Teni (singer)
{{short description|Nigerian singer and songwriter}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{use Nigerian English|date=February 2025}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Teni
| image = Teni NYC 2024.png
| caption = Teni in NYC 2024
| birth_name = Teniola Apata
| birth_date = {{ birth date and age|df=yes|1993|12|23}}
| birth_place = Lagos State, Nigeria
| honorific_suffix = MON
| origin =
| genre = Afrobeats/Pop
| occupation = {{hlist|Singer|songwriter|entertainer}}
| years_active = 2016–present
| label = Artist House
| associated_acts = {{flatlist|
}}
| website =
| instrument = Vocals
}}
Teniola Apata {{small|MON}} (born 23 December 1993), professionally known as Teni or Teni The Entertainer is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and entertainer.
Early life
Teni was born on 23 December 1993 in Lagos State. She is the younger sister of Nigerian singer Niniola.{{cite news |last1=Kochhar |first1=Nazuk |title=Teni rules, here's the proof |url=https://www.thefader.com/2018/10/18/teni-rules-askamaya-fake-jersey-african-pop |access-date=11 November 2018 |work=The FADER |date=18 October 2018 |archive-date=11 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181111133657/https://www.thefader.com/2018/10/18/teni-rules-askamaya-fake-jersey-african-pop |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |url=https://punchng.com/my-love-for-niniola-stronger-than-music-teni-entertainer/ |title=My love for Niniola stronger than music –Teni Entertainer |work=Punch Newspapers |access-date=23 September 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=18 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918212233/https://punchng.com/my-love-for-niniola-stronger-than-music-teni-entertainer/ |url-status=live }} She attended Apata Memorial High School and later the University of Georgia, but finished at American InterContinental University where she obtained degree in business administration.{{cite news |last1=Olatunbosun |first1=Yinka |title=Teni Makanaki's Strides to Stardom |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/10/26/teni-makanakis-strides-to-stardom/ |access-date=5 November 2018 |work=This Day |date=26 October 2018 |archive-date=6 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106004746/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2018/10/26/teni-makanakis-strides-to-stardom/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Machunga |first1=Saminu |title=SPOTLIGHT: My late father will be proud that his legacy is untarnished, says Teni |url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/spotlight-teniola-the-entertainer |access-date=5 November 2018 |work=The Cable |date=4 August 2018 |archive-date=6 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181106004924/https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/spotlight-teniola-the-entertainer |url-status=live }}
Career
= 2016–2019: ''Fargin, Askamaya and Other Recordings'' =
Teni released her debut single "Amen" while signed to Shizzi's Magic Fingers Records.{{Cite web |url=http://tooxclusive.com/download-mp3/shizzis-magic-fingers-records-presents-teni-amen/ |title=Shizzi's Magic Fingers Records Presents: Teni – "Amen" |date=23 December 2016 |website=tooXclusive |language=en-US |access-date=13 January 2019 |archive-date=13 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113232237/http://tooxclusive.com/download-mp3/shizzis-magic-fingers-records-presents-teni-amen/ |url-status=live }} She left the record label and signed with Dr. Dolor Entertainment in 2017.