Last year, after a string of mainstream hits such as “Case” and “Billionaire,” Afropop singer, Teni released her stunning debut album ‘WONDALAND.’ The carnival themed album packed a punch, as it spoke volumes to Teni’s undeniable growth since her debut on the scene with “Askamaya.” In the four years since she lent her songwriting prowess to Davido’s “Like Dat”, Teni has morphed from supremely talented upstart to unavoidable pop fixture – as her astonishing run in 2018 proved. Now, the singer is ready to transition to her next level.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by TENI OTG (@tenientertainer)

This year, while her resplendent voice has been undeniably missing from the scene, the singer has been candid with her ongoing trajectory, by drawing listeners into her technicolour world through her style choices and appearance on social media. While Teni has always redefined the style of the quintessential pop star, this year, she’s doubled down on showing off her eye-catching sartorial choices to her 4.9million Instagram followers. She’s redefining conventional ideas of sexiness, which shows that things are evolving past unwritten rules, and Teni is breaking down the doors by just being.

Earlier in the year, the singer arrived with her sparkling two-song pack ‘Little & Legendary’ which solidified the artist’s position in the scene as a reliable voice in Nigerian music canon. Now, the singer is closing out the year in a grand way. Arriving today is the new melodic Amapiano-infused single titled  “Maitama” which features Nigerian pop sensation, Mayorkun and South African artists, Costa Titch and Ch’cco.

The dance-ready number draws influences from dusty log Amapiano-inflected log drums and fuses it seamlessly with Afropop sensibilities, creating a catchy commingling of sounds. Her melodies sit well with the deft production of the Jaysynths-produced track, affording all four artists ample space to showcase their diverse skills on the beat. Teni opens the track chanting the lyrics “Ori mi wu/oh, ori mi wu” with a stellar vocal performance. The lyrics which translate to “My head is swelling,” and sees the artist gassing herself up. She sets the tone for her collaborators who deftly trade their catchy verses and make the song more memorable.

Speaking about the new single, Teni shares:

“’Maitama” is very personal to me, as I wrote it from a space that I was in. I know I won’t have everything in life figured out but eventually it will all fall into place and something great will happen, one way or another I know I’m not stopping, I’m just going to keep on pushing. This track is about me having fun in both good and bad times and expressing myself.”

With this new record “Maitama,” Teni is setting the tone for her sophomore album. It is clear with time away from the scene, Teni has connected back to her passion, and is ready to usher in her new era which is coated in sweet-sounding music and delicious fashion choices.

Listen to “Maitama” here.

Featured Image Credits/Courtesy of the artist