T’neeya talks about her music style and curiosity to see more of Africa

At an early age in Bamenda in Cameroon's northwest, T'neeya, real name Jennifer Tania Takoh, was fully involved in her school's choir, as music was an escape for a young singer who didn't see herself fitting in, especially academically. "Classwork wasn't my thing, all I wanted to do was sing," she says.

The young Jennifer led 600 girls in her girls-only Catholic school, entertaining and organising musical events. She also competed in several local talent shows.

Born to a Cameroonian father and a German mother, she moved to Germany at the age of 18 to pursue a career in music. Between Berlin and London, she regularly performed at local bars and wrote for artists to fund her dream of becoming a successful musician.

T'neeya has worked on outstanding Afropop covers such as Mr Eazi's 'Pour Me Water' and R2bees and Wizkid's 'Tonight', among others. In 2017, she moved to Ghana, due to what she describes as "curiosity". "I had to see more of Africa and Ghana happened to be the next stop," she says.

She signed to Aristokrat Records in 2018 and has released three singles on the label to a positive response: 'Low Battery' (2018), 'Text Me' (2018) and 'Joli' (2019).

MUSIC IN AFRICA: Who is T'neeya?

T'NEEYA: T’neeya is a free spirit. T’neeya is bold and passionate about Africa, African music and culture. I am a blend of cultures: Cameroonian, German, black, white, English, French. Never just one thing, always a blend of many, something I have learnt to embrace and use as a strength. Cameroon raised me and gave me a deep sense of loyalty to Africa. My roots are German and Pidgin. An introverted extrovert.

What do you call your style of music?

Afro-fusion. I mix English, French and Pidgin, makossa, soul, zouk, Afrobeats and R&B. These are genres that I always listen to and feel inspired by.

There are many emotions in the music. What can you say drives this?

My journey. You know, in life I was always trying to find myself. That always put me in a space of isolation, which is sometimes rewarding and other times a bit emotional. I’m naturally emotional, I’m an empath and feel very deeply, so the people I have met along the way have touched me greatly.

What prompted your move to Ghana?

I was curious and I was lucky enough to be surrounded by people who supported that curiosity. I had to see more of Africa. Ghana happened to be the next stop, but I’m not done touring Africa. This is just the beginning. I started in Cameroon in 2013 as a professional, writing together with my manager Michael Bilson for pop artists. In 2017 I kicked off my Afro-fusion project and signed to Aristokrat Records in 2018 in Ghana.

What's your take on the attention Afrobeats music is getting around the world?

Much needed and an excellent time to be part of the movement. There's so much talent out there and enough room for everyone. I have always known about the power we have, so to see the rest of the world recognise that is a really good feeling.

What should your fans be expecting from your upcoming projects?

Good music, interesting collaborations and a better understanding of my sound.

Who are the musicians that inspire you?

I listened to a lot of music growing up: Manu Dibango, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill, Aaliyah, 2Baba.

What advice do you have for young musicians trying to make a name for themselves?

Don’t give up, stay hungry and humble, never stop being curious, dare to dream, be patient with yourself, understand that it takes time, and build a good team.