Cover Star Interview
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 (featuring Davido)’. She also discusses her debut album, WONDALAND, her special relationship with her father—and an as-yet-unreleased collaboration with her sister, Niniola.
The Big 5
Cuppy shares the 5 hottest new African tracks of the moment. This week’s selection includes new tracks from Gyakie feat. Omah Lay; Naira Marley & Busiswa; NaakMusiQ feat. TNS & Bluelle; O’Kenneth, Reggie & City Boy; and De Mthuda feat. Sir Trill & Da Muziqal Chef.
Africa Rising
South Africa’s 37MPH is the latest Africa Rising cover star, a campaign which shines a light on the next generation of African superstars. https://apple.co/30VBCFu
Proverb of the Week
The multi-talented Nigerian sports writer, YouTuber and software developer, Dr Kelechi Anyikude, shares his favourite proverb: “If you educate a man, you educate an individual; if you education a woman, you educate a whole nation.”
Mini Mix
Cuppy finishes this week’s show with a special mini-mix of Apple Music’s Afrobeats Hits playlist. This week’s mix includes music from Kelvyn Boy; Terri; Ajebo Hustlers & Omah Lay; Salatiel feat. Teni; Kanibeatz & Bella Alubo feat. Psycho YP & Lava Lava. https://apple.co/3trksMr
Tune in and listen to the full episode this Sunday, March 21st at 1p London/ 2p Lagos/ Paris / 3p Johannesburg/ 6a LA / 9a NYC on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow
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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.”
Dr Kelechi’s proverb
“So, the proverb would be, ‘If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a whole nation.’ ”