{{Cite news |url=https://www.pulse.ng/buzz/teni-entertainer-is-one-of-nigeria-s-fastest-rising-musicians-id6076858.html |title=Teni Entertainer is one of Nigeria's fastest rising musicians |last=Akan |first=Joey |access-date=23 September 2018 |language=en-US |archive-date=27 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170127145508/https://www.pulse.ng/buzz/teni-entertainer-is-one-of-nigeria-s-fastest-rising-musicians-id6076858.html |url-status=live }} Teni started gaining prominence after releasing the single "Fargin" in September 2017. She made her breakthrough after releasing the hit singles "Askamaya", "Case" which was later covered by Nigerian musician Snazzy the Optimist as "Upgrade",{{Cite web |date=2019-02-12 |title=Snazzy: A Rising Star In The Nigerian Music Scene Showcases Versatility With "Upgrade" |url=https://editor.guardian.ng/life/snazzy-a-rising-star-in-the-nigerian-music-scene-showcases-versatility-with-upgrade/ |access-date=2023-05-20 |website=The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News |language=en-US}} and "Uyo Meyo". "Askamaya" was ranked 15th on MTV Base's year-end list of the Top 20 Hottest Naija Tracks of 2018.{{Cite web |url=http://tooxclusive.com/news/mtv-base-top-20-hottest-naija-tracks-of-2018/ |title=MTV Base Top 20 Hottest Naija Tracks of 2018" tooXclusive |date=23 December 2018 |website=tooXclusive |language=en-US |access-date=13 January 2019 |archive-date=13 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113232301/http://tooxclusive.com/news/mtv-base-top-20-hottest-naija-tracks-of-2018/ |url-status=live }}
On 20 February 2019, Teni was featured on YouTube Music's Trending Artist on the Rise.{{Cite web |url=https://notjustok.com/news/teni-becomes-the-first-nigerian-artist-featured-as-youtubes-trending-artist-on-the-rise/ |title=Teni Gets Featured As YouTube's 'Trending Artist On The Rise' |date=20 February 2019 |language=en-US |access-date=20 February 2019 |archive-date=21 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221111921/https://notjustok.com/news/teni-becomes-the-first-nigerian-artist-featured-as-youtubes-trending-artist-on-the-rise/ |url-status=live }} On 3 May 2019, she released the video for "Sugar Mummy". On 14 June 2019, she released a new single titled "Power Rangers".{{cite news |title=Teni drops new single, "Power Rangers" |url=https://oak.tv/newstrack/teni-drops-new-single-power-rangers/ |access-date=25 June 2019 |work=Oak TV Newstrack |agency=Oak Tv |date=14 June 2019 |archive-date=21 June 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621153624/https://oak.tv/newstrack/teni-drops-new-single-power-rangers/ |url-status=live }}
= 2019–2020: ''Billionaire E.P and Quarantine Playlist'' =
Teni released her debut E.P, Billionaire on 11 October 2019. The "Billionaire EP" was compiled with six (6) tracks and no guest appearance. The E.P was produced by Jaysynths Beatz and Pheelz.{{cite web |last=Akinyoade |first=Akinwale |title=Teni The Entertainer Releases Highly-Anticipated EP "Billionaire" |url=https://guardian.ng/life/teni-the-entertainer-drops-highly-anticipated-ep-billionaire/ |publisher=Pulse |date=11 October 2019 |access-date=11 October 2019 |archive-date=11 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011090950/https://guardian.ng/life/teni-the-entertainer-drops-highly-anticipated-ep-billionaire/ |url-status=live }}
In April 2020, Teni partnered with Nigerian Disk Jockey, DJ Neptune to release an EP called the Quarantine Playlist, which sees her playing out different stages of being in quarantine and talking about the strains of being on lock down due to the coronavirus pandemic. The four-track EP is mostly mid-tempo and includes production from Tempoe, P. Prime and Dëra.{{cite web |last=Durosomo |first=Damola |title=Teni Drops New EP 'Quarantine Playlist EP' To Get Us Through Self-Isolation |url=https://www.okayafrica.com/teni-the-entertainer-new-music-quarantine-playlist-ep-nigerian-music-dj-neptune/ |publisher=Okay Africa |date=10 April 2020 |access-date=10 April 2020 |archive-date=12 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412000416/https://www.okayafrica.com/teni-the-entertainer-new-music-quarantine-playlist-ep-nigerian-music-dj-neptune/ |url-status=live }}
= 2021–present: ''Wondaland'' =
On 2 February 2021, Teni revealed the name and expected date for her forthcoming debut album. She shared this on her Instagram account "The time is near... And the album shall be called “WONDALAND” 🦋#MARCH2021 #WONDALAND"
