T.I.N MAGAZINE: Singer TENI APATA Full Biography

Singer TENI APATA Full Biography

BIRTH NAME:            Teniola Apata

DATE OF BIRTH:       1993

OCCUPATION:          Musician

MARITAL STATUS: Not Married

INTRODUCTION

Teni also known as Teni entertainer or Teniola Apata is a Nigerian singer who came into limelight in 2017 after the release of her single; "Fargin". She was previously signed to Magic Fingers records but then later signed to Dr. Dolor entertainment in 2017. She's been growing ever since. And yes Teni is also a sister to popular singer Niniola Apata.

EARLY LIFE AND BACKGROUND

Teniola Apata, Teni Entertainer is one of Nigeria’s fastest rising musicians breaking new grounds in the music industry.

Her sojourn in music began at age of two in the school band and since then, she has made several appearances, rocked many stages and wowed the crowd both locally and internationally performing for top dignitaries and at sold out concerts. Her stage craft has always got people talking.

Teni however kickstarted her career in 2016 when she got signed to Magic Fingers Records owned by one of Nigeria’s most talented producers and serial hit maker, Shizzi.

A graduate of the University of Georgia, her current single titled ‘Amen’ has been receiving positive reviews and feedback since its release. The prayer themed new song which was brilliantly delivered by the music sensation put her vocal dexterity and lyrical prowess on full display.

CAREER AND LIFE

She apparently has had a knack for music from a tender age, performing as a kid for various Lagos State Governors dating back to Buba Marwa. But it wasn’t until 2016 when she got signed to producer Shizzi’s Magic Finger Records that her buzz began to extend beyond the hives and she began to take it more seriously.
She initially released a sober freestyle titled “Boluwatife“ which translates to ‘God’s Will’, dedicated to her late father with an accompanying video shot on the streets of Ojuelegba in Surulere. Then she followed this up with ‘Amen’, her debut single delivered in a mixture of Yoruba and Pidgin, announcing her official entry into the music industry.

Without any hype, the timeless classic shows more musical diversity of the remarkable singer and it’s very infectious. The enthralling lyrics of the song coupled with her vocal charms has made it everybody’s favourite.

The talented artiste who before now has become an internet sensation based on her numerous Instagram freestyle videos is definitely one of the acts to watch out for in 2017. Based on the reviews of her numerous freestyle videos, we can confidently say that Teni has a great musical mind that goes beyond one genre of music.

She looks up to great artistes like King Wasiu Ayinde, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezar Obey, Osita Osadebe and Dolly Parton.

SHE TALKED MORE ABOUT HERSLEF IN AN INTERVIEW WITH PULSE:

Being signed to Shizzi, how does that feel?

It’s the best feeling in the world. I feel blessed to be signed to my brother. He gives me the freedom to explore different sounds. Shizzi is someone that I’ve learnt so much from and there’s no better person to share greatness with, than him. He believed in me since the first time I met him in 2013.

You are sisters with Niniola, how does her work affect your push for success?

I’m proudd of her and how she has accomplished by setting good examples and laying a good path. Her work doesn’t affect me, it encourages and inspires me to be a better musician.

The achievement divide that separates men and women. Do you think the Industry discriminates against female advancement?

I don’t think so. I think the industry is beginning to accept females and the transition is going smoothly.

INTERVIEW WITH OKAYAFRICA TALKING ABOUT 'FARGIN'

What does "Fargin" mean and how did it come about?

"Fargin" is "Virgin" said with a Yoruba accent. I was bored one day and freestyled off my friend’s phone and that was it. Fargin is a common Nigerian conversation of men trying to seduce young girl into sex. But honestly, this song is about sex education and rape culture in the African community. I want to inspire women to be confident in being virgins, it’s okay to wait. It’s okay to practice safe sex even if it’s not cool. I hope when young girls hear this song, they understand that they don’t have to be pressured to have unprotected sex. I’m a virgin and I’m very proud of that.

How did the song start spreading on social media?

I’ve been doing comedy for some time on Instagram and YouTube so when I started to sing, people took note of that. I posted the Fargin video on Instagram first and it went viral. It has over 153,000 views and counting currently, then it spread to Twitter and Facebook. Falz posted it then small doc followed and the rest was history. I would say with social media, it’s a matter of consistency and putting yourself out there. Something is bound to take off. I believe that once you open your mouth to ask God for something, it’s a matter time before he gives it to you.

What is what advice you would give to people hustling out there?

Put God first, I know it sounds cliche but that’s how it all happened. I remember being confused on my major, pursuing music and I just humbled myself before God and it all happened. One thing I’ll say is that success is psychological. The world is a jungle and we’re all like animals. Learn how to strategize, build with a team of people that have vision and share the same vision as you. Surround yourself with people that balance you and the ones that give and show you the most patience. Being a team player goes a long way because when you win, they win-that’s true success to me.