Why McBrown dropped her ‘Empress’ title

It seems the alleged feud between Ghanaian actress Nana Ama McBrown and gospel musician Empress Gifty has taken a new turn, as fresh discussions among netizens have sprung up about the two rival TV personalities.

During a recent appearance at a birthday party, Nana Ama McBrown, who has long embraced the ‘Empress’ title, announced that she has dropped it.

Without revealing the exact reasons for her decision, McBrown declared that from now on, she should be addressed as "Her Excellency."

"From now on, no one should call me Empress Nana Ama McBrown. You should only address me as 'Her Excellency,'" she announced.

In response to McBrown’s statement, Empress Gifty, who has long been in a battle over the ‘Empress’ title with McBrown, reaffirmed her ownership of the name.

On the November 30, 2024, during a recent episode of the ‘United Showbiz’, Gifty emphasised that “Empress” is not just a title, but her gazetted name, backed by official documents.

"My name is Empress Gifty, the gazetted Empress. I’ve paid the government for it, and I have all the documents. So, from now on, address me as 'Empress' and I’ll respond," she emphasised.

Background

Beyond their rivalry on TV and the petty jabs exchanged online, McBrown and Empress Gifty have long been caught in a ‘tug-of-war' over the ‘Empress’ title, which both have used to build their public personalities.

The two, widely known by the title "Empress," have openly discussed how it became a part of their brand identities.

Recently, in an interview on Pure FM, Empress Gifty explained that she had officially registered the name when she entered the showbiz industry.

She even referenced her 2016 car number plate, “Empress 16,” as proof of her claim.

“There are many people who use the name Empress, but for me, it’s my name. My sister, McBrown, even uses it,” she stated.

Empress Gifty added, "The key is not to let anyone come between you and the relationships you've built. I’ve always had a beautiful relationship with the name Empress Gifty."

Watch the full video below:

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— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) November 30, 2024