Her debut album 'WONDALAND' was crafted for over two years in cities like London, New York City, Orlando, Ondo, Lagos and Abuja.{{Cite web |date=12 February 2021 |title=Teni the Entertainer features Davido in new single 'For You' |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/02/teni-the-entertainer-features-davido-in-new-single-for-you/ |access-date=27 February 2021 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-US |archive-date=21 February 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210221082621/https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/02/teni-the-entertainer-features-davido-in-new-single-for-you/ |url-status=live }}
The album's production was handled by Pheelz, Damayo, Tempoe, P.Prime, Millamix, Krizbeatz, and Ozedikus and was made available for purchase and online streaming on several music platforms, including Apple Music, Amazon Music, Spotify, Deezer, and Google Play.{{Cite web |date=19 March 2021 |title=Teni drops debut album Wondaland' |url=https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/03/19/teni-drops-debut-album-wondaland/ |access-date=19 March 2021 |website=PM News |language=en-US |archive-date=19 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210319205412/https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2021/03/19/teni-drops-debut-album-wondaland/ |url-status=live }}
= 2024–present: ''Global Citizen'' =
In 2024, Teni signed to Artist House, an independent record label & management company based in New York City. On January 17, 2025, Teni released her new single "Money",{{Cite web |last=Spin |title=Teni's 'Music Chose Me' |url=https://www.spin.com/2025/01/teni-music-chose-me/ |access-date=February 24, 2025 |date=2025-01-01}} which is her biggest single debut to date. The single reached Top 10 Spotify,{{Cite web |title=Spotify Regional Chart - Nigeria (Weekly) |url=https://charts.spotify.com/charts/view/regional-ng-weekly/2025-02-20 |website=Spotify Charts |access-date=February 24, 2025}} Apple, YouTube,{{Cite web |title=YouTube Top Songs Chart - Nigeria (Weekly) |url=https://charts.youtube.com/charts/TopSongs/ng/weekly/20250220 |website=YouTube Charts |access-date=February 24, 2025}} TikTok Nigeria,{{Cite web |title=Money on TikTok Creative Center |url=https://ads.tiktok.com/business/creativecenter/song/Money-7460611638622800646/pc/en?period=30 |website=TikTok Creative Center |access-date=February 24, 2025}} Top 50 Global Shazam, #1 Shazam Nigeria, Top 10 Shazam Uganda, Ghana, Kenya, Zambia, & Cameroon. Her new project Global Citizen is due out in 2025.
Endorsements
In March 2019, Teni signed an endorsement deal with Tom Tom, a candy brand produced by Cadbury Nigeria.{{cite web |first1=Yvonne |last1=Ugwuezuoha |title=Five Nigerian celebrities who bagged major endorsement deals in 2019 |url=https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/five-nigerian-celebrities-who-bagged-major-endorsement-deals-in-2019.html |website=Daily Trust |access-date=11 April 2020 |date=16 April 2019 |archive-date=11 April 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200411215814/https://www.dailytrust.com.ng/five-nigerian-celebrities-who-bagged-major-endorsement-deals-in-2019.html |url-status=live }} On 6 October 2020, PM News reported that Teni had signed an endorsement deal with Telecommunications Giant, Globacom Nigeria.{{cite web |first1=Jennifer |last1=Okundia |title=Don Jazzy, Teni become Globacom Ambassadors |url=https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/10/06/don-jazzy-teni-become-globacom-ambassadors/ |website=PM News |access-date=6 October 2020 |date=6 October 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020202618/https://www.pmnewsnigeria.com/2020/10/06/don-jazzy-teni-become-globacom-ambassadors/ |url-status=live }}
Awards and nominations
