Nigerian singer Teni is this week’s cover star, and joins Cuppy via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about her latest track, “For You (feat. Davido).” She also discusses her debut album, WONDALAND, her special relationship with her father—and an as-yet-unreleased collaboration with her sister, Niniola.
Teni on “Dad's Song” from her album ‘Wondaland’
“So for ‘Dad's Song,’ it was only right to respect the man that brought me to the world. In Yoruba we'd say [Yoruba language], which means that he brought me to the world and he didn't just bring me, he cared for me, he made sure that my future was set. He worked hard, built a legacy, and even in death, I was still very much lucky, I could still go to school. [...] It was only right to respect such a man that thought of me even before I was born, and planned for my future even before I was born. So it was only right to respect the man and sing a song to him, letting him know that everything I do is for him.”
Teni on a potential collaboration with her sister Niniola
Cuppy: “Talking about family. Teni ati [and] Niniola, when are we getting a song, though?”
Teni: “We will get the song. But you guys have to beg for it. Are you sure you are ready?”
Cuppy: “Ah, eh, eh. Hey, will shake bum bum in that video, I will shake bum bum in that video.”
Teni on only having Davido as a feature on her debut album
“It’s my debut album and I really wanted to be selfish. On my next project you're definitely going to hear a lot of collaborations. But on this one, I handcrafted each music. I just wanted it to be me. I wanted my fans that have waited for this long to hear me.”
Teni on taking time for her mental health
Cuppy: “Listen, Teni, I have to say though, sometimes, personally knowing you, sometimes I find you do go away. Is that for your well-being? Sometimes you need space, you need a break?”
Teni: “Oh yes. See, I don't even joke with my mental health. Anything that starts to give me negative vibes, I step away from it. I take time. I move away. You understand? I don't accommodate negativity, because you have to understand, the fans are your fans. They love you. But to love them back, you have to love yourself and you have to be in the right mind frame. So when I'm not feeling the energy, I just step away, take care of myself and come back.”
Tune in and listen to the full episode this Sunday, March 21st on Apple Music 1 atapple.co/_AfricaNow.
