Unboxing Tega Ethan

Interview by Adedayo Agarau

The first time I listened to Tega Ethan’s work, I sat down to write about home, Lagos, and my brief encounter with the desire according to the gospel of waiting. The guitar strings bring together the rancid and the delightful, and his voice rages like a coming storm. I think anyone who listens to Tega Ethan’s music will agree that only a handful of singers of Nigerian roots can write songs that carry poetry rooted in oral tradition. I am excited to share my conversation with Tega about his process’s weirdness, beauty, and secrets. 

ADEDAYO

My name’s Adedayo, and I’m a poet deeply engaged with and inspired by your work. Your contributions are truly remarkable, and it’s a pleasure to have this conversation with you. This dialogue is one of our initial discussions for the UnBox series. It’s crucial that this engagement not only meets expectations but does so in a manner that reflects your connection with Ibadan as a place of interest.

Rather than adhering to a conventional interview format, my focus is drawn toward the nuanced aspects of your journey. I’m keen on exploring the intricate details that define you, particularly those you might share more freely, which often go unqueried. My interest extends beyond the surface to the ecosystems and crafts that shape your creative output.

So, let’s dive into the story at the heart of it all. Could you share the narrative behind your decisions, especially those pivotal moments that steered your path?

TEGA

Absolutely, I’d be happy to delve into that. Around 2017 or 2018, my journey took a significant turn when I visited my brother in Ibadan. He was studying at UI, and I initially had plans to attend the University of Petroleum in Delta. However, the contrast between the two institutions was stark, with UI presenting the allure of a more established university environment. This comparison prompted a decision to move to Ibadan, marking a deviation from my original plans.

My initial stay in Ibadan was with my brother, which later evolved into a more permanent move after taking a year off to pursue music. This creative detour solidified my residency in Ibadan, particularly in Abu where I eventually settled. Reflecting on it, my first genuine experience of living in Ibadan was intertwined with my brother’s support, guiding my transition to the city and into the local creative scene.

ADEDAYO 

Your story of transitioning between places is fascinating. Out of curiosity, have you traveled outside Nigeria? How has that experience shaped you?

TEGA

I began traveling abroad in 2021 and spent significant parts of the following years in London, participating in a music program. My travels were primarily within Europe, and I’ve yet to visit America. These journeys have profoundly influenced my work, introducing a new dimension of politicization and identity to my art.

ADEDAYO 

Considering your experiences, how do you feel migration has impacted your creative expression? Has it altered the way you approach your music or writing?

TEGA

Even before traveling, global influences reached me through art, which knows no borders. However, living in different places, especially outside Nigeria, has infused my work with themes of movement and belonging. Interestingly, traveling has deepened my connection to my Nigerian identity and made me more conscious of my blackness. This shift in perspective has, in turn, enriched my artistic narrative, making it more layered and complex.

ADEDAYO 

That’s a powerful reflection. It resonates with my own experiences of becoming more aware of my black identity through travel. It’s intriguing how migration can redefine our sense of self and belonging. How do you navigate these identities in your life and work?

TEGA

It’s a continuous journey of self-discovery. My Nigerian identity has become more pronounced as I’ve navigated different cultural landscapes. This process has not only influenced my music but also how I perceive myself and my place in the world. Embracing my Nigerian heritage and black identity has become central to my narrative, shaping my artistic and personal journey.

ADEDAYO 

In light of these insights, how do you wish to be identified, and how does this influence your engagement with the world and your art?

TEGA

I’m still exploring the depths of my identity, but being Nigerian and embracing my blackness are facets that I hold dear. They anchor me and inform my perspective. As for how others perceive me, I hope to be seen as a positive force, an embodiment of the values and richness of Nigerian culture, contributing meaningfully to the tapestry of global art and society.

ADEDAYO 

That’s incredibly interesting. Given all the moving around, have you traveled outside of Nigeria? How did that affect you?

TEGA

I’ve traveled quite a bit, starting from 2021. Most of my 2022 and 2023 was spent between Nigeria and London, where I participated in a music program. My travels were mainly across Europe; I have yet to go to America. Traveling has definitely politicized my art more, especially in terms of identity. It made me more Nigerian in a way, because being outside Nigeria made me consciously embrace my Nigerianness and my black identity.

ADEDAYO 

So, how does migration influence your work? Does it change the way you write or create music?

TEGA

Interestingly, I was influenced by international cultures even before I started traveling, thanks to the global reach of art. However, moving around has infused my creations with themes of not being stationary always being in between places. It’s become a significant part of my narrative, reflecting in the music I create.

ADEDAYO 

Regarding the concept of Nigerianness in your work, how does that play into your identity and creativity?

My Nigerian identity deeply influences my work. It’s more than just a backdrop; it shapes how I see the world and how I express myself through music. Experiencing life in Nigeria, from its vibrant culture to its challenges, informs my art in profound ways.

ADEDAYO 

The theme of movement seems central to your music. How do you conceptualize movement in your life and work?

TEGA

For me, movement is about change, both physically moving from place to place and the internal shifts in perspective and growth. My music explores this theme, reflecting the transient nature of life and the search for stability and belonging.

ADEDAYO 

And what does this movement lead you towards? Love, acceptance, or something else?

TEGA

It’s a combination. Love brings a form of stability, but I’m also seeking self-actualization, pursuing goals that resonate with my sense of purpose. This journey is about finding a balance between seeking external validation and fulfilling internal aspirations.

ADEDAYO 

Let’s delve into “Harmattan.” What’s the story behind it?

TEGA

“Harmattan” came from a place of love and longing. It was summer, and I was deeply in love. The song is an expression of that desire for closeness and connection, which was very intense and personal at the time.