Teni won Rookie of the Year at the 2018 Headies Awards, and Most Promising Act to Watch at the 2018 Nigeria Entertainment Awards.{{Cite web |url=http://thenet.ng/headies-2018teni-entertainer-wins-rookie-year-award/ |title=HEADIES 2018:Teni Entertainer Wins 'Rookie Of The Year' Award |date=5 May 2018 |website=Nigerian Entertainment Today |language=en-GB |access-date=13 January 2019 |archive-date=13 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113232250/http://thenet.ng/headies-2018teni-entertainer-wins-rookie-year-award/ |url-status=live }} She also won Best New Artist at the 2018 Soundcity MVP Awards Festival.{{Cite web |url=https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/11/teni-gets-emotional-after-winning-best-new-act-at-soundcity-mvp-awards/ |title=Teni Gets Emotional after Winning Best New Act at Soundcity MVP Awards |last=Ehigiator |first=Sunday |date=11 January 2019 |website=THISDAYLIVE |language=en-US |access-date=13 January 2019 |archive-date=13 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113182343/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/11/teni-gets-emotional-after-winning-best-new-act-at-soundcity-mvp-awards/ |url-status=live }} NotJustOk ranked her eighth on its list of the 10 Hottest Artists in Nigeria.{{Cite web |url=https://notjustok.com/lists/the-10-hottest-artists-in-nigeria-thelist2018-8-teni/ |title=The 10 Hottest Artists In Nigeria #TheList2018: #8 – Teni |date=27 December 2018 |website=NotJustOk |language=en-US |access-date=13 January 2019 |archive-date=13 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113182339/https://notjustok.com/lists/the-10-hottest-artists-in-nigeria-thelist2018-8-teni/ |url-status=live }} She was listed on Premium Times{{'}} list of the Six Nigerian break-out stars, viral sensations of 2018.{{Cite web |url=https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/302975-six-nigerian-breakout-stars-viral-sensations-of-2018.html |title=Six Nigerian breakout stars, viral sensations of 2018 |last=Augoye |first=Jayne |date=27 December 2018 |website=Premium Times Nigeria |language=en-GB |access-date=13 January 2019 |archive-date=13 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113233834/https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/302975-six-nigerian-breakout-stars-viral-sensations-of-2018.html |url-status=live }}
In October 2022, Teni was conferred a Nigerian National Award – Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) – by Nigeria's former president Muhammadu Buhari.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-11 |title=List of Nigerian national honours award recipients 2022 plus dia categories |url=https://www.bbc.com/pidgin/articles/c10mn70vd64o |access-date=2023-09-24 |website=BBC News Pidgin}} There was a controversy on social media about her approach to receiving the award.{{Cite web |last=biodunbusari@vanguardngr.com |date=2022-10-12 |title=National Honours: Nigerians react over Teni's attitude to Buhari |url=https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/10/national-honours-nigerians-react-over-tenis-attitude-to-buhari/ |access-date=2022-10-14 |website=Vanguard News |language=en-GB}}
Discography
=Studio albums and EPs=
- Billionaire (2019){{cite web |title=Teni – "Billionaire" EP – mp3paw |url=https://mp3paw.ng/search/mp3.php?q=teni+billionaire+ep |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201102081858/https://trendybeatz.com/artist-albums/684/teni-%22billionaire%22-ep |archive-date=2 November 2020 |access-date=8 August 2020 |website=Trendybeatz.com |language=en}}
- The Quarantine Playlist (2020){{cite web |title=Teni – "The Quarantine Playlist" EP ft DJ Neptune – mp3paw |url=https://mp3paw.ng/search/mp3.php?q=teni+quarantine |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101202222/https://trendybeatz.com/artist-albums/447/teni-the-quarantine-playlist-ep |archive-date=1 November 2020 |access-date=25 September 2020 |website=TrendyBeatz.com |language=en}}
- WONDALAND (2021){{cite web |title=Teni – "WONDALAND" Album – TheCable.Lifestyle |url=https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/download-teni-album-wondaland/ |website=lifestyle.thecable.ng/ |date=19 March 2021 |language=en |access-date=22 March 2021 |archive-date=21 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210321093134/https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/download-teni-album-wondaland/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.mp3bullet.ng/teni-reaches-highland-with-debut-album-wondaland/ |title=Teni Reaches Highland With Debut Album 'WONDALAND' [Review] |date=22 March 2021 |access-date=29 March 2021 |archive-date=22 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322204237/https://www.mp3bullet.ng/teni-reaches-highland-with-debut-album-wondaland/ |url-status=live }}
