Teni Reveals She Made ‘Uyo Meyo’ Freestyle In Tears On Graduation Day

Nigerian singer Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni, has revealed that her 2018 hit song, “Uyo Meyo,” began as a freestyle she recorded while crying on her graduation day. The singer made the revelation during an appearance on The Queens Mic podcast, where she opened up about the emotions behind the song and her seven-year journey through university.

According to Teni, she drove herself to her graduation ceremony and became emotional in the car as she reflected on her long journey to completing her education.

“I made that song ‘Uyo Meyo’ crying. It was a freestyle on my graduation. I drove myself to the graduation and in the car, I was so emotional,” she said.

The singer explained that the freestyle became popular even before the official song was released in December 2018, turning a deeply emotional moment into one of the songs that would define her music career.

For Teni, the experience was particularly meaningful because it took her seven years to graduate from university. During that period, she attended other people’s graduation ceremonies while people repeatedly asked when it would be her turn.

“It took me seven years to graduate from the university. I attended other people’s graduation. Meanwhile, they would be asking me when it would be my own graduation,” she recalled.

Despite the pressure, Teni said she continued to celebrate other people’s achievements, believing that being genuinely happy for others would eventually bring her own moment of joy.

“I am always happy for people because I believe that if you are happy for others, your own will surely come. When you are not happy for people, it means you are a witch,” she said.

The message reflects the spirit of “Uyo Meyo,” a song that encourages listeners to keep pushing despite difficulties and to believe that their time to shine will come.

Some of the song’s lyrics include: “Don’t let them tell you can’t / And they won’t help you just so you will know / Just keep on pushing oh oh oh.”

The song’s title has also generated conversations among listeners. A social media commenter offered an interpretation of “Uyo Meyo” as an Ondo expression, “Uyọ meyọ leun o san o kan mi ọ le”, meaning “The way I celebrate or rejoice with other people, it is my turn to be celebrated/rejoice.”

Beyond her music and personal journey, the 33-year-old singer also spoke about her future family plans during the podcast.

When asked whether she would consider having children, Teni disclosed that she hopes to have two children in the future. She also revealed that she prefers to keep her romantic relationships private.

Ngozi Uma is a Nigerian Arts and culture writer and critic. She specializes in art reviews.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Independent Newspapers Limited, registered on July 17, 2001 (RC No: 419927), commenced publication on October 1, 2001. With registered office at 15b, Daranijo Street, off Odusami street, off Wemco road, Ogba, Ikeja