The emergence of the Alté music scene has certainly been one of the biggest success stories in the Nigerian music industry. The scene has grown so large that numerous creatives have tried to lay claim to being one of the founders of the movement that has given many artistes and producers the freedom to create music away from the mainstream sounds. But individuals like Teniola Zaccheaus have never had to bother making some claims because his contributions to the game speak for him. Better known by his moniker Teezee, he is a pioneer by actions, rather than words.
It’s certainly been a long journey in the music creation business for Teezee, the peak of which we are about to witness with the release of his highly-anticipated solo debut EP, “Arrested By Love”. His previous efforts on full length projects have come as part of DRB Lasgidi, the collection of creatives he headlines along with long time friends, BOJ and Fresh L. Now he is ready to do it alone for the first time, and there are 3 big reasons to suggest this project is set to be a hit.
Number one is Teezee has put the work in. His connections and fan base are deeply rooted in Nigeria and the United Kingdom. It was in fact in his days in Britain that he had his first on-stage performance and developed the interest in pursuing music as a career path. You only need to consider that he has collaborated not once, but twice with British superstar, Skepta, the most recent of which was a feature verse on Big Smoke’s latest EP. On the home front, his recent single gave us a guest appearance from Davido, and everyone that mattered on the Alté scene was featured on DRB Lasgidi’s 2020 album, “Pioneers”. His high level of activity and affiliations in both countries has helped him build a solid following that are eagerly waiting to consume what he has in store.
Number two reason is his range. As Teezee himself describes Alté music, “It’s not a type of music, it’s just being different.” One of the great things about Alté music is the freedom it gives artistes to create any kind of music and Teezee certainly revels in that creative licence afforded to him. The proof can be derived from listening to the 3 singles released off his upcoming project – “Badi”, “New Government”, and “Nok’d”. The 3 songs are so sonically diverse that they might as well be from 3 different artistes. “Arrested By Love” is set to consist of 9 tracks, and with the range of talent in Teezee’s arsenal, there is sure to be something for everyone on his debut project, regardless of how limited or wild the musical taste of the person is.
Reason number three is that it’s his time. It may seem rather simplistic but that shouldn’t make it any less true. As someone that has invested so many years in helping develop the now famous Alté scene, it’s only right that the game gives back to him for a change. He has ascended to a godfather role in the alternative musical movement, and the time is now for him to enjoy the fruits of his labour. He made Vogue’s list of “The 22 Musicians Set To Rule 2022”, a clear evidence of the level of anticipation surrounding the artiste himself and the music he is about to deliver. “Arrested By Love” is set to be a culmination and celebration of year’s of hard work. The EP drops on the 18th of February and while we can’t predict the streaming numbers it will garner, we know enough to expect music of high quality from one of Nigeria’s pacesetting artistes.
