FEATURE: Spotlight: Lifesize Teddy — Music Musings & Such

FEATURE:

Spotlight

Lifesize Teddy

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AN essential and must-hear artist…

that should be in everyone’s sights, one of Afrobeat’s most fascinating and promising young artists, Lifesize Teddy, has just released her eponymous E.P. Not only does Nigerian Banigo Apiafi Treasure have the best artist moniker out there, she is also this instantly confident and rounded talent who will step closer and closer to the mainstream. I think that Afrobeats music is still not quite integrated and assimilated into the spotlight. Rather than this being niche music or reserved for certain tastes, artists such as Lifesize Teddy are hugely impressive and important. I am going to get to some interviews with her. First, here is some background regarding the stunning Lifesize Teddy:

“Born Banigo Apiafi Treasure on a memorable July 15th in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria, Lifesize Teddy’s early years were graced by the serene beauty of Bonny Island’s surroundings. A confluence of diverse cultures shaped her worldview, as she found herself immersed in the ebb and flow of local and foreign influences. This rich tapestry of experiences, combined with the bustling city life of Port-Harcourt, has moulded Lifesize Teddy into a curated blend of influences, making her an artist of unmatched depth and authenticity.

From the tender age of 12, Lifesize Teddy’s artistic journey began to take form. Immersed in the eclectic melodies emanating from her mother’s cherished cassette players, she was exposed to a spectrum of musical genres, each resonating with her mom’s ever-changing moods. Icons like Lucky Dube, Tupac, and Shania Twain set the stage for her artistic evolution, sowing the seeds of a remarkable future.

Lifesize Teddy’s artistic roots delve deep into the annals of literature, thanks to her mother’s fervent love for it. The echoes of Brenda Farsi’s soulful tunes, the defining soundscapes of Asa, and the vivacity of Rex Lawson’s highlife rhythms became the soundtrack to her emotional journey. Starting as a poet, she harnessed the power of her pen to document her innermost feelings, paving the way for her eventual foray into music.

While pursuing a degree in chemical engineering at the University of Maritime Port-harcourt, Lifesize Teddy’s destiny took an undeniable turn. The allure of rap, ignited by Kanye West’s “College Dropout,” led her to embrace the mic at a mere 12 years old. Joining the vibrant community of rappers within her university, she honed her skills, refining her artistry amidst the camaraderie of fellow creatives.

In an industry yearning for innovation, Lifesize Teddy’s emergence is a prophecy fulfilled. Combining the essence of contemporary rap and Afro-fusion, she fearlessly channels her emotions onto paper, crafting verses that resonate with audiences on a profound level. Her talent and skill coalesce seamlessly, birthing a budding star destined to etch her indelible mark on the global music stage.

Her debut EP, aptly titled ‘Lifesize Teddy,’ stands as a testament to her versatility and artistic prowess. The opening track, ‘Air,’ paints a breezy portrait of her rap finesse, setting the tone for an exploration of various genres. From the hypnotic energy of ‘Hypnotic’ to the relatable charm of ‘Butterflies,’ her sonic journey is an exhilarating ride through the tapestry of human emotion”.

I think it is hard to put Lifesize Teddy into boxes or describe her music in relation to a particular genre. She is a gamechanger that is constantly moving and cannot be pinned down! I am keen to get to some personal insight. Medium discussed the current impact of Lifesize Teddy’s impact on African music and beyond; what her future prospects are:

“Her impact on the African music scene

Lifesize Teddy is a unique and exciting new artist. She's not afraid to experiment, and her music is a reflection of her eclectic personality and wide range of influences. Her debut EP is a must-listen for fans of African music, hip-hop, pop, and everything in between.

Teddy is also a role model for young women everywhere. She is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to speak her mind. She is also a talented artist who is passionate about her music.

Lifesize Teddy is a rising star in the African music scene. She is definitely one to watch in the coming years.

Her social media presence

Teddy has a large following on social media, where she uses her platform to connect with her fans and to speak out about social and political issues. She is a vocal advocate for women's rights and social justice.

Teddy's social media presence is also a reflection of her unique personality. She is not afraid to be herself and to share her thoughts and feelings with her fans. She is also a great supporter of other artists and is always willing to lend a helping hand.

Her future prospects

Lifesize Teddy has a bright future ahead of her. She is a talented artist with a unique sound and a strong work ethic. She is also backed by one of the biggest record labels in Africa.

Teddy is already making a name for herself in the African music scene. She is performing at major festivals and events across the continent and is building a loyal fan base.

In the coming years, Teddy is poised to become one of the biggest names in African music. She is a rising star with a bright future ahead of her”.

There are a couple of interviews I want to come to before wrapping things up. Not Just Tok spoke with Lifesize Teddy earlier this year. It is clear that she is an artist who wants to inspire an entire generation with her music. You can definitely see that happening. One of the most instantly remarkable artists coming through:

“Can you tell us about your musical background and what inspired you to kick off your music career?

