Nigerian singer Teniola Apata, popularly known as Teni, recently shared a heartwarming revelation about her relationship with her sister, Niniola, also a celebrated singer. During a conversation on the Tea With Tay podcast, Teni reminisced about their childhood and how she once believed Niniola was envious of her singing talent.
Recalling their early years, Teni mentioned how she and her sisters used to rehearse together. She recounted that her eldest sister, Doyin, consistently praised her singing abilities. However, Niniola, her other sister, had a different opinion, often critiquing Teni’s voice.
Niniola would argue that Teni’s voice was not “sweet,” a criticism that left Teni thinking her sister was envious of her talent. However, a candid conversation between them later clarified the misunderstanding. Niniola advised Teni not to be misled and emphasized the importance of singing from the stomach.
Inspired by her sister’s guidance, Teni started singing from her stomach, and the transformation was notable. Her talent began to flourish, culminating in a school event where she received a standing ovation for her performance.
She said “There was a time my school organised an event, I sang and the whole school stood up and was clapping for me. I said, ‘I’ve arrived.’ I went back home to tell Nini that I sang in school and everybody was clapping and she said I should sing what I sang. I sang it and Nini too clapped for me. I said, ‘Okay, we are up to something.”