IN CONVERSATION WITH TEKNO

interview by LINDA KADIRI

Tekno, the Nigerian pop sensation, continues to innovate and capture the essence of summer with his latest musical offerings, ‘Gon Gon’ and ‘No Forget’. These tracks showcase his versatility and emotional depth, blending amapiano with smooth R&B to craft songs that resonate deeply with his global audience. In our interview, we'll dive into the creative process behind these tracks, explore his significant partnership with emPawa Africa, and discuss how his musical evolution continues to set trends worldwide. As he opens up about the themes of love and connection in his new songs, Tekno also shares his aspirations for his music to foster deep emotional connections with his listeners, all while pushing the boundaries of afrobeats on the international stage. Join us as we get an inside look at the artistry and ambition driving one of Africa's most influential musical talents.

With 'Gon Gon' and 'No Forget,' you explore themes of love and romance. Can you share what inspired these themes and how you approached writing these tracks?

Ah, you know how it is. Love and romance, those are universal vibes, right? For 'Gon Gon,' I was feeling that high-energy love, the kind that just makes you wanna dance and celebrate. 'No Forget' is more about those unforgettable moments with someone special, the memories that stick with you. I drew inspiration from real-life experiences and stories around me. It’s all about making people feel that connection and joy.

Your recent work showcases a blend of amapiano and R&B. How do you decide which genres to explore in your music, and what drew you to these specific styles for your new songs?

I’m always experimenting with new sounds. Amapiano has that infectious groove, and R&B brings that smooth, emotional touch. Mixing them felt fresh and exciting. I listen to a lot of different music, and when something resonates with me, I incorporate it into my own sound. It’s all about creating something unique and keeping the fans guessing.

In your partnership with emPawa Africa, how has this collaboration influenced your music production and artistic choices for 'Gon Gon' and 'No Forget'?

Working with emPawa Africa has been a blessing, no doubt. They’ve got a solid team that really understands my vision and supports my creativity. They gave me the freedom to experiment and bring my ideas to life with 'Gon Gon' and 'No Forget.' It’s all about elevating my sound and reaching new heights together.

Reflecting on your evolution from hits like 'Duro' and 'Pana' to now, how do you feel your music has changed or grown?

It’s been a journey, for real. With ‘Duro’ and ‘Pana,’ I was finding my sound, experimenting with what worked. Now, I’m more confident and willing to push boundaries. My music has evolved, incorporating different influences, but it’s still rooted in that Afrobeat vibe. It’s all about growth and keeping it fresh while staying true to my roots.

You've worked with notable producers like Egar Boi and Louddaaa on your latest tracks. What do you look for in a producer when collaborating on new music?

When I’m looking for a producer, I need someone who gets my vision and can bring their own flavor to the table. Egar Boi and Louddaaa are crazy talented. They understand the vibe I’m going for and help take it to the next level. It’s all about that chemistry and being able to create magic together.

Your music often resonates deeply with fans both in Africa and globally. How do you ensure your sound stays authentic to your roots while appealing to an international audience?

Staying authentic is key. My music always reflects where I come from and my experiences. At the same time, I’m open to new influences and trends that can connect with a global audience. It’s about finding that balance, keeping the Afrobeat heart while adding elements that appeal to a wider audience. Authenticity resonates, and that’s what I aim to deliver.

Can you talk about a particularly memorable studio session from the production of 'Gon Gon' or 'No Forget'?

One session that stands out is when we were working on ‘No Forget.’ It was late at night, the vibe was perfect, and everything just clicked. Egar Boi was on the beat, and I was laying down vocals. We knew we had something special. Those are the moments you live for in the studio, when the energy is right, and magic happens.

With over 2.5 billion global streams, what strategies have you found most effective for engaging with your audience and growing your fanbase online?

Engaging with my audience is all about being genuine and staying connected. I love interacting with fans on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes content, and giving them a glimpse into my life and creative process. Consistently putting out quality music and visuals is also key. Collaborations with other artists and tapping into different markets have helped grow my fanbase. It’s about being present and making sure the fans know they’re appreciated.

With your music reaching global audiences and earning all kinds of awards and accolades, what new goals do you set for yourself to continue pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats internationally?

I’m always looking to push the boundaries and take Afrobeats to new heights. One of my goals is to collaborate with more international artists and producers to create a fusion of sounds. I want to continue experimenting and evolving my sound. Also, performing at more international venues and festivals is a big goal. It’s about breaking new ground and showing the world the richness of Afrobeat music.

Looking ahead, what projects or collaborations can your fans look forward to in the near future?

I don’t want to give too much away, but trust me, there’s some fire on the way. I’ve been working on a new album with some exciting collaborations. There are also some visuals and maybe a few surprises here and there. Stay tuned, Slim Daddy is just getting started.