Shola Idowu, a Nigerian-British rapper better known as Weird MC, says she would love to work with Teniola ‘Teni’ Apata, an indigenous singer, ahead of her comeback in the music scene.
She spoke during a recent feature on Channels TV ‘Rubbin Minds’ with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, a TV host.
Idowu commended the success stories in Nigeria’s music space in terms of the Grammys and global recording contracts. The 50-year-old went ahead to list Teni among the indigenous musicians she’s excited about.
“It’s Teni o. I love Teni so much. It’s really funny but I love her sister as well. I like Niniola. It will be interesting to see if we do something together. Funke Akindele, I’ve loved her from day 1,” she said.
“I feel there’s so much happening in the industry right now. I can’t believe Nigerian artistes are now signing deals with Universal Music (UMG) and Sony Music. You’ve seen Burna Boy at the Grammys.”
When questioned on her forthcoming music projects, Weird MC said she looks to put out singles in 2021 alongside a short story, which she said is still in the works.
“Single, yes. Definitely. We’re writing a short story that is going to come out this year by God’s grace. I was hanging out with Joke Jacobs and she was just giving words on things to do. So, fingers crossed,” the rapper added.
Influenced by musicians like Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, Queen Latifah, and Jimi Hendrix, Idowu had competed in various rap battles in the early ‘90s.
She toured the UK with DJ P Tee Money in the latter half of 1990 and throughout 1991. In 1992, she released the single ‘I Wanna Make You Jack/Let’s Get Wet’, which got positive reviews from critics.
Idowu returned to Nigeria in 1996 where she released the album ‘Simply Weird’, a blend of American hip hop and afrobeat. She also featured the self-produced video-single ‘Allen Avenue’.
The rapper would later release her second album ‘After Da Storm’ in 2006 while the Don Jazzy and JJC-produced single ‘Ijoya’ quickly earned her success and music awards.