ADEDAYO 

The desire in “Harmattan” is palpable. It seems like you’re craving a touch. Can you talk more about that?

TEGA

Yes, the song is very much about longing for touch, for a deep, physical connection. It’s an exploration of desire and vulnerability, expressing a yearning that’s both personal and universal.

ADEDAYO 

How does this longing fit into your broader artistic journey?

TEGA

It’s part of my exploration of human emotions and experiences. Through my music, I navigate themes of love, identity, and movement, trying to capture the complexity of our desires and fears. “Harmattan” is a piece of that larger puzzle, reflecting on the profound need for connection in our lives.

ADEDAYO 

So, when you wrote “Harmattan,” you were already in a relationship. Does your music often reflect your personal experiences directly?

TEGA

Absolutely. The music I create during relationships often mirrors my feelings and situations very closely. Sometimes, the reflection is so accurate it surprises me. My music becomes a vessel for the emotions and thoughts I might not express outright. It’s like the things I can’t or won’t acknowledge openly find their way into my songs, revealing truths I’m not ready to face directly.

ADEDAYO 

“Harmattan” seems like a mission to capture a distinctly Nigerian love story. How important was that cultural element to you?

It was central to the creation of “Harmattan.” I aimed to write a love song deeply rooted in Nigerian culture. The melody might carry universal appeal, but the story, the emotions, and the setting are unmistakably Nigerian. When I play it in London, the cultural nuances resonate differently with the audience, sparking curiosity about what Hamatan truly means, highlighting the uniqueness of West African experiences.

ADEDAYO 

How does Hamatan as a season influence the emotions in your music, particularly in “Harmattan”?

TEGA

Hamatan evokes a sense of closeness and calm, reminiscent of family gatherings around Christmas and New Year. It’s a season that, for me, brings back memories of warmth, food, and familial love, yet it’s also a time of silence and introspection. The season’s distinct dryness and coolness make everything feel more spacious, which can lead to feelings of loneliness. “Harmattan” tries to fill that spaciousness with warmth and connection, reflecting the yearning for closeness that Hamatan often brings.

ADEDAYO 

In your creative process, how do you utilize silence? Is there a space for silence in your music?

TEGA

Silence and music are intrinsically linked for me. Silence isn’t just an absence of sound; it’s a powerful tool for creating contrast, depth, and emotion in music. It sets the stage for what’s to come and allows listeners to digest and feel the music deeply. As I’ve evolved as an artist, I’ve learned to embrace not just lyrics but also the spaces between—how melody, rhythm, and indeed, silence can evoke feelings just as strongly as words.

ADEDAYO 

It’s fascinating to hear about how you perceive silence in music. I often think about silence in a visual context, considering how it works with audio, especially with artists like Ed Sheeran and others in the alternative genre. Your music reminds me of that vibe, which I find really interesting.

TEGA

Yeah, I remember making a tweet about if people enjoyed certain international artists, they might find something in my music too. It’s cool to hear that my music resonates on that level.

ADEDAYO 

I love creating playlists for friends based on their moods or needs. Your music, with its thoughtful use of silence and emotion, fits perfectly into those moments of reflection or need for solace. It’s why your mention of seasons and how they work with your music strikes a chord with me.

TEGA

(Laughs) If I were an animal representing my musical influences, it would be a mix of Coldplay, Passenger, and Ed Sheeran—like a deceptively cute, yet profound creature, a big cat that’s both dangerous and inviting.

ADEDAYO 

That’s a brilliant way to put it. Your music does have that layered complexity. Moving on, what’s your all-time favorite Coldplay song or album?

TEGA

“Fix You” stands out to me. It’s just one of those songs that touches every emotional nerve, unlike any other song. Yellow is great for its portrayal of love, but “Fix You” encompasses so much more, touching on every aspect of human emotion.

ADEDAYO 

Have you ever covered “Fix You” in your performances?

TEGA

I did perform it live once in London. Though there’s no recording of it, I’d love to cover it again. That song holds a special place for me.

ADEDAYO 

Coldplay’s approach to their music and band dynamics, like splitting earnings equally and having a structured workday, really appeals to me. It’s something I admire and see as a model for artistic discipline.

TEGA

It’s an approach I’ve started adopting too, working dedicated hours on music to avoid burnout. It’s been a game-changer for me.

ADEDAYO 

And your favourite Ed Sheeran album or song?

TEGA

That’s tough, but I’d go with “Divide.” It’s got some of his best work, like “Supermarket Flowers.” I thought about “Multiply” for a moment, but “Divide” truly has those tracks that resonate deeply with me on an emotional level.

ADEDAYO 

Well, sadly, this brings us to my last question for this series. You mentioned your hybrid animal earlier; could you remind me, please? What is one aspect of Passenger as an artist that you covet and wish to embody?

TEGA

Honestly, what I really admire about Passenger is not just his beautiful writing but also the fact that he has that one massive worldwide hit that allows him the freedom to explore his artistry in any direction while maintaining financial security. That’s something I find very appealing.

ADEDAYO 

Considering commercial success, how do you define it for yourself? At what point would you consider yourself successful as an artist?

TEGA

Success for me is multifaceted. It’s about understanding the music business and successfully integrating it with my artistry. The dream is to reach a point where I don’t need to over-stress the art because of financial pressures. Having a global hit for financial stability is part of it, but so is the ability to tour multiple countries comfortably. Another aspect of success for me is writing a song that becomes a staple in Nigerian music culture.

ADEDAYO 

Why did you choose the guitar as your instrument?

TEGA

My choice of the guitar was heavily influenced by Ed Sheeran. His work, especially his performance style and how he embodies his music on stage, inspired me. The guitar offered an accessible and expressive way for me to start performing and creating music, initially fueled by the desire to be a performing artist more than anything.

THE END