Teni is Spotify’s Equal ambassador for the month of August. In this short interview, Teni discusses her love for making, what she grew up listening to and her inspirations.
What is that one surprising thing your fans might not know about you?
I love staying indoors. Give me NBA 2K, some food in bed and I’m going nowhere. I have been exploring the outdoors a little bit more though.
When did you realise that making music was in your destiny and what is your WHY for pursuing this craft?
Making music is an extension of who I am and what my earthly purpose and mission is. It is a way to know I exhausted all my God-given talents to inspire, entertain and enlighten people to be more and do more by being their true unique selves irregardless of what the society thinks.
Which African songs or artists did you grow up listening to?
I have always loved music from a young age as I grew up in a large family with a diverse taste in music from traditional Nigerian gospel music, fuji, hip hop, RnB and more. However, there are some African artistes that I would say had a huge impact on me which are King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, Funmi Aragbaye, Brenda Fassie, Miriam Makeba, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Osita Osadebe, Shina Peters amongst many other iconic artists.
To someone who has never heard your music, how would you describe the sound, tone, and style?
I will say Afro-pop but with a fusion of gospel, fuji, hip hop and RnB delivered with a mixture of ruggedness or sometimes soft emotional energy especially when it comes to love songs. I can be hard on the outside but I’m a sucker for love. Well who isn’t?
Any advice for someone dreading following their dreams?
Never give up on your dreams. It might get lonely, dark, frustrating but find the little light around by doing everything that is needed to get you there.
