Teniola Apata: Next Rated Nigerian Music Star In 2019?

Teni had an awesome year in 2018 since she debuted on the Nigerian music scene, as most, if not all her songs, gained widespread acceptance and she has become the toast of show organisers within and outside the country. Her uniqueness is quite commendable as her songs, according to entertainment critics, are very distinct in lyrics and delivery, thus making them easily interpretable. Friday Treat profiles this next rated Nigerian star in today’s edition. 

Teniola Apata (born December 23, 1992) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, drummer and rapper better known as Teni, Teni the entertainer or Teni Makanaki. She is originally from Ekiti State and a younger sister to the Afro-house singer, Niniola. Teni, who is popularly known for doing covers of songs and freestyles on instagram, rose to fame with her hit single ‘Fargin’, a story telling song that caught the attention of music lovers with her unique style of music and good lyrical prowess.

She is currently 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.

Teni, according to findings, 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. Her current single titled ‘Uyo Meyo’ has been receiving positive reviews and feed back 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.

She had always loved music from a tender age but it wasn’t until 2016 when she got signed to producer Shizzi’s Magic Finger Records that she began to take it more seriously. According to critics, her dexterity and vocal charms has made her everybody’s favourite.

The talented artiste who, before now, was an internet sensation based on her numerous Instagram freestyle videos is definitely one of the acts to watch out for in 2019. Based on the reviews of her numerous freestyle videos, one can confidently say that Teni has a great musical mind that goes beyond one genre of music.

According to her, she looks up to great artistes like King Wasiu Ayinde, King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey, Osita Osadebe and Dolly Parton. On whether there is competition between herself and her sister, another music diva, Niniola, she said, “I’m proud of her and what 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.