•Opens Up On Her Growing Up Years
+Her Plans For Marriage
Ask anyone who is close to Nigerian Hip-Hop singer, Teni Apata a.k.a. “Teni Makanaki”, you will be told that she is one of Nigeria’s finest singers. People find many of her skits on Instagram funny. When you sit with “Teni Makanaki” for 30 minutes, you will not only roll on the floor with laughter, you may likely have tears running down your eyes.
How did we know? Few weeks ago was Teniola Makanaki’s birthday and her big mummy, Mrs. Apata (Teni’s Mum), her elder sister, Mrs. Doyin Akinrinola (Doyin Sweet), Kola (Manager), Redman, among others were those who made sure Teni was treated to a big birthday surprise.
Teni herself is a giver who loves to give to her family.
How possible is it that Teni believes that nobody can surprise her without her knowledge? For her birthday a few days ago, she thought she was fully booked for a surprise 50th birthday party of a popular society woman at an exclusive venue in Lekki Phase 1. Unknown to the talented superstar, it was her surprise birthday.
Looking dapper in her baggy attire with her white trainers, she first posted her picture on her page. She was looking so beautiful in a lemon yellow costume.
Unknown to her, while she was sending those pictures, her family were fully waiting for her at a private luxury flat in Lekki Phase 1. It was rented for her birthday. The Apata’s paid hugely for it.
Don’t forget that Teni’s elder sister, Mrs. Doyin Akinrinola runs Doyin Sweet fabrics in Lagos. They spared no cost to make sure the birthday was not a regular surprise birthday. Over 5 celebrity food vendors served local and continental dishes.
At few minutes past 2 pm, Teni’s mum Mrs. Folayomi stood with families and friends in the sun awaiting her arrival. It took many calls to get in touch with Mr. Kola who is Teni’s manager. How do you talk to Kola without Teni having a hint? It took Mr. Kola’s wisdom to excuse himself while he spoke with Teni’s clique of friends who were already awaiting her arrival.
At exactly 3.05 just when a regular birthday reception will kick off, the gate was thrown wide open and Teni walked in singing her popular song, “It’s Your Girl”, “Teni Makanaki” and she stopped when she saw her huge frame picture on the red carpet fully decorated by “Lardiva Event”.
She shouted, “what is happening here?”. She saw her elder sister, Doyin and she shouted “Aunty Doyin”, and you? I almost knew you were going to do this when you didn’t call as usual. Mummy (Mrs. Apata), you are here too. Aunty Bukky, Kola, you are fired” (talking to her manager and she started laughing.
To say she was moved to tears was so glaring. After exchanging pleasantries with many of her guests. The grand reception kicked off. During the grand reception, Teni’s personal shopper shocked many when she revealed many shocking things about Teni.
Her words “whenever Teni comes shopping in U.K., she will say I can’t walk, can we take cab. Even to next shop. What about shopping time, Teni will tell you I love this.
She will buy almost everything and say, hold this, and this. What about when Teni sees any white person, she will run to meet and greet the person. We will end up taking pictures with many people.
What did Kayode, Teni’s manager say? “Teni can be very funny. Whenever we go to eateries to buy food. Teni will say “Kayode, have you eaten that food before, before you say yes, Teni will say put this. We will buy like 5 varieties of food with turkey and chicken. When we get home, Teni will only eat one portion of food and leave others. Funny as it may sound, she won’t even eat chicken and turkey.
Ask her why she bought all that knowing she won’t eat turkey or chicken. I just want to be seeing it on my food”, I didn’t buy to eat. Another one which burst the minds of many was when one of her friends revealed that Teni can be very funny when you call her and she is in the toilet. He said, “hello Teni, yes, I dey toilet, I dey shit, talk.” And people burst out laughing.
How funny can Teni be? How was growing up for her like? When is she going to married? Who is her ideal man? City People Assistant Society Editor, ABIOLA ORISILE, had an exclusive interview with her.
Congratulations, did you ever see this coming?
No, not at all. I thought I was coming to perform at a show. I was very surprised to see all this.
What event were you going for?
I was told I was going for one 50th birthday, so I was surprised to see everybody. Normally, my sister (Sister Doyin) ordinarily would have been one of the first people to call me this morning, but she didn’t call, so I concluded she was very busy.
What was your growing up days like with the Apata sisters?
I am a very family-oriented person. I can’t do without my family.
What came to your mind when they prayed you will have twins?
(Laughs!!!) Haa, I am not crazy about twins but would love to have children though. I love kids a lot but two will be perfect and okay for me. Like I and my sister. We are just 2, so I like something like that.
What made you wear a wig for your birthday?
I was just like, let’s just switch things. Most of the time, I co-direct, so I just told them, let’s switch things up a little bit and it worked.
What came to your mind when your mum was saying things about you?
Growing up I was very stubborn; my younger sister was very good, but I was very bad. I just love to do things I want to do.
What are you working on presently?
Yes, I am done. My album.
What is the title?
I can’t share the title now; it is my first album. I can’t disclose how many tracks in it because I already disclosed an album is coming.
What special message do you have for your sisters and mum?
I want to thank and appreciate them. I love them a lot. They have always been there for me in one way or the other and I am forever grateful for that.
What is the challenge of being a first child?
I didn’t really have that challenge. I grew up in a house with everybody. All grown up. So, I don’t see myself as the first.
Any message to your fans?
Thanks for supporting the brand. I am grateful for life and I have learnt to appreciate life more and love people around me, let’s love and live.
When is the wedding bell ringing?
My cousin just got married last week. So let them rest from that one first before talking about mine. So, maybe the next two years.
What is your definition of an ideal man?
Money!!! (Laughs!!!) For me, it’s just hard work having a vision. I am already a brand on my own, so I will like to marry someone that understands me, my work, my personality. I am not that hard to please though.
Have you ever experienced someone walking up to you and saying he likes you?
Haa! No, how would you come; see the type of man that walks around me? It is pretty difficult.
