Olusegun Titilope Rachael, also known as Tee Tee, is a prolific mimic and secular musician from Osun State with a bias for Afro-pop and R’n’b. The first daughter of her mother, she recounts how she came to prominence, the challenges she faced and her hopes for the future
Q: Take us back to how you gained prominence
I started with Fanafilit Integrated Concept. I worked with them as a member but later I was on my own and there was this thing they discovered – ‘Unleash your Talent’ (Season1). It’s about discovering talent. I competed and I won. Before that, I’d always loved music. I never wanted to take it as a profession but people around me convinced me to. That alone encouraged me and I moved forward to become a professional singer.
Since you were discovered, what have you been doing?
After I won, I studied about music: Going to the studio trying to create new songs, moving out with people on tour, travelling with people, going for shows, mixing with entertainers, and other things like that.
Can you tell us about something tangible you have done musically?
Right now, I released a single, ‘Ebelibe’, which means wonderful. It’s a love song. It’s been out there and being played on air. I shot my video recently and it’s on air right nw. I’m currently working on an album.
Under what label are you operating at the moment?
I’m signed to a great music entertainment outfit but Fanafilit is just like a backbone promoting me.
What have been the challenges so far?
Everybody has something to say. If I should start talking about challenges, it would sound just like a story. I just believe every challenge is a stepping stone, so I don’t let those things get to me.
Which particular one do you want to tell us?
Before winning the contest? Before getting a label to sign you? Financial capability? Before people believe in you or to find someone to help you? People take advantage of female artistes but I thank God, it’s all over.
As a beautiful young lady, do you think you would be able to navigate to the top without getting bruised?
I believe in myself. It can’t happen.
The entertainment industry is full of surprises. As a music act, if you were paid N10 million to be on stage nude, would you do that?
I wouldn’t do that because one thing I’m protecting is my image. The male fans there love to see the sexy thing but deep inside, nobody would love to see that. I won’t take that.
You’ve been around for some time now, you must have heard of celebs doing weird thing. What word or advice would you want to give?
I’m an upcoming actress and I wouldn’t like to criticise anyone because we come from different places so what I’ll say is just try to be good. If you are going too far, try to look back and remember where you come from. If you’ve fucked up, that doesn’t mean you are condemned.
Have you done any live performance on big stages. Do you want to share your experience?
Yes. I did that with a crew. I performed at Ali Baba’s show too on Jan. 1st at Eko Hotel. I was nervous on stage when I saw the people there, people like Yemi Alade, 2face, e.t.c. but it was fun.
Can you tell us about your educational background?
I’m a student of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) and UNILAG – studying English in NOUN and linguistics in UNILAG. I’m doing the two together.
How was your upbringing?
I was raised by a single mother. It was fun. She wasn’t too strict but very observant due to the harsh environment. It was a sweet experience growing up.
What is it you want to share with us that are most secret about you?
One thing about me is that figuratively, I’m like a chameleon. I’ve heard stuff like that I sound like a lot of people. I can switch into different styles, so that’s one thing people should know about me. They should always be expectant. They should expect different things from me.