Nigerian-American superstar, Anthony Nwabueze, widely known as Teemanay, has reiterated that he is fully Nigerian and just a “visitor” to the United States.
According to him, he was born in the Delta States, Nigeria and has barely spent five years in America.
Speaking to Kojo Manuel Manuel on Y107.9 FM’s “Drye of Your Lyve” the Young Icon however, revealed that the past few years in America have been a huge difference in his career.
He indicated that at the time, living life as an Afrobeat artiste in the States was challenging since the music genre was not ultimately accepted. He described the period as a “cultural shock” in his career.
“Moving from Nigeria to the states has been a huge difference. At first when I arrived it was a little new for me, I had the cultural shock. Cause the difference at that time Afro beat music wasn’t really popping mainstream on this side. The only non- Hiphop music that was popping was Reggae and Dancehall and they also had their own radio programmes. So, coming here as an Afrobeats artiste was quite difficult you know trying to merge it to the environment. I landed in New York and I’m only here in West Coast for my press run for this EP promotion. So yeah, basically it has been tough. It was a little bit tough trying to get to know people, go out to clubs,” he shared.
Teemanay further revealed that his name started gaining prominence in the states after he had the privilege to perform at the 2018 edition of the Ghana Entertainment Awards.
“I remember one of the first social gathering I actually went to was the Ghana Entertainment Awards that I was lucky enough to get on the first row. I got exposure and they actually gave me a platform and allowed me to perform for the 2018 edition at New York City. I performed and people started knowing me as this is an African boy, Nigerian boy and then that’s how the name kind of became a home name in the East coast and then people started knowing me. Now it’s amazing how far 4-5 years can be if you salary consistent in your career,” he added.
The ‘Vibez’ hitmaker advised other artistes to stay consistent with their works and eventually they will enjoy the fruit of their labour.
By: Jude Tackie
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