As popular tactical shooter game Valorant by Riot Games turns five, the studio has released its first non-playable character, Mary Ade, who is Phoenix’s long-lost sister. Voiced by rising Nigerian star Qing Madi, Mary Ade makes her debut in a vibrant music video for Qing Madi’s new single, ‘Ego’
Qing Madi not only lends her voice to Mary Ade but also appears on screen as the character. The track’s blend of personal introspection and vibrant percussion mirrors Valorant’s mix of high-octane action and emerging storytelling.
Since its 2020 launch, Valorant has grown to more than 35 million monthly players and expanded onto consoles and soon mobile. Music has also played a central role: Riot Games Music has released 59 tracks tied to Valorant, racking up nearly one billion streams worldwide.
For many Nigerian fans, seeing a homegrown artist in Valorant’s universe is a moment of pride. As Mary Ade, Qing Madi opens the door for Nigerian stories in a major global video game.
Beyond gaming, this collaboration marks a significant chapter in Qing Madi’s career. With ‘Ego’ already streaming across platforms, she’s poised to reach new audiences worldwide, joining a new generation of Nigerian artists making waves on the global stage.
