Teniola Apata, also known as Teni, has been named as the EQUAL Africa artist for August on Spotify.
The award-winning singer and social media star has become one of the most sought-after names in the African music market ever since she first appeared on the Nigerian music scene.
Teni’s nomination as an EQUAL ambassador for Africa strengthens her standing as one of the continent’s top musical artists.
Teni debuted with the single “Fargin” in 2017, and since then, she has amassed an incredible discography that includes three albums and hits including “Wait,” “Askamaya,” “Uyomeyo,” “Billionaire For You,” and many others. As she embarks on her artistic makeover, her most recent single, “No Days Off,” off her planned album in the fall of 2023, has thus far received positive feedback from listeners.
The multi-talented vocalist, affectionately known as Makanaki or Sugar Mummy, is incredibly adaptable and seamlessly switches between genres like as Afrobeats, pop, RnB, and more. King Wasiu Ayinde, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Osita Osadebe, and Dolly Parton are musical influences on her.
Teni will be prominently displayed on the Spotify platform as an EQUAL Africa artist, giving her fans and music lovers around the world the chance to explore her extensive discography and get a better understanding of her extraordinary talent and contributions to the music industry.
She has received countless nominations and prizes both domestically and internationally thanks to her contagious charisma, distinctive singing ability, and fascinating songs.
Below is Teni’s Q&A session as part of the celebration of her announcement as Spotify’s EQUAL Africa ambassador for August.
1. What is the 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.
2. 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 regardless of what society thinks.
3. 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 diverse tastes in music from traditional Nigerian gospel music, fuji, hip hop, RnB, and more. However, there are some African artists 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.
4. 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?
5. 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.