Here’s a detailed look at the life and career of MC Tagwaye:
Who is MC Tagwaye?
- Full name: Obinna Simon, born on 24 June 1986, in Ingawa, Katsina State. Though Igbo by ethnicity (from Anambra), he was raised in northern Nigeria.
- Stage persona: Best known as “MC Tagwaye” (“Tagwaye” means “twin” in Hausa), he gained fame for his uncanny resemblance to President Muhammadu Buhari, both in looks and mannerisms.
Education & Early Career
- University: Graduated from Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Katsina, with a B.Sc. in Science.
- Teaching: Began his professional life teaching biology, applied sciences, and agriculture in secondary school. Simultaneously he dabbled as an MC at various events.
Comedy Career
- Breakthrough: In 2011 after mimicking Buhari’s interview, he realized the potential of blending comedy with impersonation, launching regular skits from 2015 onwards.
- Signature show: Creator of “Throne of Laffta,” a comedy showcase featuring top Nigerian comedians.
- Recognition: Performed at notable events, including meeting Buhari in 2016 at a Katsina Economic Summit, which boosted his profile.
Personal Life
- Marriage: Married Hauwa Uwais, daughter of Maryam Uwais, a special adviser to Buhari. They have a daughter, Maryam Iruoma Nadia.
- Religion: Although Igbo, Tagwaye is a practicing Muslim — he was raised in Katsina and described as devout.
- Family: He is one half of a twin; his brother is Prince UC Ingawa, a notable businessman)
Humanitarian & Political Engagement
- Philanthropy: Founder of the Tagwaye Foundation, focused on scholarships and healthcare programs for less privileged youths.
- Over 100 scholarships awarded, healthcare initiatives implemented, and economic empowerment programs launched.
- Political pursuits:
- Contested in the AMAC Chairmanship race (Abuja Municipal Area Council) on the SDP platform.
- Left APC for SDP in March 2025, citing ideological differences and belief in SDP’s democracy and youth empowerment values.
- Publicly commended SDP leadership, particularly Shehu Gabam, for the party’s stability.
Honors & Awards
- In April 2025, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the Institute of Professional Economists and Policy Management (IPEPM) in recognition of his humanitarian impact.
- Also received the Artiste of the Year award at the Leadership Annual Conference.
Summary
MC Tagwaye—born Obinna Simon—is a multi-faceted Nigerian personality: a comedian with a Buhari-like persona, a former teacher, humanitarian, and emerging politician on SDP’s platform. His efforts in comedy, philanthropy, and community service have earned him national prominence, honors, and growing influence in Abuja local politics.