- Moslado Refix (featuring Emmyblaq){{Cite web |date=8 October 2021 |title=[Music] Teni – Moslado Refix |url=https://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/download-music/teni-moslado-refix |access-date=8 October 2021 |website=Naijaloaded {{!}} Nigeria's Most Visited Music & Entertainment Website |language=en-US |archive-date=8 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008112024/https://www.naijaloaded.com.ng/download-music/teni-moslado-refix |url-status=live }}
- Christmas Is Here (2023){{Cite web |date=2023-12-22 |title=This Christmas Lyrics by Teni |url=https://notjustok.com/lyrics/this-christmas-lyrics-by-teni/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=NotjustOk |language=en-US}}
=Selected singles=
| class="wikitable sortable"
|colspan="3" style="font-size:100%"| {{center|As lead artist}} |
| Year
!Title !Album |
|---|
| 2016
|"Amen" |rowspan="11"{{n/a|Non-album single}} |
| 2017
|"Fargin" |
| rowspan="9"|2018
|"Wait" |
| "Pareke" |
| "Lagos" |
| "Askamaya" |
| "Fake Jersey" |
| "Shake Am" |
| "Case" |
| "Pray" |
| "Uyo Meyo" |
| rowspan="3"|2019
|"Party Next Door" |rowspan="3"{{n/a|TBA}} |
| "Sugar Mummy" |
| "Power Rangers" |
| 2020
|"Marry" |{{n/a|Non-album single}} |
| 2021
|"For You" ft Davido |Wondaland |
| 2021
|"Dorime" |Non-album single |
| rowspan="3" |2022
|"One Day" |Non-album single |
| "My Way (E GET WHY) [Freestyle]"
| |
| "LITTLE & LENGENDARY"{{Cite web |date=2022-06-24 |title=LISTEN: Teni Releases Two New Singles, 'Little' and 'Legendary' |url=https://notjustok.com/songs/teni-releases-two-new-singles-little-and-legendary/ |access-date=2024-06-15 |website=NotjustOk |language=en-US}}
|LITTLE & LENGENDARY |
| rowspan="3" |2023
|"No Days Off" |Non-album single |
| "Lanke"
|Non-album single |
| "Malaika"
|Non-album single |
| 2025
|"Money" |Global Citizen |
| colspan="3" style="font-size:100%"| {{center|As featured artist}} |
| Year
!Title !Album |
| rowspan="3"|2018
|"Rambo" (Dr. Dolor featuring Teni) |rowspan="3" {{n/a|Non-album single}} |
| "Pray" |
| "Aye Kan" (Shizzi featuring Teni and Mayorkun) |
| 2019
|‘’Sound’’ (Diamond Platnumz) feat. Teni ‘’Laye Mi’’ (Codest Boi) feat. Teni |Non-album single |
| 2020
|Fuji Pop (Ojayy Wright featuring Teni) |{{n/a|Non-album single}} |
| colspan="3" style="font-size:100%"| {{center|Writing credits}} |
| Year
!Title !Album |
| 2017
|"Like Dat" by Davido |{{n/a|Non-album single}} |
Awards
{{Incomplete list|date=July 2016}}
| class ="wikitable" |
| Year
!Award ceremony !Prize !Recipient !Result !Ref |
|---|
| rowspan="3"|2018
|Rookie of the Year |rowspan="4"|Herself |{{won}} |
| Soundcity MVP Awards Festival
|Best New Artist |{{won}} |
| Nigeria Entertainment Awards
|Most Promising Act to Watch |{{won}} | |
| rowspan="8"|2019
|Best New International Act |{{nom}} |
| rowspan="6"|The Headies
|Best Pop Single |rowspan="2"|"Case" |{{won}} |
| Song of the Year
|{{nom}} |
| Best Recording of the Year
|rowspan="2"|"Uyo Meyo" |{{won}} |
| Best R&B Single
|{{nom}} |
| Viewer's Choice
|Herself |{{won}} |
| Best Vocal Performance (Female)
|Teni for "Uyo Meyo" |{{won}} |
| MTV Europe Music Awards
| rowspan="4" |Herself |{{nom}} |
| 2020
|Best female MVP |{{won}} |
| rowspan="2" |2021
|Most Searched Musician (female) |{{won}} |
| All Africa Music Awards
|All Africa Music Awards |{{Pending}} |
| 2022
|Member of the Order of Niger |Herself |[https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2022/10/11/president-buhari-confers-national-honour-on-teni-video/ Awarded] | |
See also
References
{{Reflist}}
{{Commons category|Teni (singer)}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Teni}}
Category:Nigerian women musicians
Category:21st-century Nigerian musicians
Category:21st-century Nigerian women musicians
Category:Yoruba women in business
Category:Yoruba businesspeople