her life and career in this interview
Kindly shed light on your background
My name is Teniade Olafisoye but my stage name is Teni. I am half
Yoruba and half Igbo-Ondo and Enugu- though I was born in London.
After attending primary school in Lagos, I returned to the United
Kingdom for my secondary education at the prestigious girls' boarding
school, Roedean and then University College, London where, I studied
History.
How did you get into music?
I'd always been an artistic child but I took piano lessons and took
part in musicals and talent shows at school. I had a vast collection
of music of all genres in boarding school, and listening to music was
a form of escapism for me. Interestingly, I started having dreams
where I saw myself performing on stage. Music soon became such an
important aspect of my life as I learned how to write and produce
songs. I absolutely love being creative and those early compositions
soon developed into what is my debut album entitled 'Afrodisiac' which
I released in the UK and which is now available online from iTunes.
What is your genre of music?
It's Afrosoul. It is a fusion of Afrobeat and soul music mainly but it
also contains pop, reggae, R&B and jazz. It is an eclectic, unique
sound inspired by classic artistes who used live instrumentation (Fela
Kuti, Sade Adu and Bob Marley). I produced it myself with help from
co-producers. I believe in making universal music which my fans in
America; Europe; South Africa and Nigeria can appreciate. My music
must stand the test of time.
In Nigeria, men sing Afro soul; can you break the ice ceiling in the industry?
Yes, but there are very few women producers in Nigeria and I aim to
inspire a new generation of female musicians to be bold enough to
venture into the male-dominated field of music production. All it
takes is hard work and determination. I have to continue to create my
own lane and make unique, cutting edge music. Jazz and afro soul are
not yet popular genres in Nigeria. Whether it's by collaborating with
a dancehall or hip-hop artiste or making amazing music videos, I aim
to start a new movement and open the minds of Nigerians to new styles
and genres.
What is your relationship with Corde Shank?
He is the son of award-winning international artiste, Snoop Dogg. I
just wrote a song that he was meant to feature in for an upcoming
Interscope Records mix tape. Also, it will feature his father.
Interscope Records is one of the major labels in America with artistes
such as, Dr. Dre, Eminem and Snoop Dogg, on their roster. I feel
privileged to have been approached to be a part of it. This happened
after they saw my videos online and loved the afro centric feel of my
music. I am also about to collaborate with Shank on my next single
entitled, 'Bad Boy,' which will be out very soon.
What inspires you while at work?
Life inspires me. Also, the experiences I have and those of other
people. Great artistes and nature inspire me too. I studied History
and I am greatly inspired by past eras like the 1960s and 1970s. I
sometimes even find inspiration by reading a good book or just walking
down the street.
Any other collabo?
Apart from Shank, I also plan to collaborate with an upcoming
underground Yoruba rapper called Obadice and I recently featured on a
song with rapper Mode Nine. I would also love to collaborate with Seun
Kuti.
What informs your style of dressing?
Simplicity, timelessness and elegance. I love to wear black,
monochrome or neutral colours. Sometimes, red or blue and classic
styles. I don't like to show much skin, I like to leave a little to
the imagination. I love vintage clothes too. On stage, I always wear
black with red lipstick. It's like a uniform for me and it is an
influence from Sade Adu, who is one of my main musical mentors.
What is your fashion fetish?
Shoes and bags from high-end designers like Jimmy Choo, Louis Vuitton
and Gucci. I love silk shirts and dresses; luxurious leather and
fabrics such as crocodile skin or pure silk.
Any beauty routine?
I try to use natural products as part of my beauty routine. I believe
beauty comes from within and I also make sure I drink a lot of water
too. I eat healthily and get regular exercise whether it's just taking
a walk or going to the gym or dance classes to get that radiant glow.
Regular spa treatments are also part of my regime.
What are your dreams?
I want to achieve fulfillment both professionally and personally. I
want to achieve great things globally in music and also in the fashion
industry with my brand, the House of Makeda.To tour and see as much of
the world as I can.
PUNCH
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