Nigeria’s Tekno releases debut album Old Romance

The album features 14 songs with no guest acts and was released on Universal Music Group. The musician co-produced the album with Spax, Selebobo, Killertunes and Masterkraft.

The project is set in horn and percussion-heavy highlife and contemporary African music, but also leaks western influences of hip hop. Thematically, as its title suggests, Old Romance navigates the various facets of affection and honours traditional and simple love inspired by “stories of our ancestors that will ignite a generation that seems lost on love, to love again,” a statement reads. "Old Romance tells of the romantic journey of two young lovers, from the moments they first cross paths; through their inevitable challenges, all the way to the other side where they celebrate their wins and celebrate their love.”

Tekno said: “This year was difficult, from the pandemic to global protests to shifts in power and figuring out how loud our voices are together as Black people. I want people to feel joy and freedom to live and just be.

Commenting on the album earlier this week, the singer wrote on Twitter: “You all waited patiently for me throughout the time I was down. The album is for all of us.”

An Afrobeats mainstay since 2013, the musician is behind widely accepted singles, including ‘Duro’, ‘Mama’, ‘Pana’ and ‘Agege’. He is also credited with producing Davido’s ‘If’, as well as US stars Swae Lee and Drake’s ‘Won’t Be Late.’ In 2019, Tekno also featured on Beyoncé’s album The Lion King: The Gift.