Worldwide Sensation Tekno Shares Insider Look on New Music, Inspirations, and Hidden Interests.
Rising to fame from Nigeria, Tekno has been making his way across the world, gracing ears with hit singles Buga (Lo Lo Lo), Skeletun, and more. With a unique blend of afrobeats, R&B, and afropop, Tekno resonates internationally, evidenced by his vast and devoted fanbase, on streaming platforms and social media.
At age eight, Tekno was enrolled in a music school, where he began to channel his passion for music. Years later, he has achieved numerous record deals, music award nominations, and critical praise from established artists such as Drake, Beyoncé, and Billie Eilish.
With over 2.5 billion global streams, award-winning artist, songwriter, and producer Tekno stands as a trailblazer and one of the most crucial voices to come out of Africa. Since his debut in 2015, Tekno has consistently captivated global audiences with essential afropop classics including Duro and Pana.
Further highlighting his significant influence on the global music scene, Tekno’s prowess extends beyond his vocal talents, and his production skills have significantly shaped the rise of afrobeats worldwide. He penned and produced Davido’s global hit If, and Won’t Be Late by Swae Lee and Drake, both of which have achieved RIAA Gold certification. Tekno has also collaborated with pop royalty including Beyoncé, Ciara, and Fally Ipupa.
His impressive list of achievements includes an MTV Africa Music Award, and two Headies Awards (Nigeria’s GRAMMY equivalent), as well as a BET Award nomination.
We had the chance to chat with Tekno about his rise to music, new singles, and creative process.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a singer, songwriter, and producer straight outta Nigeria. I love making music that makes people dance and feel good. I’m all about the vibes, you know? From Afrobeats to some good old highlife, I’m here to make sure the party never stops.
Where is your artistic home? What city, neighborhood or country helped inspire and inform your art?
My artistic home is definitely Nigeria. Growing up in Lagos and Enugu, the vibrant culture, the energy, the sounds – it all shaped me. Nigeria is a place where music is everywhere, from the streets to the clubs. The rhythm of life here is what feeds my creativity.
What was the defining moment you realized you wanted to do music? Has music always been your career plan?
Music has always been in my blood. I started playing the piano and guitar at a young age. But the defining moment for me was when I realized I could make people feel something with my music. Seeing people dance, smile, and sing along to my songs – that’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
Music is all about expression. What do you like to express in your work?
I love expressing joy and positivity in my music. Life has its ups and downs, but when people listen to my songs, I want them to forget their worries and just enjoy the moment. Whether it’s love, happiness, or just pure fun, I aim to bring those feelings to the forefront.
Recently, you released two new singles, Gon Gon and No Forget. What was the process behind making these two singles like?
Ah, Gon Gon and No Forget! The process was all about capturing the right vibe. For Gon Gon, I wanted something that would get people moving, a high-energy track. No Forget, on the other hand, is more about nostalgia and good times. Both songs were crafted with a lot of love and attention to detail, from the beats to the lyrics.
From the start of your music career when you were releasing singles like Holiday and Duro, to now, releasing smash hits Buga and Wayo, how much has your style changed?
My style has definitely evolved. When I started I was exploring my sound, finding my groove. Now I feel more confident and experimental. I’ve incorporated more diverse sounds and influences, but the core – that Afrobeat heart – remains the same.
In 2023 your single Enjoy was featured in the prominent Emmy Award-winning television series, Ted Lasso. What did this pivotal moment in your music career feel like for you?
Man, that was an amazing moment! Having Enjoy featured in Ted Lasso was surreal. It felt like a recognition of my work on a global stage. It’s one thing to have fans in Nigeria and Africa, but seeing my music reach and be appreciated worldwide, that’s a different kind of blessing.
What’s something people would be surprised to learn about you?
People might be surprised to know that I’m a bit of a tech geek. I love gadgets and I’m always curious about new technology. Also, I’m quite the chef in the kitchen! Cooking is another way I express my creativity.
The Fox Magazine is all about inspiration, what/who inspires you the most?
I’m inspired by life itself. The highs, the lows, the people I meet, and the experiences I have. Musically, legends like Fela Kuti and contemporary stars like Drake have influenced me. But mostly, it’s the everyday hustle and spirit of the African people that keeps me going.
As someone who has grown so musically successful over the past few years, what is a piece of advice you would give to an aspiring artist?
Stay true to yourself and your sound. It’s easy to get lost trying to follow trends, but authenticity is what resonates with people. Work hard, stay dedicated, and always be open to learning and evolving. And most importantly, enjoy the journey!
Can you give readers a sneak peek at any up-and-coming projects they can look forward to within the next couple of months?
Ah, you want a sneak peek? All I can say is, stay tuned and keep your eyes and ears open!
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