following the death of his elder brother, Terwase Akuhe. His early songs were reportedly centered on lamentation.
Ugenga’s formal education was intermittent. He attended primary schools at Tse Atam and Agagbe, and later proceeded to St. Francis Xavier College, Agagbe, for his secondary education. He later obtained his Senior School Certificate. He has stated that he declined to present forged academic credentials for employment and initially relied on his primary school certificate for official documentation.
Gabon began performing with local traditional dance groups, including One Good Traditional Dance, before establishing his own troupe. His musical style blends lamentation, advisory, celebratory, and political songs. He refers to his musical style as “the music of Gabon,” emphasizing experimentation and a personalized pattern rather than adherence to a specific traditional drum classification.
He has cited Tiv composer Faga Adinge as an influence. Over time, his repertoire expanded to include campaign songs for political candidates at various levels of government.
Ugenga has performed in multiple Nigerian states, including Taraba, Nasarawa, Ekiti, Rivers, and Plateau. He has also performed at the palace of the Tor Tiv in Gboko with permission from Alfred Akawe Torkula.
Gabon became active in political campaign performances in the early 2000s, including during campaigns involving figures such as Gabriel Suswam, Samuel Ortom, and other Benue politicians. He has described his campaign music as structured on a fee basis, with rates varying according to political office sought.
He has stated that he was employed in 2005 by the Gwer West Local Government under the Arts and Culture unit of the Education Department and has represented the local government in musical competitions.
Around 2012, Ugenga developed a spinal condition later diagnosed as tuberculosis of the spine at NKST Rehabilitation Hospital, Mkar. He underwent prolonged treatment and spinal surgery in Abuja. As a result of the illness, he uses crutches. He has publicly acknowledged assistance from political patrons and associates during his treatment.
Ugenga has been married multiple times and has several children. He is a member of Living Faith Church Worldwide, identifying with Pentecostal Christianity.
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