Teezee: Alté Pioneer

Based in Lagos, Teezee has been something of lightning rod for youth culture in Nigeria over the past decade. As a founding member of the pioneering alté group, DRB, Teezee has been at the heart of a rising movement in the city. And with the group releasing their much-anticipated debut album in 2020 he shows no sign of letting up. When he’s not behind the mic Teezee is running NATIVE magazine, the influential Lagos-based youth culture and lifestyle publication which he co-founded. At the intersection of both worlds is NATIVELAND, an annual music festival in Lagos.

Here Teeze tells us why Lagos is so exciting

Describe Lagos in three words?
Dramatic, multicultural, hustle.

If you were to show the ‘best of Lagos’ to someone who has never been, what would the day look like?
I would take them to the market. I would definitely make them try the local cuisine and for sure take them to the beach in Tarkwa Bay. My favourite place!

All eyes are on Lagos contemporary cultural scene. What fuels Lagos’ creative energy?
The fact that it has such differences in society. It’s the largest black city in the world and a cultural melting pot of everything. Everyday life in Lagos is a personal experience. It’s the craziest city in the world.

Where and to whom do you look for inspiration?
I study the work of artists, musicians, business men and women. I'm inspired by geniuses who made a way by doing something different and created a legacy such as Basqiaut, Fela Kuti, Steve Jobs, Diddy ,Pharrell, Wole Soyinka and Don Jazzy.

What can the world learn from Nigeria?
The importance of your family.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Believe in yourself and the rest will fall in place.