One-on-one with Teslah

Teslah is a singer and songwriter who discovered her talent after her breakthrough in the Talanta Mtaani talent show in 2018. Her Afro RnB music revolves around love, life and full vibrations. 

How did Talanta Mtaani influence your music career?

The win boosted my confidence as a singer. The process made me one of the best vocalists and songwriters in Kenya.

You are now signed under Black Market Records (BMR), how is it being an independent artiste?

The advantage of being independent is that you have freedom over most decisions and full returns in your creative work. A label takes some of the logistical issues off your back and you get to create music peacefully. BMR understands the formalities involved in brand deals and shows, marketing and giving me all the resources I need to express my art. That, if asked, is a big win from doing everything by yourself. 

You have a new EP out, ‘Situationship’. What was the inspiration behind it?

I am very traditional with my beliefs when it comes to love and this was my way of expressing what I felt. Love is expressed differently in this time and age and I strongly differ with how most people handle relationships, which puts them in a conundrum of situationships. 

Were there any specific themes you were exploring?

I wanted to fully express the visual aspect of this project. The sound is good although I had to select them out from a bunch of songs to fit the theme, which was Love in different forms.

Who are some of the people you have worked with and why?

I had the privilege of working with Salaton Unspoken. This is the producer of two singles in the EP; Situationships and Running 2 You. I have also featured the likes of ChanChan, Producers Jegede, Kavirus and Bossman from Uganda.

Tell us about the seven-track EP

This EP delves into the complexities of modern love, particularly the prevalence of non-committal relationships. The opening title track, Situationships, reflects on this very concept, exploring how navigating the definition of love can lead one into casual, undefined connections. Kiss n Tell offers a playful and secretive glimpse into a budding romance where passion simmers just beneath the surface. However, the lighthearted mood takes a turn with 1 Nyt Stand, a song that explores the fleeting nature of one-night encounters and the lingering questions of the ‘what ifs’ that sometimes follow.

The emotional pendulum swings back towards devotion with On Me, a track where I laid bare my heart, detailing the lengths I would go to for true love. The confusion that often accompanies navigating romantic feelings surfaces in Talk to Me, highlighting the challenges of communication when emotions run high. This vulnerability might serve as a gentle nudge to express those feelings and bridge the gap between hearts. Next comes Tenda, a sultry and sensual exploration of physical attraction, a stark contrast to the emotional complexities explored in earlier tracks. The EP concludes with Running 2 You, a song that acknowledges the inherent pain that love can bring, yet ultimately affirms the unwavering desire to chase it despite the risks

Which musicians do you draw inspiration from?

I love the new Arbantone sound that was influenced by Gengetone. I admire every step we make in the Kenyan music industry.

How do you feel about international audiences?

Globally, I would want to experience music and its success in all forms and ways, majorly through collaborations and creating long-term relationships. Adding some English to every song I do broadens my audience. The rest is vibes and good music, 100 per cent.

What more can fans expect from you? 

Now that the EP is officially out, I am confident that my sound is more authentic; fans should expect bangers after bangers. I am not relenting on this journey - watch the space.

What are your long-term goals as a musician?

I will sing till I cannot sing anymore. I have no limits to where this career will take me. I do not see music as work but as a lifestyle. Everything else that comes along is just a token of my hard work.