- Words Notion Staff
Notion meets Teezee, a Lagos-hailing alternative hip-hop artist, to hear his party tricks, which fashion trend he'd revive, and when he feels happiest.
Teezee, a.k.a Teni Zaccheaus JR, has lived between London and Nigeria for most of his life and built a dedicated following in each location. He recently featured on Skepta’s new EP, ‘All In’, and is gearing up for more music.
One-third of DRB Las Gidi, together with schoolmates BOJ and Fresh L, the trio pioneered the Alté music scene, seamlessly blending afrobeat, hip-hop, and pop into a silky new genre. The result: Teezee is now a major figurehead in Nigerian alternative youth culture, which he has also been bringing back to the UK.
Now, Teezee is gearing up for his much-hyped solo debut EP, which will feature hot talents Pa Salieu, Davido, Santi, prettyboydo, BackRoad Gee, Deto Black, and Lancey Foux, and blend in a little of Teezee’s love for Nollywood.
Notion met the artist to watch, chatting about the past year, fashion trends, life mantras, and more.
How have you developed creatively over the past year?
I’ve become a lot more meticulous in my craft. I was already quite intentional but I’ve def intensified my process from inception to delivery.
How can an artist stay original nowadays?
Nothing is original but one can try by not following trends and sticking firmly to your own creative process, while leaving room for adaptation and growth. Different or unique is always a good thing!
What’s the biggest misconception about being a musician?
That it’s all about drugs, sex, and money – it’s so much more complex than that! LMAO.
If you could revive one music fashion trend, which would it be?
Jimi Hendrix flared pants.
If you were transported back to 2019, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Buy hella cryptocurrency!
One thing you want to change about the music industry?
The percentage splits with artists and labels.
What’s your life mantra?
The game is the game.
What is your biggest pinch-me moment so far?
Someone calling me and telling me Kanye played my verse on the Skepta and Kid Cudi song for them! Still feels like a dream.
What’s your party trick?
I can name every country in the world!
Finish the sentence: I feel happiest when…
I’m with my son!