My mom, and my whole family have always had music playing in the background. I can’t remember a time when music wasn’t playing in my head or around me. It has always been the way that I thrive. It has always been my coping mechanism. I started writing my own music when I was only nine years old. I started doing text battles as well on Facebook around that age and I used to beat grown people. Like grown rappers because no one knew it was a kid behind the keypad spitting bars. I just knew that I could do this so easily and thankfully it's been so easy.

How would you describe your music style and what do you think sets you apart from peers?

For me, my music is a breath of fresh air. That in itself is what sets me apart. I have my own unique blend of afro and rap, my own fusion. It's new, exciting, and fresh. Nobody has been here before. I’m really happy for people because they’re going to be listening to this!

Can you share some insights into your songwriting process? Where do you draw your inspiration from?

I just go to the studio really. I lock in with my producer and I get to making music. I don’t really know what I’m going to work on before I get there. I’m a little bit of a daydreamer and I draw inspiration from my surroundings, and the energies around me so I draw the energy from my surroundings and I just create.

How do you balance your personal life with your music career? What are some strategies you use to stay grounded and motivated?

I have a very strong sense of family I have a team that keeps me together. It takes a village really and my village is wonderful.

What are your goals and aspirations for the future? Where do you see yourself in the coming years as a musician?

As the best thing to ever happen! I want to inspire a whole generation of women, girls and people in general and I want us to have fun together”.

PHOTO CREDIT: Akanni

NME are among those who have spent time with the remarkable Lifesize Teddy. I would advise you to read the entire interview. It is so compelling hearing what she had to say. Learning about her background and what she hopes to accomplish moving forward. This is someone who, with the Lifestyle Teddy E.P. out into the world, has made a huge statement early on:

“You hail from Port-Harcourt, in Rivers State, Nigeria. How would you describe the city and your experiences growing up there?

“It’s a small city, and it feels like home to me. Lagos is fast, Port-Harcourt is slow and calm. It’s very hip-hop-centric, it’s very rappety-rap, it’s really just calm and breezy and cool. People say that Port-Harcourt is the only metropolitan city in Nigeria… there are so many cultures and languages, and one thing that brought myself and all my friends together was music, and rap, artists like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole.”

When you were younger, you used to do rap battles over text. How did those work?

“I used to be a really smart kid that never cared about lectures, so I used to always find other things to preoccupy my mind. I stumbled across text battling on Facebook in 2012, 2013, and signed up. I was just going back and forth with strangers on the internet, adults, and I had no idea who they were, but I was just dissing them. That’s really how I started to rap, they didn’t even know it was a kid behind the phone.

“I grew out of that phase pretty quickly because I realised I didn’t enjoy battling. It has helped me now to create my music and be fast with it, but going back and forth with other people wasn’t enjoyable. I like telling my story through music, I don’t want to tell somebody else’s story, or tell that person about themselves. So making music about my story and my growth and connecting with people like me makes more sense and more impact.”

On ‘Air’, you sing “I’ve got many women underneath this skin”; how does that multi-faceted nature play out in your everyday life?

“I’m still exploring those women. There’s a lot of them inside of me. There’s the girl that loves to rap, the girl that loves to sing, the girl that just wants to fly, there’s another girl that likes coffee and runs, and I want to give all of them life. I have alter-egos as well. Poison Baby is the alter-ego that is shining through right now, having her moment. She’s the girl that has been fierce and defiant through everything, because sometimes I get tired, but Poison says ‘No, let’s go.’ You know how Beyonce had Sasha Fierce? Yeah, she’s that girl.”

How long have you been in that frame of mind?

“Three years. On the new EP ‘POISN’, the message is consistent with the first project, it’s just now it’s been three months in the industry, and I feel unbreakable, I feel so much better than I did the first day I got unveiled. It’s been three months and I’m in London! I can do anything, I really feel like Superman!

“If you listen to ‘Unbeliever’, you hear that she has faced quite a lot of battles, she lost her mum and she is still fighting through it. Dealing with grief is really, really hard. I try to separate my mind — if you don’t, it can be a well that you fall into and never come out of. Making music and creativity is my safe space.”

PHOTO CREDIT: Akanni

How did the relationship with Mavin Records come about?

“I’m a big fan of Ladipoe, and I’d been telling him that I was a big fan, messaging him on Instagram, and finally he saw a freestyle on my profile, and reached out to me to open for him in Lagos. It was amazing, and that was where Mavin’s execs first saw me. Everybody was like “Who’s that tiny girl onstage?” So they had eyes on me from then.

“Fast forward to 2020, everywhere was locked down, in Lagos I didn’t have a studio, I wasn’t stable yet, so I reached out to Rima [Tahini, Mavin A&R Director] and asked if I could use the studio, and she said I could. I hear chat about there being an academy, and asked if I could join, and they let me! Then, there was a developmental period of three years”.

There is something magnetic and magic about Lifesize Teddy that you need in your life. An Afrobeats-centred and infused sound that has the ability to conquers lands, we are going to be hearing a lot more of her as we head into 2024. A name to watch very closely, ensure that you check out Banigo Apiafi Treasure and what she is putting out into the world. Here is an artist primed…