Sometimes the brightest stars go through the darkest nights before they shine again. Teni wanted to be about herself and sing about what’s on her mind, including heartbreak experiences from people in her life. Released in November 2023, “Tears of the Sun” is her transformative 16-track sophomore album documenting rebirth and perseverance after surviving life’s struggles.
The album opens with “YBGFA (Young Black Girl From Africa),” a poignant tale of Teni’s roots set against delicate piano. Tracks like “Capricorn & Taurus” explore committed love while “Popo” captures the anxiety of undefined relationships. Teni experimented with house, folk, and alté elements across the project, featuring Mádé Kuti, Odumodublvck, and Tayc. The title track “Apata” pays tribute to her late father. Teni explained that even though the sun shines bright, it goes to sleep at night, so if the sun can give itself grace, you can too.
