Nigeria is a country blessed with many talented and creative musicians, who have made their mark in various genres of music, such as afrobeat, hip hop, R&B, and pop. One of such musicians is Teni, a singer, songwriter, and entertainer who is multitalented and free-spirited. Teni, whose full name is Teniola Apata, has been making waves in the music industry since she released her debut single, “Amen”, in 2016.
She has also released several hit songs and EPs, such as “Fargin”, “Askamaya”, “Case”, “Billionaire”, and “Wondaland”. She has won several awards and accolades, such as the Headies Next Rated Award, the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Breakthrough Act, and the BET Award for Best New International Act.
But how much do you know about her background, journey, and achievements? In this blog post, we will explore the biography of Teni, from her early life and education to her career and personal life.
Teni Early life and education
Teni was born on December 23, 1993, in Lagos State, Nigeria. She is the younger sister of Nigerian singer Niniola. She comes from a musical family, as her grandfather was a percussionist for the legendary highlife singer Celestine Ukwu, and her father was a drummer.
Teni grew up listening to different genres of music, such as rap, R&B, reggae, and afrobeat. She developed a passion for music at a young age, and started writing and producing songs when she was in secondary school.
She attended the Apata Memorial High School in Lagos, where she was a member of the school band. She later enrolled at the University of Georgia, where she graduated with a degree in Business Administration
Teni Career in music
Teni started her career in music as a rapper, under the stage name “Lil King”. She later switched to singing and producing, and released some songs that went largely unnoticed, such as “Do Not Disturb” and “Hello Brother” in 2019. She then signed a record deal with Dr. Dolor Entertainment, a new label based in Lagos, in 2017
Teni made her breakthrough after releasing the single “Fargin” in September 2017. The song was a social commentary on the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse of young girls. The song was widely accepted by Nigerian music lovers, especially because of its powerful lyrics and message. The song also earned her recognition from international media outlets, such as OkayAfrica, Native Mag, and MTV Base.
In 2018, Teni released more singles, such as “Askamaya”, “Case”, and “Uyo Meyo”. “Askamaya” was a catchy and upbeat song that showcased Teni’s vocal range and melody. “Case” was a romantic ballad that expressed her feelings for her lover. “Uyo Meyo” was a motivational song that celebrated her achievements and journey.
The songs were all hits, and topped the charts on various platforms, such as Apple Music, Audiomack, and Boomplay. The songs also received positive reviews from critics and fans, and were nominated for several awards.
In 2019, Teni released her debut EP, Billionaire, which contained six tracks, namely “Billionaire”, “Nowo”, “Complain”, “Super Woman”, “Shayo”, and “Online”. The EP was a success, as it showcased Teni’s versatility and growth as an artist.
The EP also featured the hit song “Billionaire”, which became a viral sensation on social media, especially on TikTok, where many users made videos with the song. The song also inspired a reality TV show, The Billionaire Experience, where Teni performed live for her fans.
In 2020, Teni released another EP, The Quarantine Playlist, which she collaborated with Nigerian DJ Neptune. The EP contained four tracks, namely “Isolate”, “Lockdown”, “Mine”, and “Morning”. The EP was a fusion of afrobeat, R&B, and dancehall genres, and reflected the mood and situation of the COVID-19 pandemic. The EP was well received by fans and critics, and was streamed millions of times on various platforms.
In 2021, Teni released her debut album, Wondaland, which contained 17 tracks, namely “Maja”, “For You” featuring Davido, “Moslado”, “Game Over”, “Hustle”, “FBI”, “Toxic”, “Injure Me”, “100 Meters”, “Were”, “On”, “Wonda Why”, “Okocha”, “Jo”, “Dads Song”, “XXXL”, and “Black”. The album was a masterpiece, as it showcased Teni’s talent and creativity with her music and lyrics.
The album also featured guest appearances from Davido, Pheelz, P.Priime, Tempoe, Krizbeatz, and Ozedikus. The album was praised by fans and critics, and was streamed millions of times on various platforms. The album also featured the hit song “For You”, which became a chart-topper and a fan favorite.
Teni has also collaborated with other prominent artists, such as Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Olamide, Naira Marley, and Davido. She has also performed at several events and concerts, such as the Afronation Festival, the One Africa Music Fest, the Soundcity MVP Awards, and the Headies Awards.
Teni Personal life
Teni is not married, but she has been rumored to have dated some celebrities, such as Wizkid, Phyno, and Broda Shaggi. However, she has not confirmed or denied any of these rumors. Teni is currently single and focused on her career.
Teni is also involved in philanthropy and social causes. She is an ambassador for the United Nations’ campaign to end child mortality, and has performed at several charity events and concerts.
She is also an advocate for women’s rights and empowerment, and has spoken out against sexual harassment and violence against women. She is also a supporter of the Nigerian football team, and has performed the national anthem at several matches.
Teni Awards and nominations
Teni has won several awards and nominations for her music and achievements. Some of them are:
Rookie of the Year at the 2018 Headies Awards
Most Promising Act to Watch at the 2018 Nigeria Entertainment Awards
Best New Artist at the 2018 Soundcity MVP Awards
Best Pop Single for “Case” at the 2019 Headies Awards
Viewer’s Choice for “Uyo Meyo” at the 2019 Soundcity MVP Awards
Best Breakthrough Act at the 2019 MTV Africa Music Awards
Best New International Act at the 2019 BET Awards
Next Rated Award at the 2020 Headies Awards
Best African Act at the 2020 MOBO Awards
Teni Net Worth
According to various sources, Teni’s net worth is estimated to be around $2.1 million as of 2024. She makes most of her money from her music, which has received millions of streams on various platforms. She has also collaborated with other prominent artists, such as Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Phyno, Olamide, and Davido.
She has won several awards and accolades, such as the Headies Next Rated Award, the MTV Africa Music Award for Best Breakthrough Act, and the BET Award for Best New International Act. Teni is one of the most talented and successful singers in Nigeria and Africa
Controversy And Activism Of Teni
Teni is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and entertainer who has been involved in some controversies and activism in her career. Some of them are:
In December 2020, she was arrested in Uganda along with Tems, another Nigerian singer, for allegedly violating COVID-19 guidelines by performing at a concert. They were charged with "negligently doing acts likely to spread an infectious disease". They were later released and returned to Nigeria, after the intervention of the Nigerian government and other celebrities.
In October 2020, she participated in the #EndSARS protests against police brutality and injustice in Nigeria. She donated money and food to the protesters and urged the government to listen to their demands.
In July 2022, she faced backlash from some fans for her unsatisfactory performance at the Afronation concert in Portugal. She offered a disgruntled fan VIP access to her ongoing tour as an apology.
Teni is one of the most talented and successful singers in Nigeria and Africa. She has also shown her social consciousness and responsibility with her actions and words.
Conclusion
Teni is one of the most talented and successful singers in Nigeria and Africa. She has proven her skill and creativity with her music and performances. She has also inspired many young girls and women with her passion and dedication. She is a multitalented and free-spirited singer in every sense of the word, and we can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next. Teni, we love you!
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